Kambarang in the Great Southern

As Kambarang brings the Great Southern to life, the landscape bursts into colour, warmer days invite us outdoors and new experiences emerge around every corner. From wildflower trails and ancient landscapes to local flavours, cultural connections and restorative escapes, spring is a season made for wandering with the wild.

Spring unfolds in full colour as the Great Southern welcomes Kambarang, the Noongar season of birth, growth and renewal. 

Represented by the colour yellow, Kambarang signals the return of warmer days and one of the region’s most spectacular natural displays. Golden wattles bloom across the landscape, delicate orchids and vibrant kangaroo paws emerge beneath the bushland canopy, while the striking orange flowers of the Moojar (Australian Christmas Tree) announce that summer is on its way. 

As the season changes, so too does the wildlife. Young birds begin to leave the nest, magpies watch carefully over their families, and native reptiles emerge to bask in the spring sunshine. 

Kambarang is a reminder to slow down and notice the subtle changes unfolding across Country. It’s a season best experienced on walking trails, scenic drives and among the wildflowers that make the Great Southern one of Western Australia’s most extraordinary spring destinations. 

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. 

Spring is nature’s invitation to slow down, breathe deeply and wander with the wild. 

As Kambarang transforms Australia’s South West, The South West Edge winds through some of the region’s most spectacular wildflower landscapes. Journey through the towering forests of Denmark, the dramatic coastline of Albany and the ancient granite peaks of the Porongurups, where every stop reveals a new display of colour waiting to be discovered. 

Denmark 

Begin your journey in Denmark, where towering karri forests and peaceful walking trails provide the perfect backdrop for discovering delicate native orchids, flowering banksias and vibrant spring wildflowers beneath the forest canopy. 

William Bay National Park offers several short walks through coastal bushland to secluded beaches, granite outcrops and breathtaking lookouts. Hike west from Lights Beach along the Bibbulmun Track, cycle the Wilderness Ocean Walk Trail from the Denmark Community Windfarm, or explore the Munda Biddi Trail, where forests come alive with spring colour. 

Along the way, keep an eye out for striking Red Leschenaultia, vibrant Red Kangaroo Paw, delicate Winged Boronia, the unique Sticky Tailflower and the beautiful Large Waxflower. As the season unfolds, you’ll also discover Rose Cornflower, Black Kennedia, Hooded Lily and the iconic Chittick (Lambertia inermis), which flowers throughout the year, making every walk a chance to uncover something extraordinary. 

Albany 

From Denmark, follow The South West Edge east to Albany, where the windswept landscapes of Torndirrup National Park reveal an entirely different wildflower experience. 

Wander the trails around The Gap and Natural Bridge in search of Rose Banjine (Pimelea rosea), Sticky Tailflower and a diverse collection of coastal wildflowers thriving amongst granite outcrops and rugged heathlands. 

While you’re in Albany, don’t miss the Regional Wildflower Garden at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, where beautifully curated gardens showcase the extraordinary biodiversity of the Great Southern. Dedicated to the preservation and propagation of rare and endangered native plants, the gardens provide an opportunity to experience the region’s remarkable flora in one accessible location. With plants flowering throughout the year, spring delivers some of the most spectacular displays, while winding pathways lead visitors through diverse native plant collections alive with local birdlife. 

Porongurup 

Continue your journey north to Porongurup National Park, where the walk to Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk is surrounded by one of Western Australia’s richest collections of native flora. 

As you wander through this ancient mountain range, look for scarlet flame peas, candlestick banksias, native wisteria, acacias and delicate violet hovea, all flourishing among towering granite outcrops and majestic karri forests. During spring, the landscape bursts into bloom, rewarding walkers with breathtaking scenery at every turn. 

From forest trails and mountain peaks to dramatic coastal cliffs, The South West Edge offers an unforgettable way to experience wildflower season across Australia’s South West. 

Looking for even more inspiration? Read our guide to Where to Spot Wildflowers in the Great Southern and start planning your spring adventure.  

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. 

No visit to Albany is complete without a Saturday morning at Albany Farmers Market. 

Held every Saturday from 8am to 12pm on Collie Street, the market brings together growers, makers and producers from across the Great Southern. It’s where the region’s rich agricultural landscape comes to life, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, locally caught seafood, free range meats, honey, dairy, preserves, flowers and handcrafted goods all sold directly by the people who produce them.  

Spring is one of the most vibrant times to visit, with stalls overflowing with fresh seasonal produce and colourful blooms. Grab a locally roasted coffee, enjoy breakfast while listening to live music, and take the time to chat with the farmers and producers who are passionate about sharing the flavours of the Great Southern.  

The Albany Farmers Market offers an authentic taste of the region and is a wonderful way to begin a day of exploring. 

Spring is a season to slow down and savour the flavours of the Great Southern, and there’s no better place to do that than the Frankland River Wine Festival. 

Being held on 17 October, this immersive celebration invites visitors to experience one of Australia’s most acclaimed cool-climate wine regions through exceptional wine, local food and the passionate producers who bring it all to life. 

Wander through thoughtfully curated spaces designed to encourage connection, discovery and conversation, where every sip tells the story of Frankland River. Enjoy live music, indulge in a vibrant selection of local food, sample award-winning Frankland River wines (think Alkoomi, Swinney, Frankland Estate, Ferngrove, Lange Estate and Cherubino) at the central wine bar, and take home a taste of the region with locally made produce. 

No matter how you choose to spend the day, the Frankland River Wine Festival is a wonderful way to experience the flavours, people and landscapes of the Great Southern in bloom. 

Find out more and to purchase tickets here. 

