Make your winter tour of the Great Southern more memorable with these tips
The Great Southern Region, the biggest and most diverse region in South West Australia, is made up of 11 local government authorities:
- Albany
- Woodanilling
- Broomehill-Tambellup
- Plantagenet
- Kojonup
- Denmark
- Kent
- Gnowangerup
- Katanning
- Jerramungup
- Cranbrook
The region is growing in popularity with tourists and travellers thanks to the locals' appetite for organising memorable festivals and exhibitions, and it is known for both its natural and its man-made attractions. Winter, from June to August, is arguably the best time to visit: it is a quieter season, the weather is cooler, and it brings some fantastic adventures that are not on offer all year round.
What activities are there to do in the Great Southern Region?
First-timers may be unsure which of the local attractions to visit first, because there are so many excellent options. Here are some top recommendations.
Experience excellent food and wine
The Great Southern is geographically the largest wine-producing region in the country, made up of five sub-regions: Mount Barker, Denmark, Porongurup, Frankland and Albany.
The region produces a wide range of quality wines and grape varieties, including cool-climate styles, so you can enjoy a sumptuous bottle of vino with freshly caught local seafood and regional produce, a perfect recipe for the holidays. Our guide to the region's top vineyards points you to the cellar doors worth the detour.
Get up close to some amazing whales
South West Australia's whale watching season is one of the longest in the world, running from May, when the whales head north looking for warm waters to calve, to December, when they return southbound with their young.
The right timing and location can help you catch a glimpse of them, which makes the winter season in Albany a great time to watch whales. Some of the best spots in the region are:
Ocean Beach, Denmark: take your pick of two excellent vantage points, Lions Lookout and Wilson Head. Albany also has a historic whaling station 22 kilometres away, offering spectacular views over King George Sound, where you can learn about whaling and its conservation in Western Australia.
Torndirrup National Park: take a stroll along the coast where ancient rock formations are found. The Gap and Natural Bridge give easy access to great lookouts, and the boardwalk is only 300 metres long, which makes it an easy spot for whale spotting.
Go to the beach
We usually think of the beach as a summer spot, but it is just as satisfying to watch the waves roll in during winter. You will feel rejuvenated as the big ocean pounds against the coast, and the extra cloud on the horizon makes winter sunsets unforgettable. Some sunset spots worth visiting include:
- The Gap and Natural Bridge
- Surfers' Point
- Leeuwin Lighthouse
- Windy Harbour
Explore inland
The winter rains transform the South West inland farmlands into lush green paddocks, and the Great Southern is no exception. Go on a road trip and try these:
- Travel south from Perth to Albany via the Albany Highway and stop almost halfway in Kojonup. Visit Kodja Place, the museum that tells the tradition and history of the region's Aboriginal people, covered on our attractions page.
- Take a detour through the Porongurup Range and try local produce like Devonshire tea along the way.
- If the weather is uncooperative, spend time at the National Anzac Centre and learn more about Albany's Anzac history.
- Denmark has a charming art community with several local galleries.
- Take a refreshing stroll amongst the treetops of the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Tips to make the most of the Great Southern Region
Want to explore the region and find some escapism? Sounds like a plan. Here are some winter travelling tips.
Practise making a campfire
Several places let you build a campfire during winter, and some sites even provide firewood for free. If you want to savour the warmth and comfort of your own fire, it helps to know how to build one. There are plenty of instructional videos online to guide you, and do not forget the marshmallows.
Bring the right clothes
Wet, cold, crisp, exhilarating: these are some of the words people use to describe winter on Western Australia's south coast. The maximum daytime temperature from Albany to Walpole is usually 13 to 20 degrees Celsius in winter. It will feel chilly on cool, windy, wet days, and that is all part of the enjoyment, although the coastal parts seldom see frost, so it will not get that cold.
There is no need to worry as long as you come prepared. Make sure you bring gumboots, an umbrella, rain jackets, warm coats and plenty of spare layers.
Plan your itinerary ahead of time
Travelling in winter Down South can have a few disadvantages if you are unlucky. The Wilderness on Walpole boat trip, for instance, is closed for a few weeks after the July school holidays. Daylight hours are shorter too, but if you can tolerate a closure or two and cope with a little less daylight, you will still enjoy your trip.
Check out the visitor centre
As well as planning ahead, it is worth checking in with the visitor centre. Some businesses use the quieter season for a well-deserved break, and the local visitor centre can tell you which shops and locations are open. The locals know their town's events best, and they can point you to what is on and how to get there.
Prepare indoor activities in case of bad weather
If you are travelling in winter there will be a chance of rain, so alongside the right gear it is a good idea to have some indoor activities ready. If you end up staying in for an afternoon, you will still enjoy the company of family or friends. A game of cards, charades or Pictionary is a good way to lighten the mood.
Where to stay in the Great Southern
Choosing accommodation close to the sights is an easy way to save time and soak up the atmosphere of a place. Cornwall House Accommodation sits on the Albany Highway in the heart of Kojonup, at the northern edge of the Great Southern and about three hours south of Perth.
Our 12 air-conditioned rooms, in queen, twin and family configurations, each have an ensuite, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a microwave and a refrigerator, with free onsite parking and a shared camp kitchen for guests. Contactless check-in from 2pm means a long winter's drive never leaves you locked out. All you need to do to start planning your WA winter escape is book your stay, and the rest is a piece of cake.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Great Southern in winter?
June to August. It is a quieter time, the weather is cooler, and some of the region's best experiences, from whale watching to winter campfires, only happen in these months.
Can you go whale watching in the Great Southern in winter?
Yes. South West Australia's whale watching season runs from May to December, so winter is prime time. Ocean Beach in Denmark, with its Lions Lookout and Wilson Head vantage points, and Torndirrup National Park near Albany are among the best spots.
What should I pack for a Great Southern winter trip?
Gumboots, an umbrella, rain jackets, warm coats and plenty of spare layers. Daytime maximums from Albany to Walpole usually sit between 13 and 20 degrees Celsius, and the coast rarely gets cold enough for frost.
Where is a good base for exploring the Great Southern in winter?
Kojonup, on the Albany Highway about three hours south of Perth, sits at the northern edge of the region and makes a natural overnight stop on the drive down.
