December – January
Hot days? It must be Birak – the season of fire and the young. Once marked by the burning of scrub to invite tender new growth, this time of year still holds that sense of renewal. Today, it shimmers with sandy coastal escapes, sunlit wanderings, and salt-kissed encounters with the ocean.
Imagine warm days wrapped in soulful afternoon sea breezes. Driftwood resting like forgotten stories along quiet sandbars. Tidal pools glistening with tiny worlds of their own. Long, golden hours stretching across the day, calling you toward a road trip, a lazy detour, a family adventure.
All around, new life stirs. From joeys finding their feet to chicks taking flight for the first time, Birak becomes a season of gentle beginnings. And when night falls, lean back beneath an endless canopy of stars. The crickets’ chorus rises softly in the dark… listen closely… paradise is whispering.
Read on to discover the top tips for wandering through Birak in Australia’s South West.
Spotlight On… The Coast
Bunbury Geographe
Peppermint Grove Beach is one of the South West’s true hidden gems. Its calm, turquoise waters invite long family beach days… think soft sandy strolls, sandcastle marathons, and hours of sun-soaked beach cricket. Perfectly positioned about halfway between Bunbury (Goomburrup) and Busselton (Undalup), it’s an ideal base for exploring the region. While you’re there, wander inland to discover one of Capel’s welcoming wineries.
For a more immersive aquatic experience this Birak, head to the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Explore the aquariums, meet the friendly dolphins that often glide right up to the shore, or join a swim tour for an unforgettable encounter along the sparkling coastline.
Margaret River Region
Take yourself on a beach crawl this Birak season through the iconic Margaret River Region. Meelup Regional Park is home to a string of jaw-dropping coastal gems – Castle Rock Bay, Meelup Beach, Point Picquet, Gannet Rock, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay – each offering crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for a morning dip. Crowds gather quickly in summer, so an early start is your best bet, leaving the rest of the day to wander through the region’s wineries and soak up its many unforgettable experiences.
Southern Forests & Valleys
Another South West gem, Windy Harbour, rests within the rugged beauty of D’Entrecasteaux National Park. During Birak, its sheltered waters offer calm conditions perfect for fishing, swimming, or kayaking, and it’s one of the few places in the region (along with nearby Salmon Beach) accessible by 2WD. Stay for sunset as the sky blazes with colour, and remember to tread lightly in this tiny township, caring for the land that makes Windy Harbour so special.
Great Southern
Wander with the wild this Birak in the Great Southern and discover some of the region’s most spectacular coastal lookouts. Take in the sweeping vistas from Conspicuous Cliffs Lookout, located just east of Walpole within D’Entrecasteaux National Park. Continue on to Lion’s Lookout in Denmark (Koorabup), perched above the coastline near Ocean Beach and offering dramatic views over Wilson Inlet and the Southern Ocean. Or follow the gentle Stony Hill Track in Torndirrup National Park near Albany (Kinjarling), where a short, scenic walk rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of the rugged granite coastline below.
ACTIVITIES
Nature & Wildlife
For a truly magical wildlife moment this Birak, the shimmering shallows of Hamelin Bay are calling. Head to the boat ramp early in the morning to watch stingrays glide along the shoreline, their dark shapes drifting gracefully through the turquoise water. These encounters are best enjoyed from the sand. Remember to respect their space, follow all signage, and never feed or touch these wild creatures.
Adventure
If you’re in Albany this Birak, a journey with Albany Tours is simply unmissable. Their thoughtfully crafted day trips whisk you through the Great Southern in complete comfort, where you’ll be chauffeured like royalty and immersed in local stories, sweeping landscapes, and delicious food and drink. And if you want to extend your travels for Albany 2026 – visit in March (Bunuru) for Lighting the Sound and join Albany Tours’ exclusive Lighting the Sound Twilight Experience. An Australian first, it promises a magical, luminous evening you’ll remember long after the lights fade.
Wine, Food & Produce
With the coast gleaming, Birak is the perfect time to indulge in fresh coastal seafood – abalone, akoya, blue swimmer crabs, rock lobster and squid are all in season. Warm days also bring an abundance of berries and the first sweet stone fruits. Pair it all with coastal views at Wise Wine or Eagle Bay Brewing Co, or elevate your experience with a Scenic Helicopters lunch drop over the sparkling shoreline.
Wellness
If you’re spending Birak in the Margaret River Region, consider a unique surfing lesson with Margaret River Surfing Academy, where wellbeing is woven into every wave. Owner Simon, who holds a Master’s in Mental Health, blends mindful practices with surf skills to create an experience that nurtures both body and mind. Beyond physical fitness, surfing here becomes a powerful way to build confidence, resilience, and mental wellbeing.
EVENTS
Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival
Southern Forests & Valleys
Celebrate the cherry harvest and the vibrant horticultural spirit of Manjimup this Birak, with festivities taking place on 13th December. Enjoy a delicious mix of cooking demos, wine tastings, farm tours and degustation dinners showcasing the region’s fresh produce. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Cherry Festival without cherries – pick up a box of locally grown gems from Cherry Central or visit the nearby orchards to soak in the season.
Bunbury Fringe
Bunbury Geographe
Returning for its tenth year, Bunbury Fringe is a much-loved Birak celebration in the Bunbury Geographe region – an energetic blend of independent arts, bold performances and community spirit. Showcasing everything from live music and contemporary art to circus, comedy, theatre and dance, the festival runs January 23–31 and transforms the city into a hub of creativity and colour.
For more events during Birak visit our Events page.
ACCOMODATION
Hidden Cabins
Bunbury Geographe
For a quiet, magical Birak escape, Hidden Cabins offers off-grid tiny stays in the South West – found exclusively in the lush, rolling Ferguson Valley. These solar-powered cabins blend cosy comfort with untouched nature, their exact location revealed only days before you arrive. It’s a gently hidden retreat made for slowing down, switching off, and sinking into the serenity of summer.
Indica Hemp House
Margaret River Region
Left the group getaway to the last minute? There’s still hope! Indica Hemp House has released limited availability for Birak. This eco-luxury retreat, thoughtfully crafted from natural materials, sleeps up to eight and offers a serene bushland escape perfect for slow mornings, warm evenings, and summer wandering in the South West.
Pumphill Farm Cottages
Southern Forests & Valleys
Make the most of Birak at Pump Hill Farm Cottages, a family-friendly farmstay perched above Pemberton’s rolling hills. The rustic cottages open onto sunny valley views and warm summer breezes, with plenty to keep little adventurers smiling. Think morning animal feeding, tractor rides, and exploring the nearby forest trails. Long, bright days and star-filled nights make it a wholesome summer escape the whole family will love.
Albany Motel & Apartments
Great Southern
Looking for a welcoming, easy base as you explore Birak in and around Albany? Albany Motel & Apartments’ offers comfortable, family-friendly accommodations right in town – ideal for wandering coastal lookouts, historic sites and scenic drives nearby. After days full of beach breezes, wildlife watching or relaxed winery visits, it’s the perfect place to return, recharge, and get ready for more adventure.
