August – September
In the South West, the season of Djilba marks a gentle unraveling. A time of transition, of shifting skies and stirring life. It is the cusp between winter’s stillness and spring’s awakening, where cold, clear nights give way to warm, wandering winds, and the land begins to breathe differently.
Djilba is known as the Season of Conception, a time when new life begins its quiet emergence. Acacias ignite the landscape in brilliant bursts of yellow, while the towering stalks of Balgas (Grass Trees) push boldly toward the sky. Beneath your boots, the tracks and trails come alive with early wildflowers, painting the bush with colour and beckoning walkers to wander deeper.
Out beyond the headlands and sea cliffs, the migration of giants unfolds. Humpbacks and Southern Rights journey along our coast, their songs carried on the breeze. Djilba is a season of contrasts – wet days followed by sunlit breaks, skies that shift from grey to clear, and a coastline quietly coming to life.
This is the time to slow down and tune in – to walk, to watch, and wonder.
Spotlight On… Whales
Types of Whales
Australia’s South West is home to one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world. Humpback whales are the most commonly seen, and are known for their acrobatic breaches and playful behaviour. Southern Right whales often glide close to shore, making them easier to spot from lookouts and beaches, especially in sheltered bays where they come to calve. On rarer occasions, Pygmy Blue whales can also be seen cruising through deeper waters, particularly around Geographe Bay. Together, these giants make the South West coast one of the best places in the country to witness the magic of the whale migration.
Locations
During Djilba, the best whale-watching opportunities along the South West coast can vary. Augusta is ideal in August, especially from the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse lookout, where Southern Right and Humpback whales are frequently seen. By September, the action moves to Busselton and Dunsborough, with Point Piquet and Cape Naturaliste Lookout offering some of the best land-based views over Geographe Bay. Along the Margaret River coastline, scenic spots like Contos Cliffs and the Cape to Cape Track near Redgate, provide stunning vantage points as whales cruise northwards.
Timing
Whale watching during this time of year in Australia’s South West hits a seasonal sweet spot. It’s when humpback and southern right whales begin their southward migration, travelling with their calves from the warm birthing grounds up north to the nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean. The season typically runs from May to early December, but Djilba is when you’re most likely to see mothers and calves resting and playing in sheltered bays like Geographe Bay. It’s a time of movement and renewal, perfectly in tune with the spirit of this season, when new life stirs and nature begins to awaken from winter.
Tour Groups
If watching whales from the shore isn’t enough, why not get closer to these graceful giants aboard a whale-watching tour? Several trusted operators like Whale Watch Western Australia, Naturaliste Charters, and All Sea Charters offer unforgettable boat experiences along the South West coast. Glide across the calm waters, spot breaching humpbacks and southern right whales, and learn about their migration from expert guides. It’s an immersive way to connect with nature and witness the awe-inspiring spectacle up close.
ACTIVITIES
Nature & Wildlife
Djilba marks a stirring of colour across the South West, as wildflowers begin to bloom and golden canola brightens the landscape. Along trails and forest edges, delicate orchids, wattles, and native blooms start to appear, hinting at the vibrant season ahead. Top spots to take it all in include Stirling Range Drive, Porongurup and Wellington National Parks, Crooked Brook Forest near Dardanup, and scenic drives through Boyup Brook, Kojonup, and the Great Southern Treasures region. Remember, wildflowers are protected and canola fields are working farms, so enjoy their beauty respectfully. Do not pick them or enter the fields.
Adventure
As the days grow drier and trails begin to firm underfoot, Djilba is an ideal time to hit the tracks on two wheels. Mountain biking comes into its own thanks to cool mornings and crisp, clear skies. Head to Collie, where Adventure Connections offers bike hire, shuttles, and guided trail experiences through the spectacular jarrah forest. Further south, Nannup continues to grow as a mountain biking hub, with scenic forest trails weaving through quiet countryside and wildflower-lined tracks. Whether you’re chasing downhill thrills or a peaceful pedal through nature, Djilba sets the perfect pace for adventure.
