Why winter is the perfect time to visit the South West

If you ever needed another reason to escape to the South West, let winter serve as the perfect excuse. The last hints of warmth in autumn lead into long winter nights filled with the region’s best food, drinks, and breathtaking landscapes. Cosy nights by the fire and unforgettable memories with family and friends provide the perfect backdrop for a diverse winter in Western Australia.

Winter in Western Australia

Bridgetown: Winter Festival and Scenic River Walks

What better place to spend your winter in Western Australia than the place that calls itself the “winter capital of Western Australia”?

With its cool, misty mornings and rolling green hills,​ Bridgetown comes alive in winter with its renowned Winter Festival, known as the Fridgetown Fest. This event is a celebration of community spirit, featuring markets, live music, and intimate gatherings. We’ll talk more about Fridgetown as you scroll through this blog! For a tranquil experience, take a scenic walk along the Blackwood River, where the winter landscape is particularly enchanting. The riverbanks, adorned with native flora, offer serene spots for picnics and photography.

Yallingup: Caves and Coastal Walks

Yallingup’s natural beauty shines in winter. Explore the stunning Ngilgi Cave, known for its mesmerising crystal formations and rich Aboriginal heritage. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the cave’s history and geology. Afterwards, head to Yallingup Beach for a brisk walk, taking in the rugged coastline and the powerful winter waves. The Yallingup Coastal Walk extends to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, offering breathtaking ocean views and opportunities to spot migrating whales.

Did you Know?  Yallingup means “Place of Love” in the local Noongar language.​

Bunker Bay

Bunker Bay is a prime location for winter whale watching. It is part of the larger Cape Naturaliste area, named after a French naval officer and known for its rich maritime history. Witness the majestic humpback and southern right whales as they migrate along the coast. Join a whale-watching tour for an unforgettable close-up experience.

Busselton: Iconic Jetty and Marine Wonders

No visit to Busselton is complete without a trip to the iconic Busselton Jetty. This historic structure is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and features an underwater observatory. Descend beneath the waves to view colourful marine life and coral formations. Winter is also an excellent time for whale-watching tours from Busselton, where you can spot these magnificent creatures breaching and playing in the bay.

Did you Know? The Busselton Jetty extends 1.841 kilometres into Geographe Bay, making it the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dunsborough: Lighthouses and Scenic Beaches

Explore the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Learn about the region’s maritime history and enjoy the surrounding walking trails. Meelup Beach is perfect for a peaceful winter walk and a chance to spot dolphins playing in the bay. Dunsborough also offers numerous cosy cafes to warm up after your adventures, serving delicious hot beverages and homemade treats.

Did you Know?  Dunsborough is considered one of the oldest continually occupied habitats in the world, with a history dating back approximately 40,000 years.

Eagle Bay: Craft Breweries and Tranquil Beaches

Eagle Bay is home to the Eagle Bay Brewing Co., where you can enjoy craft beers and delicious meals while enjoying the serene surroundings. The brewery offers tastings and tours, providing insights into their brewing process. The tranquil beaches of Eagle Bay are ideal for a quiet stroll, offering stunning coastal views and opportunities for beachcombing and wildlife spotting.

Did you Know? Eagle Bay was once a whaling station in the 19th century, and remnants of this history can still be found along the coastline​.

Gracetown: Surfing and Scenic Drives

Gracetown is a surfer’s paradise, with Surfer’s Point offering impressive winter swells. For those less inclined to surf, a drive along Caves Road provides scenic views and access to local wineries, making it a delightful winter outing. The nearby Gracetown Caravan Park offers rustic accommodation options and easy access to the area’s natural attractions.

Did you Know? Gracetown is named after Grace Bussell, a local heroine who rescued shipwreck survivors in the 19th century.

Margaret River: Wine, Caves, and Markets

Margaret River is synonymous with world-class wine. Embark on a wine tour to visit top wineries like Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate. Each winery offers unique tasting experiences and stunning vineyard views. For a different kind of adventure, explore the underground wonders of Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave. 

These limestone caves feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites, with guided tours available year-round. Don’t miss the Margaret River Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce and artisanal goods, providing a taste of the region’s vibrant food culture.

Did you Know? Margaret River produces over 20% of Australia’s premium wines, making it one of the country’s most important wine regions.

Pemberton: Forest Adventures and Scenic Rides

Climb the Gloucester Tree in Pemberton for an exhilarating experience and spectacular forest views. This towering tree, once a fire lookout, now offers adventurous visitors the chance to scale its heights. Take a scenic tram ride on the Pemberton Tramway through majestic forests and historic timber bridges for more laid-back activity. The tramway journey offers opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the karri forests.

Did you Know? The Gloucester Tree is one of the tallest fire-lookout trees in the world, standing at 58 meters high​.

Peppermint Grove Beach: Peaceful Walks and Fishing

Peppermint Grove Beach offers serene surroundings perfect for a winter walk. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, providing a relaxing way to spend a winter afternoon. Cast a line from the shore and enjoy the calm, picturesque setting. Nearby, the Capel Vale Winery offers tastings and cellar door sales, perfect for warming up after your beachside adventure.

Did you Know?  The peppermint trees that give the beach its name are native to Western Australia and provide a unique scent to the area.

