What’s hot when it’s cold:
Winter in the South-West

Forget the assumption that winter is the “off season” in Western Australia’s South-West. With so much on offer during the cooler months, visitors are in for a treat.

What’s hot when it’s cold:

Winter festivals

No matter your tastes, there’s a festival for you. For the creative-types, there’s the popular Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival in June with celebrity authors, Q&As, book signings and more. Music buffs appreciate the multi-location Jazz By The Bay in June, while there is the CinefestOz Film Festival in August for movie fiends. Those craving a bit of rough and tumble competition will like South West Mudfest in July. For families, Cowaramup is hosting Deja Moo, a county fair with wooden race cars, pony rides and markets, during the July school holidays.

It wouldn’t be the South-West without premium food and wine on show. Manjimup’s Truffle Kerfuffle in June features truffle hunts, tutored wine tastings, and presentations from well-known Australian chefs. It’s also the perfect spot for this kind of festival – more truffles are found here than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere. And the rollicking good fun Cabin Fever Festival in July showcases secret dinners, barnyard banquets, fondue by the fire, and even a cheese toastie battle.

Discover new places to eat

You don’t have to wander far to find world-class wineries, breweries, and cheese, chocolate and ice cream factories. Make sure you also take time out to sample one of the many new restaurants tantalising everyone’s tastebuds.

Popular eateries include the upscale Yarri Restaurant and Bar in Dunsborough, which serves up seasonal, sustainably-produced local ingredients. The menu is interesting, modern and takes its inspiration from Noongar culture. Just down the road is another new favourite, Blue Manna Bistro. With a focus on fresh, quality seafood, tuck into dishes such as crispy soft-shell crab san choi bao, tuna poke and Shark Bay crab linguine with garlic and smoked chipotle.

Call ahead to book your spot at both Yarri and Blue Manna – you won’t want to miss out.

Yarri Restaurant and Bar

Whale watching

If you’ve always wanted to view these majestic animals in their natural habitat, Western Australia is the place to be. And if you’re visiting in winter or spring, you’re in luck because whale watching is often best during these seasons.

Humpbacks can be spotted between Augusta and Albany from June to August and southern right whales from August through to October. In Busselton and Dunsborough, humpback and southern right viewing is best from September. Join an organised charter such as Naturaliste Charters, All Sea Charters or Geographe Maritime Charters.

Make sure you rug up for your day on the open water. Find out what you should pack for your winter escape.

Naturaliste Charters

Surfing

There’s nothing more invigorating than leaping into the water on a crisp morning beneath the clear blue skies Western Australia is famous for. Afterwards, climb up the beach to get yourself a well-deserved coffee and hot breakfast overlooking the water. It’s the perfect way to start the day.

Great breaks for all levels include Yallingup Beach in Yallingup, while Huzzawouie (Huzzas) in Gracetown is suitable for beginners, and for the more experienced, try Main Break in Margaret River or South Point and Lefthanders at Gracetown. If you’re taking the whole family, read more about family-friendly surf breaks.

Discover Millenia-old caves

Even if it’s raining and grey above ground, you’re safely tucked away from the elements in the region’s beautiful caves. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge has more than 150 caves but only some are open to the public. Travel through the tall forests along Caves Road, down into the caves, and wander amongst the stalactites and stalagmites and take pictures of ancient buried fossils. You’ll also learn the amazing ways these caves were rediscovered by early European settlers.

Explore Jewel, Lake, Mammoth, and also Ngilgi Cave a little further north towards Dunsborough – they’re all worth a visit. Choose from a guided tour, a self-guided sightseeing tour or even a night-time tour by torchlight.

Bonus reason

The very best reason of all: the so-called “low” season means lower rates on our luxury homes. Book the holiday home of your dreams and escape the city this winter. Browse our list.

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