Wine, Food & Produce
In Djilba, the region’s orchards and vineyards begin to stir with promise. Apples and oranges are in their prime — crisp, sweet, and perfect for farmgate finds or market baskets. Vines are budding, citrus trees are heavy with fruit, and producers are preparing for the abundance to come. It’s a season of quiet richness, with warming flavours, earthy produce, and cool-climate wines. Explore the bounty at Manjimup and Donnybrook orchards, roadside stalls in Harvey, cellar doors across the Margaret River and Geographe wine regions, or the farmers markets in Albany and Bunbury.
Wellness
Djilba invites a slower pace — a chance to breathe deeply, walk gently, and reconnect with the land. With the bush awakening in colour and scent, it’s the perfect time to explore the region’s many trails on foot. From short forest wanders to multi-day hikes along the Cape to Cape Track, guided experiences like Cape2Camp, Cape to Cape Explorers, South West Eco Discoveries, and Off The Beaten Track WA offer opportunities to walk with purpose, learn from the landscape, and find clarity in the rhythm of the trail. Crisp mornings, wildflower-lined paths, and ocean views combine to make hiking in Djilba both grounding and deeply restorative.
EVENTS
Balingup Medieval Carnivale
Bunbury Geographe
As Djilba stirs the landscape to life, Balingup bursts into colour and celebration for its iconic Medieval Carnivale. Wander through a vibrant village of over 100 market stalls, enjoy live music, costumed parades, combat displays and storytelling, and embrace the magic of the past. With fire performances and the dramatic burning of the dragon on Saturday night, this much-loved festival is a joyful expression of community, creativity, and seasonal change.
Margaret River Region Open Studios
Margaret River Region
Margaret River region bursts with creative energy, just like the bush during Djilba. Over 150 artists open their doors across studios set in forests, farms, and coastal pockets, offering a rare glimpse into their creative worlds. From paintings and pottery to glasswork and textiles, the event invites you to explore diverse art forms at your own pace. Meet the makers, watch demonstrations, and experience the vibrant connection between the region’s natural beauty and its thriving arts community during this unique seasonal celebration.
For more events during Djilba visit our Events page.
ACCOMODATION
Evedon Lakeside Retreat
Bunbury Geographe
Nestled in the heart of the Ferguson Valley, Evedon Lakeside Retreat offers a tranquil escape surrounded by jarrah forest and still waters, an ideal setting to soak in the quiet beauty of Djilba. As the landscape begins to bloom and the air warms, spend your days wandering bush trails, paddling on the lake, or enjoying slow mornings by the fire. With self-contained cabins, lakeside apartments, and an on-site café, Evedon is a place to simply sit back and relax.
Yallingup Caves Caravan Park
Margaret River Region
Tucked beneath towering trees and footsteps from Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup Caves Caravan Park makes an ideal base for a Djilba escape. Clear days call for whale watching along the nearby coast, while rainy moments invite quiet exploration underground. With a mix of cabins, campsites, and easy access to bushwalks, beaches, and local cafés, it’s the perfect place to connect with nature and watch the season shift.
Ampersand Estates
Southern Forests and Valleys
Set within the lush karri forests of Pemberton, Ampersand Estates is an elegant base to experience the quiet beauty of Djilba. As the season softens from cold to warm, the estate offers a front-row seat to nature’s transition – with wildflowers blooming, river mists lifting, and the forest coming alive. Stay in one of three luxurious residences, enjoy a tasting at the cellar door, and simply embrace the slower pace of life.
Sanctuary Train
Great Southern
For a truly unique Djilba escape, settle into the cosy charm of Sanctuary Train – a beautifully restored train carriage nestled in peaceful surrounds near Denmark. As Djilba brings crisp mornings and sun-drenched afternoons, this character-filled stay offers the perfect base to explore the region’s wildflower trails and whale-watching lookouts. Thoughtfully styled and surrounded by nature, it’s perfect for a little ‘me’ time.
