Southern Western Australia Holidays

This is a region of Western Australia that starts at the border with South Australia, following the Great Australian Bight westwards where it includes the south west coastline and finishes at the Indian Ocean in the west. This diverse area is full of surprises, ranging from desert landscapes to Mediterranean beach fronts.

The Eyre Highway cuts across long stretches of monotonous, semi-desert countryside as it follows the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain. The route ends in the attractive tall timber forests n the south west corner of the state.

Before the days of sealed roads, the Eyre Highway was considered to be a drivers worst nightmare. The road may now be sealed, but the basics of safe driving are still a priority in this part of the world.

Carrying emergency spares, good tyres, a plentiful supply of water, knowing how far to the next petrol and having a sound roadworthy vehicle are all essential for this journey.

Southern Western Australia Holidays - Places of Interest

Eucla to Norseman is the stretch of Eyre Highway that runs parallel to the Great Australian Bight. Eucla is a roadhouse stop where visitors can see the the nearby sand dunes and the old telegraph station ruins. Experienced cavers can investigate the Koonalda Cave.

The site of the world's deepest cave dive is at Cocklebiddy, another of the highway stops, which boasts the Cocklebiddy Cave. More highway stops are the roadhouses at Mundrabilla, Madura, Caiguna and Belladonia before the the highway reaches Norseman.

Norseman is the crossroads town where the Esperance Highway leads south to the coast, the Eyre Highway runs to the east and the Coolgardie Highway leads to the goldfields in the north. The town has a gold mining history and a guided gold mining tour is available.

Esperance has developed into a popular resort town because of its coastal scenery, white beaches and clear waters together with a great climate. The town offers excellent fishing and diving. There is a town museum and tours are possible to the islands offshore from Esperance. Adventure tours are also available for 4WD safaris, fishing trips and tours of the nearby national parks.

Albany has a history of whaling and is situated on the excellent natural harbour of King George Sound. It is the major town of the south coast area and some of Australia's most rugged coastal scenery occurs in the Albany region. Several fine examples of colonial buildings can be seen in the town. The restored Princess Royal Fortress dates back to the days of empire.

Good lookout points are Mt Clarence and Mt Melville. Several whale watching tour operators are based here for the July to September season. There are some excellent views from the nearby Porongurup National Park which also has large karri hardwood trees and granite outcrops.

Inland from Albany is the Stirling Range National Park with its changing colours at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding countryside is a popular spot for spring wildflower displays. On the Perth -Albany Highway, Mt Barker is the focal point for local wineries and cellar door visits.

Pay a visit to the coastal township of Denmark to see the 3000 year old Aboriginal fish traps at Wilson Inlet. There are some popular beaches and the town is a good entry point to the tall timber forests of the nearby Walpole-Nornalup region.

Manjimup is the major town of the south west corner of the state and is a wood-chipping town. Adventurous visitors with a head for heights can attempt the Gloucester Tree lookout at nearby Pemberton, a town dwarfed by the surrounding karri timber forests. The Pemberton Tramway is a popular attraction.

The nearby town of Bridgetown sits among karri forests and is the access point to the flora reserve at Boyup Brook, the Norlup Pool rock formations and the vintage engines at the Wilga mill.

Margaret River is one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations with excellent surf beaches, great coastal scenery and the production of world class wines. Try the old coast road when travelling south to Augusta or north to Busselton to appreciate the excellent coastline around Margaret River.

Caving adventures are available in limestone caves in the region with the best known being Jewel. Augusta is another popular coastal holiday town adjacent to Cape Leeuwin with a rugged coastline and a lighthouse with views of the surrounding area.

Busselton is another popular holiday town, well known for viewing the southern right and humpback whales that visit the area, the 2km long wooden jetty and the National Trust listed Wonnerup House. The town is a jumping off point for the many fine beaches in the Cape Naturaliste area.

Bunbury is an industrial port town and holiday centre all rolled into one. Bunbury has its own visiting dolphins that are a lot easier to reach than the more publicised Monkey Mia far to the north. The Big Swamp Wildlife Park has local wildlife on display. Nearby Donnybrook is an apple growing town and Harvey is the centre of the fruit bowl north of Bunbury.

Western Australian Holidays & Travel
Margaret River information
Perth Hotels Guide



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Southern Western Australia Holidays

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