Australia's South West

BUNBURY REGION

The city of Bunbury is located 180 kms south of Perth on a peninsula surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the Lescenault Inlet. Water plays a big part in the outdoor lifestyle as it's the perfect place for swimming, surfing, fishing, crabbing, boating or watching the local dolphins at play. Bunbury is the acknowledged gateway to the South West with a wide range of services and activities everything from a day in the countryside or shopping for a bargain in the city centre, and it makes an excellent base for exploring further afield. Easily accessed by car and regular coach and air services from Perth, visitors will find a full range of accommodation from a hotels in the city centre to beachside apartments, plentiful motels and farmstays in the rural hinterland. Towns in the Bunbury 'Tapestry' region include Donnybrook, Collie, Myalup, Australind, Leschenault and Harvey.

BLACKWOOD RIVER VALLEY

The Blackwood River Valley boasts some of the south west's most beautiful scenery with picturesque towns, rich agricultural land, local vineyards, spring wildflowers, restaurants and art and craft centres that tempt you to linger. Quality accommodation is readily available and good facilities for tourists are provided throughout the area. Coach operators provide a regular service to connect the major towns from Perth. Towns in the Blackwood River Valley include Bridgetown, Nannup, Balingup and Boyup Brook.

MARGARET RIVER WINE REGION

This world-renowned wine growing region is full of attractions both natural and man-made. 3 hours south of Perth, visitors from all over Western Australia, other states of Australia and the world come to sample the many delights of this area. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate it offers warm, dry summers that are perfect for a range of beach activities such as swimming, surfing and fishing followed by cool winters that lend themselves to a cosy retreat from the fast pace of City life.

In only three decades Margaret River has established an enviable reputation for production of world-class wines. Many wineries offer quality facilities for visitors, some have artists in residence and many offer entertainment on balmy summer evenings. Local chefs at the wide range of restaurants use the best ingredients from the South West to offer superb food that complements the local vintage, including cheeses produced in the dairy farmland that surround the vineyards.

The region is easily accessed by car and a coach service operates daily from Perth. A complete range of accommodation is available with everything from luxurious indulgent resorts, hotels and motels, self-contained apartments and cottages, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, farmstays and backpacker accommodation. A range of tour operators, restaurants, cafes, gourmet food outlets and tourist service businesses are all available. Towns in the region include Margaret River, Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Augusta.

SOUTHERN FORESTS

Boasting some of the best farming land in the state set amongst the tall timbers of mighty karri trees this area is a picturesque part of Western Australia. Approximately 4 hours' drive from Perth you can enjoy the temperate climate, spectacular forest scenery and extensive national parks and wilderness areas surrounding pretty towns. Regular coach services from Perth are available. Accommodation businesses in the area offer a range to suit all tastes including tranquil, secluded, self-contained cottages in forest settings. Towns in the region include Pemberton, Manjimup, Walpole, Donnelly River and Northcliffe.

GREAT SOUTHERN

Four hours south east of Perth, the city of Albany is one of Western Australia's thriving centres. It serves both the agricultural hinterland and the ever-increasing numbers of visitors who are drawn to the spectacular coastal scenery, historical buidings and wonders of nature. Many historical buildings around the town are attractions in themselves and have been carefully restored. Restaurants, accommodation, museums and art centres are now housed in some of Albany's most ornate sites. The city is abuzz with cafes and restaurants, bars, interesting heritage buildings, flowering pastures and pristine beaches. A complete range of accommodation is available, including self-contained luxury apartments and cottages, motels, caravan parks and bed & breakfasts.

The Great Southern region is home to enchanting karri forests that meet the rugged southern coastline to in a striking contrast of nature. The town of Denmark is a popular, peaceful holiday destination with a range of accommodation available, including a good selection of self-contained houses and cottages. The region has a prosperous sheep and mixed agriculture farming area with a variety of nature-based attractions such as rugged coastlines, secluded beaches, national parks, ancient ranges, forests, wineries, rivers, art and craft shops, wildflowers and whale watching. It is a delightful year-round holiday destination and locations in the region include Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Kojonup, Katanning, and Bremer Bay.