December – January
Hot days? Must be the season of fire and the young. With it’s dry conditions, Birak was traditionally known as the time to burn the scrub in the South West, so as to encourage new shoots to grow. Today, we see it as a time of sandy coastal getaways and marine interactions.
Expect warm days with soulful afternoon sea breezes. Driftwood washed up along the sandbars of deserted beaches. Tidal pools glistening with wildlife. Long daylight hours, just calling for a roadtrip or family vacation.
Spot newborn wildlife scampering about, from joeys to whales. And in the night time, sit back and gaze underneath an endless canopy of stars. Listen carefully… the crickets chorus is paradise calling.
Read on to find out the top tips for navigating Birak season in the South West.
Spotlight On… The Coast
Bunbury Geographe
December and January are ideal times to stop by Koombana Bay and the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Swimming tours that allow you to get up close with the dolphins that live in the bay, run from November right through to April, and depart most days. Head inside, and you’ll discover recovering sea turtles, tropical fish, octopi, dolphins skeletons, interactive displays, and more as part of the aquarium. With a cafe, children’s playground, and calm beach beside it, summer afternoons here are a delight.
Southern Forests and Valleys
Although it’s largely known for it’s inland pools and towering trees, the Southern Forests and Valleys may surprise you with its hidden coastal gems during Birak. From the dramatic 100m high limestone cliffs at Tookalup Lookout in the D’Entrecasteaux National Park, through to the coastal inlets of Walpole, there’s always a spot to breathe in the serene sea air. Head on a tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours to see the Yeagarup Dunes and Beach, or gaze at the thunderous waves of the southern ocean from Conspicuous Cliffs. For a calmer display, join a WOW Wilderness Eco Cruise along the Nornalup inlet.
Margaret River Region
One of the most well-known icons in the South West, the Busselton Jetty, comes alive in the hot December and January months. Hear kids splashing off its decks into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, or the rustle of the red train as it departs multiple times a day to reach the end. Take a gentle stroll 1.8km out the man-made walkway to explore one of just six underwater observatories in the world. Or bring the snorkelling or diving gear with you and plunge into the cool waters, seeking out the 13 unique art sculptures that are sunk beneath. Finish your day with a beverage or dinner from Shelter Brewing, as you watch the sun dip beyond the horizon.
Great Southern
With hundreds of beaches to choose from, you’ll never be hard pressed to find squeaky white sand, mint-blue waters, and a spot to lay your towel in the Great Southern during Birak. Explore pristine lagoons in National Parks like Waterfall Beach and Little Beach in Two People’s Bay, or Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in William Bay near Denmark. Or head towards Torndirrup to uncover the beauty of Misery beach (no joke), which sits alongside the captivating Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Spend the day wandering the grounds, taking in the towering oil tanks, restored Cheynes IV Whaling ship, and the skeleton the last sperm whale ever harpooned in Albany.
ACTIVITIES
Nature & Wildlife
Want a magical coastal Birak experience without having to get too wet? The shallows of Hamelin Bay are calling.
Wander down to the boat ramp early in the morning to spot the cruising stingrays by the shoreline. Watch as they frolic about, all from the safety of the sand.
Please do remember – the stingrays are wild animals, please respect their space, follow the signage and don’t feed or touch them.
Adventure
So you’ve done snorkelling, jetskiing, scuba diving and more? Well, we’ve got a summer experience you probably haven’t heard of… coasteering.
Margaret River Adventure Company offer the only coasteering experience in Australia, a way to explore the coast by rock-hopping, shore-scrambling, and swell-riding.
Decked out in a helmet, life jacket and wetsuit, you’ll go experience the Indian ocean up close with guides quite literally showing you the ropes! And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale, seal, or sea lion on your journey!
Wine, Food & Produce
With the coast gleaming, there’s no better time than Birak to indulge in fresh coastal seafood. Abalone, akoya, blue swimmer crabs, rock lobster, and squid are all in season, and make for a delectable dinner!
Warm conditions see the continuation of strawberry, cherry, blueberry and raspberry season, as well as the beginning of stone fruit season. Stop by any of the South West fresh farmers markets, or the brand new Woolworths at Dunsborough Marketplace, to pick up some.
January also marks the start of marron season, from noon January 8 to noon February 5. Go hunting for this delicacy in inland dams in the Bunbury Geographe and Southern Forests region. Or stop by a place like The Marron Tale to purchase them.
Wellness
With the summer heat surrounding you, and the days long and bright, why not enjoy your food with a view?
The South West offers many picnic options to choose from during Birak. Try Picnic Cheer in the Bunbury Geographe region, for effortless and exquisite picnics perfect for every occasion. If you want to indulge completely, why not book their Cellar Door Experience, with Vineyard 28, offering a grazing board and range of wines.
Or complete a Secret Picnic Adventure, hunting down your tasty offerings before you get to enjoy them. They operate in Collie, Pemberton, Bridgetown, Nannup, and Donnybrook.
EVENTS
Ironman WA
Margaret River Region
If you haven’t already secured your spot in the 2024 Ironman WA you might be out of luck, with this sold-out event back for it’s 20th year and more popular than ever.
Competitors will test their mettle with a 3.8km swim through the rippling waters of Geographe Bay, before completing a gruelling 180km bike ride, and finishing with a 42.2km run. The finish line? Why the iconic Busselton Jetty, of course…and a beer from nearby Shelter Brewing.
Bunbury Fringe
Bunbury Geographe
Back for it’s ninth year, Bunbury Fringe is a staple of the Bunbury Geographe region during Birak, and one of their biggest festivals celebrating creativity.
Featuring art, music, circus, dance and more, the event runs from January 24 – February 1, with an array of experiences on offer. Find a complete list of events and tickets here.
For more events during Birak visit our Events page.
ACCOMODATION
The Suites at Dunsborough Marketplace
Margaret River Region
You can’t get much more centrally located in Dunsborough than at The Suites. Find these sophisticated top-floor apartments above Dunsborough Marketplace, mere minutes from nearby beaches, fine dining restaurants, cute coffee shops, and of course – the town itself. There are four apartments – each perfect for small groups, couples, families, or solo travellers. The ideal Birak getaway.
Big 4 Emu Beach
Great Southern
A splash park, kids entertainment precinct, mini-golf, and jumping pillow? Big 4 Emu Beach has summer sensation vibes written all over it when it comes to families. Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Albany you’ll find yourself surrounded by peppermint trees and just a few feet walk from the azure waters of Emu Beach. Check out their powered, unpowered, chalet, and pet friendly options.
Donnelly River Village
Southern Forests & Valleys
With emus and kangaroos lazing around outside, these heritage listed cottages provide a holiday that truly means ‘back to nature’. There’s minimal mobile phone access and only one tv on site, making it impossible not to disconnect. Walk the trails that surround the property, or simply indulge in some star gazing.
Bunbury Seaview Apartments
Bunbury Geographe
A mere stone’s throw from the gorgeous depths of the Indian ocean, and blessed with orange sunsets each night, these stylish apartments are perfect for beach lovers. They even have a fully-licensed onsite cafe restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
