Top 5 Winter Weekend Getaways in Western Australia

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Winter? What winter? In Perth, we don't suffer the sub-zero temperatures of other capital cities, but we do receive a drenching. Instead of huddling under a brolly, escape the city at one of WA's best winter weekenders.

Enjoy!

Margaret River
Head south along the coast for 3 hours to enter the Margaret River region.

Stay at the Hidden Valley Forest Retreat , a luxury home base for your adventure weekend. In Eco Lodges, you'll relax with an outdoor bath, fireplace, and plenty of quiet privacy.


Visit in July for Cabin Fever , a festival with dozens of winter events: walking tours, fireside dinners, live music, and workshops for kids and adults.


Take the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience, descending into the heart of the ancient Ngilgi Cave for majestic stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and beautifully coloured shawls. Local guides can also share traditional knowledge on a Koomal Dreaming Tour .


See the fossilised remains of long-extinct Australian Megafauna in Mammoth Cave , including a 50,000 year old 'zygomaturus' jawbone embedded in the cave wall.

At the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans, climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. On Cape Leeuwin , it's also the perfect place to whale watch.



Pemberton
A leisurely 5 hours south of Perth, Pemberton grew around the sawmill. It's now a hub for nature lovers, surrounded by national parks.

Stay at the RAC Karri Valley Resort , perfect for families to relax in a chalet, hotel-style room, or campsite. Fish, canoe, try archery, or feed the farm animals.

Soar on ziplines in the canopy of towering Karri Eucalyptus trees, Australia's tallest native trees. Visitors can also climb onto lookout towers installed in the highest branches, once used to spot fires before the age of aircraft and drones.

If you're spooked by heights, ride the Pemberton Tram instead. You'll venture over trestle bridges through forests alive eucalypts and wildflowers.

Hunt for an indulgent treat during the annual Truffle Kerfuffle festival in late June. Top chefs and local farmers celebrate the fresh black truffle with a range of restaurant dishes.



Cervantes
A few hours north along the coast, make this friendly fishing town home base for the weekend to explore and experience the beauty of nature on all sides.

East is the Indian Ocean for fishing, fresh lobster sold at the jetty, and dolphin and seal spotting at Thirsty Point Lookout. At Lake Thetis , ponder the ancient stromatolites, the oldest living lifeforms on the planet.

North is Southern Beekeepers Nature Reserve, with otherworldly yellow desert sands and limestone caves.

South is Nambung National Park for kangaroos and lizards wandering among the Pinnacles , thousands of limestone pillars dotting the sand dunes. Enjoy a sunset dinner before stargazing into the wee hours.



Albany
Head to the southern tip of WA for plenty of natural and heritage wonders. The 5-hour drive should be a little smoother and safer after recent improvements to the Albany Highway, including a new bridge over Hotham River.

Your first stop should be The Gap , with its natural bridge of granite, 40 metres above the Southern Ocean. Every vantage point is spectacular, and every visit is unique with ever-changing weather and light, winds, and sea spray.

The nearby cemetery has plenty of stone sculpture, but we're not due at the undertaker's yet. Visit the nearby Chainsaw Sculpture trail to see dozens of wooden creations crafted with the elegance of a powertool. While viewing the giant penny-farthing, rhino, elephant, throne, and dozens more, spare a thought for the eardrums of the Chainsaw Sculptor. The trail begins at 333 Mercer Road, open daily from 8am - 5pm.

Stroll around the Windfarm Walk on Sand Path Road with fresh views of the Great Australian Bight as wind turbines slowly spin overhead. Walk toward the beach for the whale watching platform, or take off from the paragliding launch.

Before returning home, detour into the Stirling Range National Park to climb Bluff Knoll, WA's tallest peak. With our mild winters, the top of the Bluff is one of the few places you'll see snow, maybe enough for a snowball fight.



Swan Valley
It's only a 30-minute drive northeast from Perth or an easy train ride. The Swan Valley is close enough to reach quickly, but far enough to escape the city.

Stay at the Vines Resort , a 4-star hotel popular for winter weddings, with a day spa, golf, and tennis. Spot kangaroos hopping nearby.

Stock up for the weekend (and beyond) with chocolate truffles and quokkas at our oldest chocolatier, Whistler's Chocolate Company .

While you're indulging, take a tour and tasting at the cellar door of our oldest winery, Olive Farm Wines .

Immerse in nature at Bells Rapids Park , spotting more kangaroos, ring-neck parrots, bandicoots, and geckos. Hike the circuit trails, kayak in white water rapids, and share a picnic. If you're visiting in August, the trails are a perfect vantage point to watch the annual paddle and powerboat endurance race, the Avon Descent .



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