Nestled among the rolling vineyards of Frankland River, Alkoomi Wines invites visitors to experience its Laze + Graze Picnic, a relaxed escape designed to immerse you in the beauty of the season. 

Begin with a guided tasting at the cellar door before collecting a hamper of local produce and a bottle of Alkoomi wine. Then wander through the vines to your own private picnic spot beneath the olive trees, where you’re encouraged to linger for up to two hours, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Frankland River.  

With wildflowers blooming across the landscape and vineyards bursting back to life, there’s no better way to experience spring than with good wine, local flavours and uninterrupted views across one of the Great Southern’s premier wine regions. 

Bookings are essential. Head to the Alkoomi website for more information. 

Soil salinity is one of the Great Southern’s biggest agricultural challenges, but one local farming family is turning it into an opportunity. 

Meet Moojepin Foods, where innovative thinking is transforming salt-affected land into a thriving business producing premium saltbush-fed lamb and other sustainable food products. It’s a fascinating story of resilience, regeneration and the people shaping the future of the Great Southern.  

Discover how a passion for the land, regenerative farming and a commitment to the future are helping reshape the Great Southern’s food story, one salty leaf at a time. Read more here.

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. 

The Great Southern is home to ancient stories, living culture and a deep connection to Country. This spring, take the time to learn from First Nations people and experience the region through their stories, knowledge and traditions. 

Across the southern part of Noongar Boodja, a growing number of Aboriginal-led cultural experiences invite visitors to listen, learn and connect with Country. 

In Kinjarling (Albany), join Kurrah Mia to learn about Menang culture, traditional practices, bush foods and medicine, or discover the story of the ancient fish traps at Oyster Harbour, a site dating back an estimated 7,500–10,000 years. Kaarl Wirn Cultural Tours also offers immersive on-Country experiences, including traditional fishing, bush tucker, storytelling and cooking along the shores of Oyster Harbour. 

In Kojonup, Kodja Place brings together Noongar and settler histories through artefacts, stories, interactive displays and guided experiences. Further north, the Gnowangerup Heritage Museum shares local Noongar history, culture and community through photographs, stories and historic displays. 

For a deeper connection to Country, head into the Stirling Range, where Elder Ezzard Flowers shares creation stories, songlines and knowledge of this ancient and sacred landscape through Walkabout Consultancy. 

These experiences offer more than an opportunity to learn about history. They invite you to slow down, listen and develop a deeper understanding of the continuing culture and connection to Country that has shaped the Great Southern for tens of thousands of years. 

Discover Culture on Country and explore the Aboriginal-led experiences and cultural places waiting to be discovered across the Great Southern. 

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

There are places that invite you to slow down, and then there are places that gently transform the way you experience time. 

Nestled among rolling paddocks, towering karri trees and native bushland near Denmark, Upland Farm is a sanctuary where luxury meets the simplicity of country living. Set on a 107-acre working farm, four architecturally designed cabins blend seamlessly into the landscape, encouraging guests to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature.  

Wake to birdsong and sweeping farmland views, spend the day exploring nearby beaches, forests, wineries and walking trails, then return to your cabin to unwind beside the fire or watch the sun set over the hills with a glass of Great Southern wine in hand. Every detail, from natural Australian materials to the farm’s thoughtful sustainability practices, has been designed to create a restorative escape.  

This spring, embrace the slower rhythm of Kambarang and discover the beauty of a stay where nature, comfort and connection come together. 

Sometimes wandering with the wild means slowing down completely. 

Perched high above Denmark with views stretching across Wilson Inlet towards the Southern Ocean, Chimes Spa Retreat offers a collection of indulgent escape packages designed for those looking to rest, reconnect and recharge. 

For the ultimate retreat, the Chimes Indulgence package combines two nights of luxury accommodation with breakfast, a 2.5-hour spa experience for two and a leisurely charcuterie lunch with something sparkling. 

Celebrating a special chapter? The Honeymoon Experience invites couples to linger a little longer, with luxury accommodation, a gourmet welcome hamper, fresh flowers, an indulgent three-hour spa ritual for two and a relaxed Conservatory lunch. 

For parents-to-be, the Babymoon Experience offers two nights of tranquillity before life’s next adventure begins, complete with tailored spa treatments for both Mum and Dad. 

Whichever escape you choose, Chimes Spa Retreat is an invitation to pause, breathe deeply and embrace the slower side of the Great Southern. 

Discover the full range of Chimes Spa Retreat packages and plan your escape. 

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

Albany 2026 events
Albany | Ongoing
Albany 2026 continues to bring the region to life with a calendar of events celebrating culture, community, history and creativity. From exhibitions and performances to community gatherings, there’s always something unfolding across the Great Southern. 
More info: https://www.albany2026.com.au/events 

Wild Gravel 
Gnowangerup | 24 October 
Adventure awaits in the rugged landscapes of the Stirling Range. Wild Gravel returns in 2026, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to experience the Great Southern on foot, by trail or on two wheels. 
More info: https://wildgravel.com.au/  

Mountain Country Music Muster 
Mt Trio Bush Camp | 29 October – 1 November 
The AFGRI Mountain Country Music Muster returns to Mt Trio Bush Camp, bringing live music, barn dancing, line dancing and a lively festival atmosphere to one of the Great Southern’s most spectacular settings. 
More info: https://mttriomusicmuster.com.au/  

Taste Great Southern 2027
Various locations | 4-7 March 2027
The Great Southern’s most delicious long weekend is back. From 4–7 March 2027, Taste Great Southern will once again bring together acclaimed chefs, passionate producers, award-winning wineries and unforgettable experiences across one of Australia’s most exciting food and wine destinations.
More info: https://tastegreatsouthern.com.au/