10 reasons why WA’s South West is a nature lover’s paradise

Couple hiking along the Cape to Cape walk trail, near the Wilyabrup Cliffs

Margaret River and WA’s South West was recently named Lonely Planet’s top Asia-Pacific destination not just for its gourmet food and wine, but due it its abundance of natural wonders and experiences.

Here are 10 must-dos for any of your nature-loving clients visiting WA’s South West:

1. Admire the world’s best surfers at the Margaret River Pro

A stop on surfing’s World Championship Tour, Margaret River and the surrounding coastline is home to some of Australia’s best surf, with thousands flocking every year to the area for the Margaret River Pro.

A surfer competing at the Margaret River Pro

2. Explore the coastline

With over 1,000 kilometres of coastline to explore, from calm swimming beaches to amazing rocky outcrops, rugged cliffs and wild ocean, this area never ceases to amaze. Explore on a self-guided tour or a walking tour.

Cape to Cape walk trail, near the Wilyabrup Cliffs

Adventurers enjoying the Cape to Cape walk trail (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Appreciate the biodiversity

Home to over 8,000 species of native wild flowers, the South West of Australia’s most western state is an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot that bursts to life every spring.

Red flowering gum (Eucalyptus Corymbia ficifolia)

A red flowering gum in WA’s South West (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Rest a while

Margarets Beach Resort near the coast and Margarets Forest Holiday Apartments closer to town are just some of the many holiday accommodation options from which intrepid and independent explorers base their journeys.

Margarets Beach Resort

5. Learn about the region’s rich Indigenous history

With history extending in the area back 50,000 years, the local Noongar people have a rich history and connection to the land, the local cave systems and the sea. In the Margaret River region, visitors learn more on a cultural tour with Koomal Dreaming and Cape Cultural tours.

Coastal foraging with Koomal Dreaming (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Make the most of the magnificent marine life

Home to one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world – from January to December – your clients can catch humpback, southern right, blue and killer whales. At Busselton Jetty, they can walk or train the 1.8 kilometres into the Indian Ocean, then delve beneath the surface at Busselton’s Underwater Observatory.

One of the many whales you can catch a glimpse of near Busselton (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

7. Take a tour through the magical limestone caves

Formed roughly one million years ago, the area plays host to over 100 limestone caves including Jewel, Lake, Mammoth and Ngilgi. Cave tours through these natural labyrinths cater to all levels of explorers.

Jewel Cave (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Be charmed by the vineyards and tall tree forests

With over 100 wineries in Margaret River alone, including Leeuwin Estate, which holds the largest native forest on private land in WA, your clients can kick back after a long day’s exploring with a glass of wine and admire the magnificent green country.

Leeuwin Estate (credit: Tourism Western Australia)

9. Observe the amazing wildlife

Travellers can get onboard a whale watching tour or simply walk the coast to catch kangaroos lounging about the green hills. The Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre is also well worth a visit, or your clients can try their luck catching a glimpse of eagles, manta rays or even killer whales that are all known to hang around Bremer Bay.

10. Get your hands dirty!

Visitors can get involved with some of the hard-working local producers by going apple picking with the family at one the regions many orchards, then enjoy the fruits of their labour at the Donnybrook Apple Fun Park – the country’s largest free-entry playground.

To learn more about the wonders of WA’s South West, click here.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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