Autumn in the Great Southern

Autumn in the Great Southern is a time to slow down, breathe deeply and wander a little further… along mountain trails, through vineyard valleys and across wild coastlines where the air carries the promise of change. 

It means cooler mornings, golden light across ancient hills and a new rhythm across the land.

If you’re searching for a hiking experience that combines rugged nature, panoramic views and a real sense of place, Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park is not to be missed. 

Rising from ancient soil in one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, Castle Rock is an iconic granite outcrop that rewards curious explorers with sweeping vistas and a unique walk that truly celebrates the drama of the Great Southern landscape. 

The well-marked Castle Rock Walk Trail weaves through shady jarrah and karri forests, leading past the fascinating Balancing Rock, a naturally poised stone that invites questions about time and gravity. The path climbs steadily, with granite slabs perfect for pausing and taking in your surroundings before the more adventurous climb begins. 

Beyond the forest, a steeper, rock-scrambling section, complete with a 6-metre ladder, brings you to the Granite Skywalk. Suspended around the massive granite dome, this elevated walkway offers truly breathtaking 360° views across Porongurup National Park, rolling farmland, and distant ranges. The journey to the Skywalk is as memorable as the destination itself. 

If heights or rock scrambling aren’t quite your thing, the lower lookout is an excellent alternative. Easily accessible from the main trail, it still delivers sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. 

Castle Rock isn’t just a hike, it’s an invitation to connect with the ancient land, to challenge yourself, and to see the Great Southern from a perspective few places can offer. 

Getting there: 

Porongurup National Park is a scenic drive from Albany or Denmark and makes a perfect day trip or base for a multi-day exploration. Or stay close by at The Sleeping Lady Private Retreat or Porongurup Range Tourist Park – more information below.

Ancient landscapes. Wild coastlines. Moments that stop you in your tracks. From forest canopies to Southern Ocean encounters, the Great Southern is nature at its most raw and awe-inspiring. 

As the intense heat softens and cool nights return, we welcome Djeran, the Noongar season represented by green, a time of transition across the Great Southern. 

Djeran brings dewy mornings and gentle southerly breezes. Flying ants drift through the still air and the first hints of cooler days settle across coastline, forest and farmland. It’s a subtle but powerful shift; one you can feel most at sunrise. 

Across the region, nature responds. Red flowering gums bloom brilliantly, summer flame flowers add bursts of colour, and banksias begin to open, providing vital nectar for birds and small mammals. Sheoaks deepen in tone as cones form, marking the steady movement toward winter. 

For Menang Noongar people, Djeran was a time of preparation and resourcefulness. Zamia seeds collected in earlier seasons were treated for nourishment, freshwater foods were gathered, and mia mias were repaired and waterproofed in readiness for the colder months ahead. 

Djeran invites us to slow our pace and notice the detail from the mist rising from inland valleys and the changing light along the coast, to the way the air feels different on your skin. 

This is a beautiful season to explore the Great Southern. Walk among towering forests, wander coastal tracks brushed by cool breezes, and reconnect with the rhythms of Country as it transitions toward winter. 

Wander with the wild this Djeran. 

Few places capture the raw power of the Southern Ocean quite like The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, just a short drive from Albany. Carved over millions of years by wind, waves and time, these dramatic granite formations reveal the untamed beauty of the Great Southern coastline.  

At The Gap, a cantilevered viewing platform extends out from the cliff face, allowing visitors to stand 40 metres above the surging ocean below and watch waves crash into the granite channel beneath their feet. The experience changes with the weather — from calm rolling swells to the wild spectacle of Southern Ocean storms.  

Just a short walk away lies the Natural Bridge, a striking granite arch formed through centuries of coastal erosion. From the viewing platform, you can watch the ocean surge beneath this ancient rock formation while taking in sweeping views along the coastline from Bald Head to West Cape Howe.  

Accessible walkways and viewing platforms make this one of the Great Southern’s most iconic and accessible natural experiences, a place where the forces of nature are felt as much as they are seen. 

