June – July
As slate-coloured skies gather over the South West, Makuru descends across the region. Cold mornings settle beneath drifting mist, rain moves steadily across the land, and the world seems to exhale into stillness. Spanning June and July, Makuru is the season of deepest winter in the Noongar calendar and is a time of full waterways, softened light, and long nights beside the fire.
In Noongar culture, Makuru marks a season of renewal and reflection. Rivers swell, waterfalls cascade, animals move differently through the landscape, and the first wildflowers begin to emerge. Along the coastline, whales travel north through rolling seas, steady and unhurried. Makuru invites moments of indulgence through slow meals, shared stories, and red wine sipped beside the glow of the fire.
It might be still, but winter in Australia’s South West is far from dormant. There is beauty in the rawness – in storm-lit oceans, towering Karri forests, and windswept walks where the air feels sharp and alive. In this blog, we’ll explore the depths of the season and how to find comfort, wellness, and wonder in winter’s embrace.
Spotlight On… Winter
Bunbury Geographe
Just 90 minutes from Perth, Bunbury Geographe feels a world away once winter settles in. Mornings begin with mist rising over paddocks and forest, followed by slow drives through winding country roads, long lunches in cosy cellar doors, and quiet walks beneath towering trees. In Bunbury, vibrant street art brightens laneways and the waterfront invites gentle wanderings, while welcoming stays like the Bunbury Apartment Motel offer a comfortable base to unwind after a day of exploring. Beyond the city, the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley reveal boutique wineries, breweries, and farm gates best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, with peaceful stays like Evedon Lakeside Retreat inviting evenings beside the fire surrounded by bushland and lake views.
Beyond the coast, winter reveals another side of the region. Wander beneath ancient tuart trees in Capel, discover rapids and vast forest landscapes around Collie, or take the scenic drive through the Harvey Region where citrus farms and rolling hills create the perfect winter backdrop. Whether it’s a fireside glass of red, a trail through Jarrah forest, or a long lunch shared among friends, Bunbury Geographe is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and stay a little longer.
Margaret River Region
Makuru in the Margaret River Region is best experienced unhurried. Rain settling over the vines, fireplaces glowing well into the evening, and the coastline revealing it’s untamed beauty. Mornings begin with walks through the Boranup Forest trails, surrounded by towering Karri trees. Afterwards comes strong coffee and unhurried drives along winding roads framed by winter vineyards and coastlines.
Dunsborough Marketplace hums gently throughout winter, filled with local produce, and the quiet rhythm of everyday life. After a day spent exploring the coast, wandering forest trails, or lingering over long lunches, retreat to the warmth of Whalers Cove Villas. Set just moments from the shoreline, the cosy villas offer a peaceful place to slow down, put the kettle on, and settle into the calm rhythm of Makuru.
Southern Forests and Valleys
Winter settles softly across the Southern Forests and Valleys, where mist drifts through towering Karri forests and the pace of the day slows with the season. In Manjimup and Pemberton, nature trails weave through fern-lined gullies and towering trees, inviting quiet moments beneath the canopy. Wander through the Manjimup Heritage Park, coast down its towering slide, or venture deeper into the forest to stand high among the treetops at the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Nearby, the calm waters of Lake Beedelup and the rushing beauty of Beedelup Falls offer the perfect backdrop for a winter paddle or peaceful afternoon in nature.
As the cooler air settles in, the region’s rich soils reveal one of winter’s greatest treasures: world-renowned truffles. Further south, the wild coastline near Northcliffe and Walpole offers another unforgettable winter experience, with migrating whales often spotted from Tookalup Lookout in D’Entrecasteaux National Park. Whether you come for the forest trails, the fresh flavours, or the quiet stillness of winter, the Southern Forests and Valleys invites you to slow down and sink deeper into the season.
Great Southern
In Albany, winter sharpens the beauty of the coastline and deepens the stories woven through the region. Stand above the ocean at The Gap, or wander the harbour where Albany’s maritime past still lingers. Across the season, festivals, exhibitions, and performances bring warmth and energy to the city. History reveals itself at every turn, from the Albany’s Historic Whaling Station to the reflective stillness of the National ANZAC Centre overlooking the waters where so many departed. Winter here feels immersive, elemental, and deeply connected to place.
Further inland, the Great Southern Treasures unfold through vast landscapes, quiet country towns, and roads that invite slow exploration. Follow the Horsepower Highway north of the Stirling Range National Park, stop beneath the towering Pingrup Silos, or wander through Kodja Place in Kojonup where local Noongar stories and history come together. Along the coast, Bremer Bay’s wild beaches and dramatic skies offer moments of quiet awe, while inland, cool-climate wines, local produce and crackling fires create the kind of winter comfort that lingers long after the journey ends.
