South West

Understand

Geography The region covers about 24,000 square kilometres. It comprises the area south of the Perth and Wheatbelt regions and southwest of the Goldfields–Esperance. It includes the Peel and Great Southern areas. To the west the region is bordered by the Indian Ocean and to the south by the Southern Ocean. This beautiful corner of the continent boasts a rugged coastline, caves, wineries, and very good surfing.

Climate Temperatures are influenced by the proximity to the Southern Ocean, and the distance from the coast. Significant regional variations are possible, and it is quite possible at certain times of year to be swimming at Bunbury at lunchtime, and sitting by an open fire in Albany in the evening. Check local guides.

Getting there

The main gateway to the region is the state capital of Perth. From here, just about everywhere within the region is within a day's drive. The only scheduled air services within the region are between Perth and Albany. TransWA have coach services from Perth to all the major regional centres. Bunbury is connected to Perth with a train every morning and evening, with coach connections further south. South West Coaches run as far south as Augusta, connecting to Bunbury.

Getting around

Unless you are doing a long distance hike, or just hanging out on a beach somewhere, a car or an arranged tour is required to see all the highlights of the region. Bicycle touring, especially around the Margaret River region, is popular, but as always requires some preparation and route planning - the roads in the area often have no shoulder and have fast traffic. A map can give you little indication of driving times, and even GPS and online mapping services can grossly misrepresent these times. Seek local advice.

See

Itineraries A common loop around the Southwest is to start from Perth, and take the Albany Highway through Mount Barker to Albany, this is a reasonable half-day drive. You can then return via the coast, seeing the trees and wineries in Pemberton, before travelling back via Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, and back up through Mandurah to Perth. If doing this loop, it is unusual to allow more than a day for the trip to Albany, as the road is featureless and the towns are small. Allow much more time in Albany, and for the return trip. The roads are slower, and there are many stopping opportunities, beaches, sights and diversions of the roads for parks and walks.

Serpentine National Park Serpentine Falls has well kept picnic grounds set in natural surroundings. The falls are about 400 m from the picnic grounds but there is a falls car park closer, The falls descend into a deep, clear pool of water which is perfect for swimming. Concrete has been used to make steps that ascend into the water making it easier for those with disabilities. During the weekends, public and school holidays, the falls are usually crowded. Visiting outside of these periods would be a more enjoyable visit. Just outside the town of Serpentine which about 35 minutes drive East of Mandurah. The Serpentine Falls National Park is open daily from 8:30AM to 5PM daily with an entry fee of $9 per car.

Do

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting Caving Cycling Diving Hiking Mountain biking Nature walks Rock climbing and abseiling Scenic drives Surfing Swimming Whale watching Winery tours and wine tastings

Eat

Marron - a local crayfish with a sweet lobster taste, that makes good eating. Cheese and dairy