About the Region

Located approximately 4-5 hours southeast of Perth, the Great Southern is the largest and most diverse region within Australia’s South West. Rippling with rich history and culture, its vast landscape boasts raw and natural spoils.

Make your way down to explore the distinctive, rugged coast, sculpted by the Southern Ocean. Discover ancient forests and mountain ranges, with breathtaking trails winding throughout. Feast on the freshest local produce, with seafood straight from the ocean to heirloom vegetables plucked from Great Southern soil. Taste world-class, cool climate wines from the most welcoming cellar doors. Take time to connect with Country and learn about traditional ways of living from First Nations people. Admire the deep heritage and reflect upon bygone years as historical stories echo through immersive, heritage spaces.

When you wander the Great Southern, there is boundless splendour to discover.

Along the south coast, the sheer force of the Southern Ocean has sculptured a raw, dramatic coastline, creating some remarkable seaside scenery. Think cliff faces carved out by crashing waves and natural rock formations in the shape of giant bridges. It’s an adventurer’s playground, with everything from rock climbing and windsurfing, to four-wheel driving and coastal hiking on offer. For those seeking pristine beaches, Bremer Bay, Albany, and Denmark boast some of the world’s most stunning shores, including the award-winning Misery Beach and the iconic Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

Those after a tipple or two will be pleased to hear that the Great Southern is the largest wine producing region by area in Australia. Made up of five wine sub-regions – Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup and Albany – the Great Southern Wine Region is renowned for producing a variety of wine styles, including cool climate wines. Pair a bottle of this exceptional wine with local produce, and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Venture inland, where ancient karri, jarrah, and tingle trees rise majestically above the forest floor, some standing for centuries. Walk among beautiful tingle trees at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, or get a magnificent view of the Frankland River at the Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Then, there are the ancient mountain ranges, with breathtaking views worth the challenging hike and climb. A visit to the Stirling Range National Park or Porongurup National Park won’t disappoint.

The Great Southern is steeped in history, with landmarks that tell powerful stories. Albany’s King George Sound was the first European settlement in WA, settled before the Swan River Colony in Perth. This region also holds deep ties to World War I, with Albany being the departure point for the majority of Anzac troops who left for Europe during the war. The Great Southern Treasures, pioneering farming communities that offer insight into the region’s rich rural heritage, can also be found dotted between winding rivers and picturesque farmland.