Prevelly: Surfing and Sunset Views

Prevelly’s Surfer’s Point is another excellent spot for surfing enthusiasts. Gnarabup Beach offers stunning sunset views if you prefer to stay dry, making it a perfect end to your day. The White Elephant Café at Gnarabup Beach serves delicious meals and beverages, allowing you to relax and enjoy the view comfortably.

Did you Know? Prevelly is named after the Monastery of Preveli in Crete, honouring the Greek monks who assisted Australian soldiers during World War II

Siesta Beach Front: Coastal Relaxation

Siesta Beach Front is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. Enjoy long walks along the beach and take in the beautiful coastal scenery. Local cafes and eateries provide warm, comforting meals after your stroll. The calm waters and expansive beach make it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.

Did you Know? Siesta Beach Front is known for its bioluminescent algae, which can light up the shorelines at night during certain times of the year​.

Toodyay: Markets and Museums

Visit the Toodyay Farmers Market for local produce and handmade goods. Browse stalls offering everything from fresh vegetables to artisanal crafts. The Toodyay Railway Station Museum offers insights into the area’s history, making for an educational and enjoyable visit. The museum’s exhibits cover the region’s railway heritage and its impact on local development.

Did you Know? Toodyay is home to the oldest working railway station in Western Australia, dating back to 1887​

Wilyabrup Wine Region: Tastings and Gourmet Delights

The Wilyabrup Wine Region is home to renowned wineries such as Cullen Wines and Moss Wood Winery. Indulge in wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences. Many wineries offer vineyards and production facilities tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking. For a sweet treat, visit the Margaret River Chocolate Company, where you can sample a variety of delicious chocolates and confections.

Fun Fact: The Wilyabrup Wine Region is particularly noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with some of the oldest vines in the region dating back to the 1960s.

Must-Visit Events in Winter in Western Australia

Fridgetown Fest!

Dates: 01 June 2024 – 31 August 2024

Location: Bridgetown

Fridgetown Fest is a vibrant winter festival held in Bridgetown, known as the Winter Capital of Western Australia. The festival offers 12 weekends of diverse activities and entertainment for the whole family from June through August. 

Nannup Flower and Garden Festival

Dates: 9 – 17 August 2024

Location: Nannup

Nannup bursts into bloom during this festival, featuring open gardens, floral exhibitions, and open studios of local artists. It’s a vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty in the South West.

Balingup Medieval Carnivale

Dates: 24 – 25 August 2024

Location: Balingup

The Balingup Medieval Carnivale offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in medieval history with a weekend packed with performances, parades, and market stalls. This family-friendly event attracts visitors from far and wide. Event highlights include a grand parade, the main stage with live events, a combat arena with reenactments of medieval battle, and enjoy it with gourmet food, camel rides, interactive animal displays and even archery tag games!

Food & Drink Festivals

Truffle Kerfuffle

Dates: 28 – 30 June 2024

Location: Manjimup

Dive into the world of truffles at the Truffle Kerfuffle in Manjimup, known as Australia’s black truffle heartland. Participate in truffle hunts, enjoy gourmet dinners by renowned chefs, and attend wine masterclasses. The festival village at Fonty’s Pool features cooking demos, live entertainment, and a chance to mingle with truffle enthusiasts.

Cabin Fever

Dates: 12 – 21 July 2024

Location: Margaret River region

Cabin Fever brings the Margaret River region to life with over 40 events. Highlights include the Cheese Toastie Battle, the Cuban fiesta at Rustico Rum-Ba, and a bonfire event at Beerfarm. There are also artistic experiences like Clay and Chardonnay in Busselton.

Arts Festivals

CinefestOZ Film Festival

Dates: 31 August – 8 September 2024

Location: Busselton and Margaret River

CinefestOZ showcases Australian cinema with screenings, industry veteran appearances, and culinary delights from the South West. It’s also home to Australia’s largest film prize, with finalists competing for a $100,000 award.

Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival

The Margaret River region celebrates storytelling every May at the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival. This event brings together talented novelists, journalists, creative thinkers, and storytellers from WA, interstate, and overseas, pushing the boundaries of your imagination.

Emergence Creative Festival

In June, the Emergence Creative Festival returns to Margaret River for an immersive anti-conference, merging the best in culture and creative thinking. This festival is a must-attend for anyone interested in the arts and innovation.

Sports Events

SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon

If you’re looking for something action-packed, the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon has been welcomed by the community since 2002. It is an event that is much loved by the triathlon community. It has a long-standing history, having previous iterations of the Long Course race at Rottnest Island, Collie, and Margaret River.

Margaret River Ultra Marathon

Further down the coast, cheer on participants in the Margaret River Ultra Marathon, a thrilling event for both runners and fans.  The event provides an incredible journey through the forests, trails, beaches and bluffs on the beautiful Cape to Cape coastline in South West WA.

Margaret River Pro

Watch the world’s best surfers battle it out on the waves at the iconic Margaret River Pro. This event is a highlight for surf enthusiasts and offers a spectacular view of the skills and prowess of top surfers.

Where to Stay for Your Winter Vacation in Western Australia

Whatever events take your fancy, you can be sure to find a place to rest your head after a long day with Exclusive Escapes. We have an extensive portfolio of luxury and family holiday homes throughout the South West region for you to book this winter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter in Western Australia:

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