Margaret River and the South West

<p>Few of the world’s wine regions bear such a striking combination of treasures. Tall tree forests tower over clusters of vibrantly coloured wildflowers. Fragrant scrub edges a coastline of pale sandy beaches, rounded boulders and glass-clear ocean. Inland, vines frame cellar doors, barrels of wine and some of Western Australia’s best dining experiences. At the heart of it all, is Margaret River town.</p>

<p>Imagine wild dolphins frolicking in turquoise waters, blissful long lunches in verdant vineyards, skimming through the surf on water skis, whizzing through wildflower-strewn trails on a mountain bike, or four-wheel-driving down secluded beaches. In the Bunbury-Geographe, adventure and relaxation exist in harmony. The only question you need to ask is: what do I feel like doing today?</p>

<p>Busselton (Undalup) has a foreshore that will stop you in your tracks and have you entertained for hours. You’ll be dazzled by the ivory sand and the translucent turquoise ocean lapping at its edges. Then, a 1.8 kilometre-long, heritage-listed jetty will draw your eyes out to sea where, from May to December, tens of thousands of whales pass by on their annual migration. And that’s only the beginning.</p>

<p>There are few places where the West Australian bush meets the beach, and lucky Dunsborough bears most of them. In a region of breathtaking bays, Dunsborough’s stand out, each one a dreamy combination of crystalline turquoise water, granite boulder stacks and leafy canopies.</p>

<p>The cool climate haven of Albany (Kinjarling) perches on a placid harbour edged by national park. A rugged coastline of sculpted rocks, peaceful sandy beaches and nature trails through fragrant bush awaits those with a sense of adventure, while fans of local wineries, small wine bars and historic buildings will enjoy slow walks around town.</p>

<p>The town of Denmark is a natural beauty where the rugged wilderness of tall tree forests and tiny, knee-high wildflowers meet emerald green lagoons studded with rounded boulders. Denmark sits peacefully at the end of a five hour road trip, south of Perth. You can also fly in via Albany (Kinjarling), a coastal city 40 minutes away. Limited coach lines reach Denmark.</p>

Pemberton is a town of towering timbers. Set in the heart of karri tree country, it's here you'll find and climb the world's tallest fire lookout tree - the famous Gloucester Tree, see a forest filled with the colour of spring wildflowers and taste some of Western Australia's top wines. <br/><br/>Hit the freeway south from Perth and you'll be in Pemberton in approximately three hours and 45 minutes. If you're in no hurry, stop at the Bibbulmun Track - one of the world's great long-distance walking trails. Stretching nearly 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda in Perth, it passes through Pemberton and finishes in Albany on the south-west coast.<br/><br/>Those arriving by car can go off-road and explore the forests by hiking, driving or riding the network of bush tracks. Paddle a canoe on the river and lakes. Or take a four-wheel drive tour to where the forest meets the largest inland dune system in the southern hemisphere and gaze in awe at the white-sand mountains of Yeagarup Dunes.<br/><br/>Closer to town, the best forest vantage points can be found by venturing up Pemberton's climbing trees. Originally used as fire lookouts in the 1940s, the largest (known as the Gloucester Tree) stands at 61 metres - roughly the same height as the Sydney Opera House.<br/><br/>You can get up into the canopy with more ease and grace by taking a drive to Walpole, home of The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, elevating you 38 metres above the magnificent tingle forest.<br/><br/>If you're heading out for a day in the forest, you'll find plenty to fill your picnic basket at Pemberton's gourmet produce stores and cellar doors. Enjoy a chardonnay beside Beedelup Falls or a barbecue at Big Brook Dam. <br/><br/>Pemberton's central location and good choice of accommodation make it a great base to explore the South West, with Margaret River and Busselton less than two hours away.

<p>Explorers who venture underground to grand caverns and maze-like tunnel systems will discover another side to Western Australia’s rugged beauty.&nbsp;Witness the phenomenon of underground caves in Western Australia's South West region.</p>

<p>Eight sensational wine regions are waiting to be sampled within a day’s drive or a short scenic charter flight from Perth.</p>

<p>Sun seekers. Adventurers. Nature lovers. There’s a reason people all over the globe make the pilgrimage to Margaret River’s jaw-dropping coastline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Western Australia’s spectacular coastline is your constant companion on the Cape to Cape Track, an iconic walking trail that runs along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge. From sweeping clifftop views to spectacular sandy beaches and ancient forests, the track linking the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin rewards long-distance hikers and daytrip ramblers alike with some of the Margaret River Region’s most sensational scenery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the lush green forests of the south west, a sensory adventure awaits. Walk, bike or drive along peaceful trails, which wind their way through some of the most biodiverse – and idyllic – landscapes on the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The world-class Adventure Trail town of Collie is an outdoor playground for travellers and campers seeking a nature hit. Wind your way through pristine forests as you hike or bike Collie’s bush tracks and trails, white-water raft through spectacular river valleys and navigate blue lakes by canoe or kayak.&nbsp;</p>