Ideal for families looking to settle down in an idyllic region
The Great Southern does not really need much introduction. It is known for its sunny skies, breath-taking coasts with white sand and crystal blue ocean, and parks and nature reserves teeming with life. The Great Southern is all these, and more. Relocating to this part of Western Australia can be likened to going on a perpetual holiday. Would you fancy dwelling in this idyllic sanctuary? With the low cost of living, ideal environment, healthy lifestyle, and safe community that it sustains, the Great Southern is indeed a perfect place to be.
Why choose the Great Southern?
This picturesque region south of Western Australia is ideal for those who love the rustic charm of country living. The friendly community has a diverse population of people from different cultural backgrounds who connect and get along well. The majority of the Great Southern population lives in the City of Albany.
There are plenty of job opportunities across various sectors, which is great news for many professionals looking to relocate. The areas of engineering, education and health are especially in demand.
When it comes to education, the Great Southern has a broad mix of government and non-government schools providing primary and high school education. There is a university campus for students aiming at university courses, and TAFE campuses offering vocational education and training across the region.
There are several medical centres, allied health clinics and other health services to cater to residents, so people here have access to high-quality health care. There is also a diverse range of shops and supermarkets, pharmacies, arts and crafts outlets, and other specialty stores.
As sport and recreation are popular here, sizeable playing fields, swimming and leisure centres, parks, and hiking and climbing spots abound. Vineyards and wineries, along with commercial, arts and entertainment venues, are plentiful as well. The place truly offers a lot to those who live in it.
Employment prospects in the Great Southern
The economy enjoys steady growth that opens doors for many workers and investors. The main contributors are primary production and tourism. With primary production as the leading industry, agriculture, farming, forestry, fishing, livestock, wool and timber lead the way. This is followed by the retail sector and the government services sector, which includes education, health, transport, and public administration and safety. Tourism has always been a thriving economic contributor and is projected to grow stronger in the years ahead.
This continuous growth brings an equally growing demand for skilled professionals and workers. As the economy climbs, it also diversifies, opening more doors in the professional, trades and services sectors.
The Great Southern lifestyle
People living in the Great Southern enjoy a dynamic, active and healthy lifestyle, which contributes greatly to their well-being.
Recreation and sport
The region has a wealth of sport and activity centres, present in almost every town. When people here think of recreation, most of the time they think of the outdoors.
Locals are quite outdoorsy, with a zest for activities that get the blood pumping. Off-road cycling, trail bike riding, hiking, climbing, kayaking, surfing and diving are popular among residents and visitors alike.
For those who love hill walking, Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges, the highest peak in the Great Southern, offers a great deal of challenge and excitement. Our guide to seeing the Stirling Ranges in a day from Kojonup covers the drive. The Bibbulmun Track for walkers and the Munda Biddi Trail for off-road cyclists are both well known, their trails running all the way from Perth to Albany, an epic journey reaching roughly 1,000 kilometres.
Sport and recreation options in the Great Southern are among the best in the country. With all its mountains, forests and aquatic assets, there is no room to get bored on this side of Western Australia.
Arts, entertainment and culture
The region has a flourishing arts community, evident in the many galleries spread across the district. They house work by talented artists, the recognised and the up-and-coming alike.
The Great Southern hosts a wide variety of festivals, including the Perth International Arts Festival, music festivals and wine festivals. It also regularly holds the Southern Art and Craft Trail, the Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern, charity events, community services and much more.
For more cultural experiences, the Great Southern offers plenty of options. In Kojonup, for instance, you can immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal culture and traditions delivered through storytelling. The National Anzac Centre in Albany, meanwhile, offers an in-depth look at the region's wartime heritage.
Residents and guests get the chance to collaborate and play their part in nature conservation, sport, theatre, music, visual art and other cultural activities. This culture of volunteering and participation is one of the region's core strengths.
Other attractions
The Great Southern has an ample assortment of excellent restaurants that satisfy different cravings and delight the tastebuds. It also holds major retail chains, with Albany the central figure in the retail scene. Other areas are catching up, with Katanning and Denmark drawing more visitors with their great selection of shops.
Albany, being the key player, also holds weekend markets with quality produce from regional growers. Local products are showcased right around the region through craft outlets found across the district.
When it comes to wine, the Great Southern is never far behind, counting among the recognised wine producers in Australia. Our guide to the top vineyards around Kojonup is a good place to start. Other attractions include beaches, national parks and eco-tourism sites. With everything the Great Southern offers both its residents and its visitors, it is no wonder the region is regarded as the most popular destination outside of Perth.
Experience the warmth of the Great Southern
Is the Great Southern inspiring you to visit, or even to relocate, like the many who dream of a blissful place to settle? Plenty of professionals, families with kids, retirees and country lovers have made that decision, and they are happy for it. The proximity to nature, the healthy lifestyle, the affordable cost of living and the job opportunities make life in the Great Southern splendid.
You might want to come and get a taste of Great Southern living for yourself. If you do, we invite you to make Cornwall House Accommodation your temporary home. We provide comfortable lodging after a day of exploring the region. See our accommodation page for room details, or contact us with any enquiry.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
What is the Great Southern region known for?
Sunny skies, coastlines of white sand and clear ocean, national parks and nature reserves, a flourishing arts community, award-winning wineries, and a relaxed country lifestyle. Albany is its largest centre.
What outdoor activities are popular in the Great Southern?
Off-road cycling, trail bike riding, hiking, climbing, kayaking, surfing and diving. Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges is the highest peak in the region, and the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail both run all the way from Perth to Albany.
Where does wine fit into the Great Southern?
The Great Southern is one of Australia's recognised wine regions, with cellar doors dotted through areas like Frankland River. See our guide to the top vineyards around Kojonup for a place to start.
Why base yourself in Kojonup?
Kojonup sits about three hours south of Perth on the Albany Highway, a friendly country town and a comfortable first stop or home base for exploring the wider Great Southern.
