5 of the best winter getaways in WA

WA Things to Do

10 June, 2024

Rug up and get out and about in these South West towns.

WA’s South West shines at any time of year but there’s something extra special about being there in winter. You can rug up for walks on the beach and watch the immense surf roll in by day then cosy up in front of a crackling fire at night. During winter, you’ll also be rewarded with crowdless cafes, plenty of accommodation availability, and verdant countryside.

Need some holiday inspiration? Have a look at these five destinations.

1. Denmark

Though the winter weather is far from prime for swimming at Denmark’s famed bays, there’s still so much to love about this tiny town at this time of year.

Don a thick wetsuit, and the water’s chill won’t be such a shock, allowing you countless hours in the surf at Ocean Beach. But you don’t have to get in the water to appreciate it. Stand on the lookout platform at Greens Pool or wander the Greens Pool loop for some of the best ocean views. There’s a beauty in the water’s ferocity; the whitecaps and foamy whitewash starkly contrast the summer beaches and bays.

Without the searing sunshine of December or January, the trails around Denmark are prime for exploring. If you’re a keen hiker, take on a section of the mighty Bibbulmun track that runs through the region. There are also shorter walks like the 14.6km Wilderness Ocean Walk or the 1.4km Karri Walk — perfect for a part or one-day adventure. Alternatively, take your forest exploration to new heights on the Valley of the Giants treetop walk, where you’ll be suspended 40m above the ground in the canopies of the giant tingle trees. It’s a magical sight in light rain.

If the drizzle turns to a downpour, retreat to the shelter of the region’s finest breweries and cellar doors. Find a cosy seat by the fireplace to defrost your fingers, and work on warming from the inside out with a glass of cold-climate Shiraz.

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2.Dwellingup

Tall trees, orchards, and action-packed winter getaways are Dwellingup’s claims to fame. At the heart of the Darling Range, surrounded by old-growth forest, this tiny town of just 383 residents is big on outdoor adventure, even if it’s cold and rainy.

Fasten your helmet and take to a section of the Munda Biddi Trail or the Marrinup Circuit, an 8km mountain-biking trail through jarrah and marri reserves. It’s one of the many trails in the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails network, all of which are at their best during the cooler months from autumn into winter. Along this route, you’ll pass ‘King Jarrah’, a 300-year-old tree that’s become somewhat famous in the area for its outstanding will to survive.

There are many hiking trails (the Bibbulmun Track included) through the towering timbers around Dwellingup, too, even a 17km long horse riding trail that starts and finishes at the town oval. Tackle these routes during the daylight hours, and don’t forget to pack a poncho in case of showers.

If you love being out on the water, even in the cooler months, you’re in for a treat. Winter rains mean the nearby Murray River is full and flowing. Find a calm section to canoe along, or join a guide for a thrilling day of white water rafting. Throw a line in, and trout and cobbler could be on the menu for dinner. If you have a licence to scoop for them, you can add some marron to the dinner table, too.

Not all of Dwellingup’s drawcards are outdoors. Being a timber town, roaring log fires are the centrepiece of almost every establishment, even the campgrounds. Get cosy by the fireplace at the charming Dwellingup Hotel and sate your appetite with some hearty pub grub and a beer. Or, hold out for a clear night to sit around the campfire, cook your Murray River catch, roast marshmallows, and watch the glittering stars above.

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3. Margaret River

There’s no bad time to head to Margaret River, but visiting in winter comes with unique perks. A raft of season-specific activities open up, whale watching and cosy winter festivals being some of the highlights, and the whole region is lush and green. Plus, there’s no better time to enjoy those world-renowned Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignons.

Typically, winters are mild down this way, not too different from what you’d experience in Perth. Unless, of course, there’s a storm. Ocean squalls might be ferocious if you’re standing outdoors, but there’s no better place to be than curled up by the fire, mug of Bahen and Co hot chocolate in hand, when the weather turns. Accommodation providers in the region love a log fireplace, so keep it stoked and bunker in for the night.

When the skies are clear, make the most of the region’s abundant beauty. Of course, there are hundreds of vineyards to visit, but don’t discount the beaches just because it’s chilly. Go for a long stroll along the sand, sifting through the natural ocean debris as you go, or challenge yourself on a section of the famed Cape To Cape Track. Keep your eyes on the horizon for the tell-tale splash of migrating whales.

As a reward for your hard work, book tickets to an indulgent long-table dinner or bonfire party at Cabin Fever, the region’s premier winter festival. It’s a two-week, multi-event celebration of the people, the places, and the producers of the South West. Even more indulgent is booking a warm bamboo massage at Bodhi Spa as the rain comes down outside.

4. Pemberton

The Southern Forests and Valleys region comes into its own over the winter months; no other place in Western Australia can boast the same bumper black truffle harvest that it does. Pemberton, a tiny timber town of just over 5,000 people, is at the heart of the trade. Visit in June, and the population swells with out-of-towners, all making their pilgrimage for the annual Truffle Kerfuffle festival in Manjimup, the next town over.

You don’t have to attend the event to get your hands on the prized fungi, though. All winter, local truffle farmers invite you to don your gum boots and head out among the hazelnut trees, trailing the truffle dogs with their noses to the ground. Stop by the farm stores to take a fresh piece or some truffle-laced product back home with you, or sample it on the menus at any of the cosy eateries in town.

Earn yourself the indulgence by first heading out on a hike through the towering karri forests surrounding Pemberton. Rug up against the early morning chill and make a move just after sunrise; the dew-covered underbrush and fresh country air make for a serene walk. The many world-class mountain biking trails in the area are slightly more adrenaline-inducing, most of which converge at the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park.

In winter’s inclement weather, Pemberton’s waterways come to life. The rushing Beedelup Falls are at their fullest, and the nearby Beedelup Lake at RAC Karri Valley Resort is brimming with trout to catch and turn into a meal. If you’ve got a four-wheel drive, you can offroad through the bush and inland dunes to see the otherwise inaccessible Southern Ocean thundering and crashing, too.

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5. Albany

There’s only one place in all of Western Australia where you can chance a sighting of snow. The slight downside? Getting there takes a fair bit of effort and a steep 3.4km climb.

Approximately once per winter, a light dusting of snow falls on the peak of Western Australia’s tallest mountain, Bluff Knoll. Even without the promise of seeing it, the reward at the top is well worth the effort. Climb on a clear day, and you’ll have unspoiled views across the Stirling Ranges. Climb on a foggy day, and watch the view disappear and reappear behind the moving cloud.

For a less intense walk, try the Bald Head Trail; you’d have seen photos of the ocean-flanked peninsular all over social media. Late in the season, the wildflowers start to bloom, only adding to the highly photographable nature of the hike. Wildflowers also dot Torndirrup National Park, but they’re not the only reason people flock here in winter. It’s the best time to stand on the lookout platform above The Gap and watch the turbulent Southern Ocean crash into the cliff face.

With whales beginning their annual migration around May each year, there are plenty of winter whale watching opportunities. Keep your eyes on the horizon from one of many vantage points around King George Sound. To get closer to the breaching humpbacks and southern right whales, consider booking one of the many whale-watching tours that depart daily.

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Image credit: Tourism Western Australia