Ride the Best of 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>

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.

Nestled on the banks of the Blackwood River and surrounded by majestic karri and jarrah forests, Nannup is affectionately known as The Garden Village. Just over three hours south of Perth and only 30 minutes from the Margaret River Busselton Airport, Nannup is a peaceful yet vibrant destination where nature, culture, and adventure converge.<br/><br/>Famous for its dazzling tulips, beautiful gardens, and native wildflowers, Nannup also blooms with creativity—home to artisan studios, antique stores, and heritage architecture. The town hosts iconic events like the Nannup Music Festival, Flower & Garden Festival, SEVEN Gravel Race, and in 2026, the UCI Gravel World Championships.<br/><br/>Nannup is on a bold journey to become a certified Trail Town, offering over 100km of trails for walking, cycling, and mountain biking. It's the halfway point of the Munda Biddi Trail and a growing MTB mecca, with world-class tracks at Tank 7 MTB Park. Whether you're a thrill-seeking adventurer, a nature-loving explorer, or a fan drawn by unique events, Nannup has a trail for you.<br/><br/>Wander the Heritage Trail, paddle the Blackwood River, or explore the Nannup Arboretum, planted in 1926 with trees from around the world. Discover rare flora, vibrant Banksias, and spring wildflowers along forest trails. Cool off at Barrabup Pool or enjoy a riverside picnic.<br/><br/>Families will love the Emu Nature Playground, flying fox, pump track, and skate park. After a day of adventure, relax in cosy cafe rooms or enjoy local fare at charming eateries. Accommodation ranges from B&Bs and chalets to bush cabins and campgrounds.<br/><br/>With its rich biodiversity, welcoming community, and immersive experiences, Nannup invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect. Your trail awaits.

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. <br/><br/>From mountain peaks to deep ravines, embrace the great outdoors amid Collie’s lush landscape. Just a two-hour drive south of Perth, nestled in the heart of the Darling Ranges, Collie is a thriving country town that’s one of several jumping-off points for the region’s 150-kilometre network of trails.<br/><br/>Follow hiking routes and single-track mountain bike trails through Jarrah, marri and Blackbutt forests towards Wellington National Park, where the action revolves around the Collie River. Honeymoon Pool and Black Diamond Lake are idyllic spots to settle in by the shore. Dip a paddle into the tranquil waters of Minninup Pool in a kayak or canoe, then head to the river’s upper reaches in winter and spring to tackle the white-water rapids tumbling beneath the Wellington Dam. <br/><br/>Follow the course of the Collie River to Lake Kepwari, an idyllic waterside picnic and camping spot. Spend the day waterskiing across the lake’s smooth surface and casting a fishing line for redfin perch and marron. At night, pitch a tent under a magical sky.<br/><br/>From the old goods shed to the well-preserved railway station and footbridge, Collie's heritage architecture reveals its coal-mining history. Dig further into its fascinating legacy at the Replica Underground Coal Mine and the Coalfields Museum. <br/><br/>Tap into your inner art enthusiast and explore the pages of a real-life storybook on the Collie Mural Trail, a vast outdoor gallery featuring murals by more than 30 Australian artists. Inspired by old tales and faded photographs, Wellington Dam's 8,000-square-metre mega-mural brings past residents vividly to life.