If you’re visiting Albany this autumn, or for Albany 2026 events, be sure to make time to witness this wild meeting of land and sea. 

This is a region shaped by sea, soil and seasons. Meet the growers, makers and winemakers turning the Great Southern’s wild abundance into unforgettable flavour. 

As autumn settles across the Great Southern and the mornings turn crisp,  there’s nothing quite like warming your hands around a good cup of coffee. From charming country bakeries to historic cafés and plant-filled hideaways, the region is full of cosy places to pause between adventures. 

In Albany, step into the leafy oasis of La Botanic, where exceptional coffee meets flowers, indoor plants and a welcoming space that feels like home. Just across the street, Taxi Stand Coffee Bar is another local favourite. A cool little espresso stop beloved by locals, open from 6am-12pm, it’s perfect for an early morning caffeine fix before a day exploring. 

In Bremer Bay, enjoy a relaxed coffee break inside the historic Telegraph Café, located within the Old Telegraph Station, or stop by the Wellstead Museum Café, a unique spot blending history and hospitality. 

Denmark offers plenty of warm corners to settle in. Mrs Jones Denmark, inside the beautifully restored Old Butter Factory, pairs treetop views with a crackling fire and relaxed atmosphere. Nearby, Tea House Books offers a café-bookstore experience filled with quirky charm, art and cosy reading nooks. Just outside town near William Bay, The Top Shed is a hidden gem for coffee, toasties and superb cinnamon scrolls. 

Further inland, the Upper Great Southern serves up country hospitality. In Kojonup, Kojonup Country Kitchen is famous for its freshly made food and beloved homemade carrot cake, best enjoyed with a cup of Naked Bean coffee. In Katanning, Dôme Café at the Premier Mill Hotel offers great coffee surrounded by more than 130 years of history. In Cranbrook, Kaffe 107 is well worth a stop. Alongside very respectable coffee, you can stock up on locally grown macadamia nuts and homemade macadamia shortbread. 

At the foot of the Porongurup Ranges, the Porongurup Tea Rooms are a perfect stop after exploring nearby trails, serving homemade scones with jam and cream. Just down the road, Karribank offers coffee, wine and relaxed dining surrounded by beautiful gardens. 

And no visit to the region is complete without stopping at the iconic Mount Barker Country Bakery, home to nationally award-winning pies, fresh coffee and one of the Great Southern’s most loved bakery counters. 

This autumn, take the scenic route and discover the cafés and bakeries that warm both hands and heart. 

As the seasons shift and the air turns cooler across the Great Southern, there’s no better time to explore one of Australia’s most distinctive wine regions. Autumn and winter bring a slower pace to cellar doors and vineyards, creating the perfect backdrop for cosy tastings, behind-the-scenes experiences and long lunches by the fire. 

The Great Southern Wine Region spans diverse landscapes, from coastal breezes to rolling hills and mountain fringes, all of which shape its cool-climate wines. Whether it’s crisp Riesling, elegant Chardonnay, structured Shiraz or rich Cabernet Sauvignon, each drop tells the story of place in every glass. 

During the cooler months, cellar doors are welcoming havens. Picture tasting flights beside crackling fireplaces, meeting passionate winemakers beside barrels of aging wine, or sharing a cheese platter paired with a silky red. 

Wander with the wild… and raise a glass. Your autumn/winter wine adventure starts here. 

Head to our website to read more about the Wines Worthy of the Drive.

Stories live in this landscape. From ancient Noongar culture to defining moments in Australia’s history, the Great Southern invites you to walk alongside the past. 

ANZAC Day holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a moment to reflect on service, sacrifice, and the stories that bind communities together. 

In Albany, this remembrance is deeply rooted in place. Perched above King George Sound, the National ANZAC Centre stands as Western Australia’s premier museum honouring the ANZAC legacy. It offers a moving and personal lens into the First World War through the footsteps of the men and women who served, and the land they left behind. 