ACTIVITIES
Nature & Wildlife
Out beyond the headlands, whales emerge through rolling swells and drifting sea mist, travelling an ancient migration path north. From Albany to Augusta, and up to Cape Naturaliste, keep your eyes peeled to spot Southern Right, Humpback and Blue Whales.
There’s something humbling about seeing these giants going about their day. Calmly coming to the surface. The soft rise of a tail through glassy water. The distant sound of a blow carried on the wind. Join Whale Watch Western Australia, Naturaliste Charters, or All Sea Charters to witness one of Makuru’s most unforgettable experiences, where the wildness of the season reveals itself out at sea.
Adventure
Embrace the wild beauty of Makuru with Albany Tours’ Twilight Uredale Hike & Bush Picnic, an experience shaped by landscape itself. Beginning at Whalers Cove, the guided hike winds through coastal bushland and along remote beaches as the winter sky begins to soften into dusk. Along the way, stories of Menang culture, local history, and the surrounding landscape bring a deeper connection to place. As the sun disappears beyond King George Sound, pause for a gourmet bush picnic surrounded by the raw beauty of the Great Southern.
Wine, Food & Produce
Gather around crackling fireplaces, escape the rain, and settle in to savour the flavours of the South West. Rain falls softly beyond the breweries and cellar door windows, fireplaces glow against the cold, and long afternoons stretch out between bold reds, barrel-aged spirits, and comforting seasonal flavours. From wine tastings at Swings & Roundabouts to laid-back afternoons at Wild Hop Brewery, Makuru invites you to linger a little longer, savour each glass, and settle into the warmth of good food.
Wellness
Makuru also invites mindfulness. A season to slow your steps, breathe deeply, and find warmth in quiet places. Beneath the towering karri canopy near Northcliffe, the Understory Art and Nature Trail weaves sculpture, story, and sound through the forest, creating moments of reflection among rain-soaked earth and misty winter light. Wander through the trees, spotting charcoal faces, abstract creations, and the South West’s own crocheted quokkas!
EVENTS
Mookaroo-k Goomburrup
Bunbury Geographe
Stay warm through the cooler months at Mookaroo-k Goomburrup, Bunbury’s new winter festival running from June to August. Inspired by the Noongar season of Makuru/Mookaroo and the cultural significance of Goomburrup to the Wadandi Noongar people, the festival brings the community together through fireside gatherings, family-friendly events, storytelling, food, and winter experiences that celebrate the beauty of the season.
A headliner of the program is the Bunbury Big Weekender, three days jampacked with community activations, entertainment and local experiences running from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 June across the City Centre, Hands Oval precinct and Bunbury’s waterfront.
Cabin Fever
Margaret River Region
The Margaret River Region turns up the heat with Cabin Fever Festival, a fiery celebration of winter indulgence. From blazing bonfires and cosy long-table dinners to live music and bold red wines, this 10-day event stretches from Busselton to Margaret River and serves up the best of the South West. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or dancing under stormy skies, it’s the ultimate way to embrace winter’s wild spirit.
For more events during Makuru visit our Events page.
ACCOMODATION
Evedon Lakeside Retreat
Bunbury Geographe
Set among the rolling hills at the gateway to the Ferguson Valley, Evedon Lakeside Retreat offers a peaceful winter escape surrounded by 320 hectares of natural bushland. Spend your days bushwalking, kayaking, or exploring nearby wineries and galleries, before returning to a cosy cabin or lakeside apartment, complete with a crackling log fire and serene water views.
Aravina Escapes
Margaret River Region
Tucked among the vineyards of Yallingup, Aravina Escapes offers a new, relaxed retreat in the heart of the Margaret River Region. Wake to sweeping views across the vines, spend slow afternoons exploring nearby beaches and coastal trails, then return to your private cabin for a glass of wine beside the fire or a soak in your private tub.
Pump Hill Farm Cottages
Southern Forests and Valleys
Perched high above the forests of Pemberton, Pump Hill Farm Cottages offer a peaceful retreat where nature and slow living take centre stage. Cosy cottages glow with the warmth of log fires, while sweeping valley views, farm animals, and quiet bush trails invite guests to reconnect with the simple joys of the season. Spend your days exploring the farm, soaking in the stillness of the forest, or unwinding with wellness experiences designed to restore and recharge.
Chimes Spa Retreat
Great Southern
Perched above the tranquil waters of Wilson Inlet, Chimes Spa Retreat offers a peaceful escape designed for rest and rejuvenation. Wake to sweeping ocean and garden views, indulge in soothing spa treatments inspired by nature, and unwind in a deep spa bath as winter rain drifts across the coastline. Just moments from Denmark’s wineries, forests, and wild beaches, this adults-only retreat invites you to slow down and reconnect with the calm beauty of the Great Southern.
For seasonal specials and accommodation deals head to winterdownsouth.com
