Located approximately 4-5 hours southeast of Perth, the Great Southern varies from unspoilt coastline and idyllic seaside towns, to sprawling agricultural lands and national parks harbouring some of the world’s rarest species of flora and fauna.
Those after a tipple or two will be pleased to hear that the Great Southern is the largest wine producing region by area in Australia. Take a detour through the Great Southern Treasures region, famed for its amazing national parks, breathtaking mountain ranges, stunning flora and award-winning wineries.
Explore the coast
Along the south coast, the sheer force of the Southern Ocean has sculptured a raw, dramatic coastline, creating some remarkable seaside scenery – think cliff faces carved out by crashing waves and natural rock formations in the shape of giant bridges. It’s an adventurer’s playground, with everything from rock climbing and windsurfing, to four-wheel driving and coastal hiking on offer. Looking for a picture-perfect beach? Bremer Bay, Albany and Denmark offer some of the most #instaworthy spots in the world, including Misery Beach, named Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2022, and the infamous Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.
Feast on the best of food and wine
Those after a tipple or two will be pleased to hear that the Great Southern is the largest wine producing region by area in Australia. Made up of five wine sub-regions – Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup and Albany – it is renowned for producing a variety of wine styles, including cool climate wines. Team a good bottle of vino with freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce, and you’ve got a recipe for a great foodie holiday.
Discover ancient forests and mountains
A little further inland you’ll find karri, jarrah and tingle trees that are hundreds of years old, towering above the forest floor. Walk among beautiful tingle trees at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, or get a magnificent view of the Frankland River at the Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Then, there are the ancient mountain ranges, with breathtaking views worth the challenging hike and climb. A visit to the Stirling Range National Park or Porongurup National Park won’t disappoint.
Learn about the Great Southern’s historical past
The Great Southern’s historic landmarks and the stories behind them are equally impressive. Albany’s King George Sound was the first European settlement in WA, settled before the Swan River Colony in Perth. In addition, the area has significant ties to World War I, with Albany being the departure point for the majority of Anzac troops who left for Europe during the war. The Great Southern Treasures – pioneering farming communities that offer insight into the region’s rich rural heritage – can also be found dotted between winding rivers and picturesque farmland.