Visitors are invited to assume the identity of one of 32 ANZAC characters, walking alongside them from enlistment and training through service in distant lands. Through immersive audio-visual displays, recreated embarkation experiences, letters, diaries and artefacts, the Centre brings history to life in a way that feels immediate and human. 

This ANZAC Day and beyond, the National ANZAC Centre is a place to connect; to history, to Country, and to each other. Whether you’re planning a dedicated visit or a quiet moment during your Great Southern journey, it stands as a powerful reminder of courage and community. 

As autumn settles across the Great Southern, cooler mornings and softer light create the perfect conditions to slow down and deepen your connection to place. In Kinjarling (Albany), one of the most meaningful ways to experience the region is through an Aboriginal Cultural tour with Kurrah Mia. 

Led by passionate Menang Noongar guides, Kurrah Mia shares more than 40,000 years of cultural knowledge through immersive, on-Country experiences. These are not simply tours, they are opportunities to walk ancient paths, hear Dreaming stories and gain insight into how the landscape has sustained the Menang people for millennia. 

Choose your journey: 

Aboriginal Walking Tour (2 hours) 
Follow ancient Menang pathways to Quaranup (Kwooranup/place of the brush tail wallaby). Explore stone structures, engravings, artefacts and cultural sites while learning about bushfoods, medicine plants and local history. Tides permitting, guests may also search for shellfish among the rocks. 

Fish Traps Tour (2 hours) 
Experience “coming on Country” and discover how the Menang people moved through this landscape for tens of thousands of years. Learn about ancient fish traps and gain a unique understanding of the environmental and cultural knowledge embedded within the land. 

Mount Clarence Walking Tour (1.5 hours) 
Walk gently along Mount Clarence and learn how ochre, plants, stone, bone and fire shaped daily life. Gain insight into the economic, spiritual and cultural traditions that continue to influence Country today. 

Autumn’s crisp air and calmer conditions make this season ideal for walking tours. Take the time to listen, learn and connect and experience the Great Southern through the wisdom of its First Peoples. 

Just north of the Porongurup Range, within the Twin Creeks Community Conservation Reserve, stands the striking Genestream Sculpture, a 3.5-metre ‘evolutionary tree’ installed in 2021 as a tribute to the deep natural and cultural history of the Great Southern. 

The artwork represents the significant flora and fauna of the region, set against the backdrop of its ancient geological story. A collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and conservation groups, the project was driven by Menang elder Carol Petterson (pictured) and reflects the enduring connection of her people to Country. 

Designed by Ben Beeton and crafted by Torbay artist Mark Hewson, with contributions from Gary Muir and scientific illustrator Mali Moir, the sculpture is a powerful meeting of art, science and story. 

Stay a little longer and setup for the weekend at Porongurup Range Tourist Park. Pair your visit with a day exploring the Porongurups, from scenic drives and cellar doors to walking trails and granite peaks and experience another layer of the Great Southern’s rich and evolving story. 

Learn more about the sculpture via the Heartland Journeys website.  

 Slow down. Breathe deeper. Reconnect. Here, wellness is found on the trail, on the water and in places where nature leads the way. 

In the AllTrails Year on the Trail Report 2025 published earlier this year, Bald Head Walk Trail near Albany was ranked #6 in Australia’s highest-rated and most popular trails overall – a huge achievement for one of the Great Southern’s standout coastal hikes. 

This rugged 12.5 km return hike takes you along a dramatic ridge in Torndirrup National Park, with constant, sweeping views over the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. The scenery here is truly exceptional: powerful ocean swells, granite outcrops, serene beaches and, in season, swathes of wildflowers underfoot.  

Though classified as a challenging walk, Bald Head rewards those who lace up with some of the most memorable coastal vistas in Western Australia, and now, one of the most highly rated in the whole country. 

If you’re planning a day hike or looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Bald Head is calling. 

For adventurous hikers seeking a true wilderness challenge, the Stirling Range Ridge Walk – Koi Kyenunu-Ruff offers one of Australia’s most exhilarating mountain experiences. 

