The Best of Western Australia’s South West
Many Malaysians are familiar with Perth as a travel destination in Western Australia. But just under two hours from Perth lies a region that once discovered, is never forgotten, the South West.
The South West region is abundant in nature, ancient culture, good food, adventure, exceptional produce and simple joys. Laid-back and effortlessly beautiful, the region holds a full-bodied richness beneath the surface, wildly perfect, with many undiscovered gems perfect for Malaysians who are craving deeper connections, discoveries and transformation.
Bunbury-Geographe, Where Nature, Adventure, and Art Collide
The Bunbury-Geographe region is forging an identity for itself as a gateway to the South West with art to adventures on the doorstep, grabbing attention from outside the region.
At Koombana Bay, visitors can deep dive into the dolphin ecosystem at the Dolphin Discovery Centre with aquariums, four daily feeding sessions, octopus, rescue turtles, sharks, interactive displays, a 360 dolphinarium, Virtual Reality Sets, theatre, and a guided swim tour among the dolphins. The Bay is home to over 100 wild bottlenose dolphins who often visit the wild and free Dolphin Interaction Zone at the beach in the knee-to-waist deep water.
For visitors looking for high-energy adventure or quiet moments in nature, the Collie River Valley has it all. In recent years, this vibrant town has earned its reputation for being a world-class Adventure Trail town, drawing in nature seekers and outdoor lovers alike who wind their way through pristine forests as they hike or bike Collie’s bush tracks and trails, white-water raft through spectacular river valleys and navigate blue lakes by canoe or kayak.
Soar down mountain bike trails or follow hiking trails beneath towering timberlines of jarrah, marri and blackbutt forests towards Wellington National Park, while stopping to gaze over picturesque dams and lakes. Here, visitors can also tap into their inner art enthusiast and explore the pages of a real-life storybook on the Collie Mural Trail, an expansive outdoor art gallery featuring over 40 murals by more than 30 Australian artists. This contemporary collection of artwork inspired by old tales and faded photographs spreads through town, sharing the history and stories of the community.
Following the course of the Collie River to Lake Kepwari, visitors can also embrace the idyllic spot perfect for waterside picnics, camping, waterskiing, and fishing.
Explore Margaret River from Coastal Trails to Ancient Caves
Serving up a coastal culinary adventure, the world-class Margaret River Region is an unparalleled destination for gourmet experiences, unforgettable outdoor adventures, and rich historical charms in the South West.
Conquer soul and self on the epic Cape to Cape Track, a 135km coastal trail from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This spectacular trail unfolds with ever-changing views of colourful wildflowers, native flora, towering karri forests, dramatic clifftops, and hidden coves washed by the turquoise Indian Ocean. It’s a path that invites visitors to make the most out of their adventure. Whether it’s pausing for a swim in crystal-clear waters or finding stillness beneath the forest canopy, each step offers a chance for connection, reflection, and awe.
Explore the region’s ancient and indigenous history at Ngilgi Cave, one of the four magnificent limestone caves in the region open to visitors. Here, the Ancient Lands Experience awaits, revealing 600 million years of captivating stories tied to the land and its custodians, the Wadandi people. Visitors can also choose to embark on a captivating 2.5-hour journey into the heart of Ngilgi Cave through the Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tour. These experiences lead visitors along a universally accessible pathway, winding through scenic native bushland and revealing awe-inspiring cave formations intertwined with deep cultural significance.
Nature’s Wonders Abound in The Southern Forests and Valleys
Often regarded as the rice bowl of this region, the Southern Forests and Valleys are home to some of the most productive soils in Australia.
In the town of Pemberton, visitors can climb the famous Gloucester Tree, the world’s tallest fire lookout tree. Once used as a fire lookout, today the 61-metre high Gloucester Tree is also one of Pemberton’s best-loved tourism attractions.
Beyond trees, this rich agricultural region also offers a year-round abundance of fresh produce such as chestnuts, cherries and the black truffles, often sourced directly from local farms. At one time the growing of black truffle in South West was a curiosity, with the fungus more associated with Périgord in the south of France. But today, it is one of the largest black truffle produces in the southern hemisphere, inviting the annual pilgrimage of truffle lovers especially during the Truffle season from June to September to taste this world-class ingredient and experience truffle hunts.
The Great Southern, A Realm of Rugged Beauty and Grandeur
From the glittering backdrop of Greens Pool, just outside picturesque Denmark, to the towering tingles in the Valley of Giants, the exhilarating rush of water bursting up through The Gap in Torndirrup National Park to the languid shores of Middleton Beach in Albany, the Great Southern is full of pinch-me moments.
Catch a glimpse of majestic orcas and other wildlife in their most natural habitat in the waters of Bremer Canyon with a marine expedition with Naturaliste Charters or Whale Watch Western Australia. From January to April, the waters off Bremer Bay welcome the largest-known congregation of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. During this time, the 5000-metre-deep Bremer Canyon becomes a feeding ground for these killer whales, offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s most suspenseful and exhilarating spectacles.
Experience nature from an extraordinary vantage point on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Stroll through serene forest canopies on elevated walkways and marvel at the towering tingle trees found only in this corner of Western Australia, some of which have stood for over 400 years. Visitors can also explore the 450 metres long Ancient Empire Walk, taking them around and through some of the giant tingle trees.
From nature to adventure, the 23,000km wide South West region of Western Australia offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. Discover and book your next dreamlike holiday in the South West at westernaustralia.com.
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