Guided by South Peak, this four-day expedition takes participants deep into the dramatic landscapes of Stirling Range National Park, a rugged mountain chain rising from the plains just north of Albany. 

The journey begins at North Boundary Track near Ellen Peak and finishes at Bluff Knoll, traversing some of the most remote and spectacular terrain in the range. Over two demanding days of hiking, adventurers navigate jagged peaks, exposed ridgelines and more than 5,500 feet of elevation gain, spending a night camping high on the ridge beneath vast southern skies. 

With expert guides leading the way, hikers gain insight into the Stirling Range’s extraordinary ecology. The park is one of Western Australia’s richest biodiversity hotspots, home to more than 1,500 plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth. 

South Peak’s fully guided experience includes transport, meals and accommodation before and after the hike, allowing guests to focus on the journey ahead. 

Challenging, remote and unforgettable… this is mountain adventure at its wildest. 

For a truly restorative escape in the Great Southern, look beyond just a getaway… find a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with Country. 

Perched on the northern slopes of the stunning Porongurup Range, The Sleeping Lady Private Retreat is a secluded and award-winning escape designed for peaceful immersion in nature. This intimate, self-contained chalet perfectly balances privacy and comfort, making it ideal for transformative wellness stays, romantic retreats or simply stepping away from the rush of everyday life.  

Surrounded by vineyards and framed by panoramic views of the valleys and the iconic Stirling Ranges, The Sleeping Lady offers: 

• A serene, private setting that invites you to reset and reconnect
• Easy access to Porongurup National Park and world-class walks like the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk 
• A cosy retreat where sunrise coffees, golden sunsets and quiet contemplation become part of the daily rhythm 
• Proximity to world-renowned wines from the Great Southern Wine Region  

Recognised as a 2026 Winner of the Booking.com Traveller Review Award, this retreat continues to earn glowing reviews from guests for its peaceful atmosphere and thoughtful experience, a true haven for those seeking wellness in nature. 

If you’re planning to hike Bluff Knoll, sip local wines, explore Karri forests or simply unwind in comfort, The Sleeping Lady is the perfect waypoint on your Great Southern journey. 

For those looking to truly unwind in nature this autumn, Porongurup Range Tourist Park offers a peaceful base surrounded by some of the Great Southern’s most beautiful landscapes. 

Nestled beneath the towering granite peaks of the Porongurup Range, this welcoming park is perfectly positioned directly opposite the entrance to Porongurup National Park, making it an ideal starting point for adventures to Castle Rock, the Granite Skywalk and the many walking trails that wind through ancient forest. 

Choose from comfortable chalets, caravan sites or camping beneath the trees, where mornings begin with birdsong and mist rising gently over the ranges. With wide open green spaces and beautifully maintained grounds, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with the rhythm of nature. 

After a day exploring nearby wineries, hiking mountain trails or discovering local produce, return to the quiet charm of the park and watch the sun dip behind the Porongurup peaks. 

This autumn, base yourself where the mountains meet the sky and wander with the wild at Porongurup Range Tourist Park. 

Mark your calendar. Pack your bags. 
From festivals and light installations to food, wine and cultural celebrations, the Great Southern’s event season is calling. 

Sculpture at Binalup
Albany | 10 – 19 April 
Experience art in the open air with a new outdoor sculpture exhibition set against the coastline.
More info: https://www.albany.wa.gov.au/events/sculpture-at-binalup/73533 

ANZAC Day
Albany | 25 April
Albany’s RSL sub-branch with support from the City of Albany will deliver the Dawn and Commemorative Services this year, which will include the traditional Gunfire Breakfast and Troop March.
More info: https://www.albany2026.com.au/events/anzac-day-2026 

Albany Maritime Festival
Albany | 1 – 31 July 
The Maritime Festival celebrates Albany’s rich maritime heritage with a month long program of events.
More info: https://www.cityofalbanyevents.com/maritimefestival 

Albany 2026
Albany | Ongoing
A year-long program of major cultural events focused on reflection, community and celebration.
More info: https://www.albany2026.com.au/events