Winter in the Great Southern

There is a certain kind of magic that stirs in the Great Southern when winter arrives. 

The air turns crisp. Mist drifts across the ranges. The ocean grows wilder, and the landscape settles into rich greens that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon. 

This is a season made for wandering. For discovering hidden corners, sharing stories over local wine, following trails through ancient forests and witnessing nature at its most raw and radiant. 

Slow down. Stay a little longer. Let winter guide the way. 

Rising more than a kilometre above sea level, Bluff Knoll (Bular Mial) stands as one of the Great Southern’s most iconic natural experiences. 

Located within the Stirling Range National Park, this towering peak draws hikers from across the country, offering sweeping summit views across the region and a journey through one of Western Australia’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Along the trail, lower slopes are lined with eucalypt, banksia and grass trees, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species thriving throughout the park. 

In winter, Bluff Knoll transforms. On rare mornings, the summit is dusted with snow making for a magical contrast against the rugged landscape below. For those who reach the top early, it’s a chance to experience one of the most unique alpine-like moments in Western Australia. 

But with this beauty comes challenge. Winter conditions can be extreme, with rapidly changing weather, strong winds and freezing temperatures. 

Before you go: 

• Check weather conditions and forecasts  

• Dress in warm, layered clothing  

• Wear sturdy footwear with good grip  

• Carry water, snacks and a fully charged phone  

• Allow plenty of time and avoid hiking in poor conditions  

Bluff Knoll in winter is an experience shaped by the elements. For those prepared, the reward is a powerful connection to one of the Great Southern’s most dramatic landscapes. 

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. 

Each winter, something extraordinary unfolds along the coastline of the Great Southern. 

From June through to October, Albany becomes one of the best places in Western Australia to witness the annual whale migration. Humpback and southern right whales arrive in the sheltered waters of King George Sound to rest, play and nurse their calves before continuing their journey along the southern coastline. 

There’s something unforgettable about seeing these giants in the wild. A sudden breach beyond the cliffs. The mist of a blow carried on the wind. The quiet stillness that falls as everyone stops to watch. 

Albany’s dramatic coastline offers countless vantage points to experience the season. Stand high above the ocean at The Gap and Natural Bridge, follow scenic coastal lookouts, or spend time watching from Middleton Beach and Marine Drive where whales are often spotted surprisingly close to shore. 

For a deeper connection, join a guided whale watching tour and head out onto the water with experienced local operators who share stories of the region’s marine life, coastline and changing seasons. 

Whale season in Albany also invites reflection on the region’s whaling history. Following WWII, Albany became home to a thriving whaling industry, with the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company operating until 1978, when growing environmental awareness and industry decline led to its closure. 

Today, that history can be explored at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, located on the shores of King George Sound at the former Cheynes Beach Whaling Company site. Now part of Discovery Bay, the heritage-listed attraction offers a powerful insight into Albany’s past. Wander through the original whaling station, step aboard the last whale chaser ship Cheynes IV, and explore Australia’s largest display of marine mammal skeletons. The site also features native botanical gardens and opportunities to experience the incredible biodiversity of the south coast. 

This winter, witness one of nature’s great migrations. 

There are few places in Western Australia that make you feel quite as small and connected as the Valley of the Giants. 

Tucked between Walpole and Denmark, this ancient forest is home to towering red tingle trees found nowhere else on Earth. Some have stood for more than 400 years, their giant trunks carrying the marks and stories of time. 

Winter is one of the most atmospheric times to visit. Mist drifts through the canopy, rain awakens the forest floor, and the cool air brings a quiet stillness to the landscape. 

The experience begins with the world-famous Tree Top Walk, where a gentle suspended walkway rises up to 40 metres above the forest floor, offering a breathtaking perspective through the canopy of the ancient tingle forest below. Designed to move lightly with the environment, the walk allows visitors to immerse themselves in the forest while taking in sweeping views high among the trees. 

Back on the ground, the Ancient Empire boardwalk winds gently between enormous hollow tingle trees, some large enough to walk through. Interpretive signage throughout the trail shares stories of the forest’s ecology, history and significance. 

Located approximately 45 minutes from Denmark and around 15 minutes from Walpole, the Valley of the Giants makes for an unforgettable winter day trip or a memorable stop along a Great Southern journey. 

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4:15pm. Entry fees apply, with tickets available for adults, children, families and concession holders. Visitors are encouraged to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience both the Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire. 

Warm layers, comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket are recommended through winter, allowing you to experience the forest comfortably in all its wild beauty. 

This winter, wander among giants and discover one of the Great Southern’s most extraordinary natural, and wild, wonders. 

Plan your visit via the Tree Top Walk website. 

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. 

There’s something about winter in the Great Southern that invites you to linger, and at Premier Mill Hotel, slowing down comes naturally. 

Set in the heart of Katanning, this beautifully restored heritage flour mill has been thoughtfully transformed into one of regional Western Australia’s most distinctive boutique stays. Originally built in the late 1800s, the mill once played a vital role in the town’s agricultural story. Today, its industrial character and rich history remain woven through the experience, from exposed brick and original timber beams to carefully preserved architectural details that speak to the building’s past. 

Each room blends heritage charm with contemporary comfort, creating spaces that feel warm, grounded and quietly luxurious through the cooler months. After a day exploring the Great Southern, return to deep baths, soft lighting and the comforting stillness of a place designed for rest. 

As evening settles in, head below street level to the Cordial Bar, hidden within the mill’s original machine room. Intimate and atmospheric, the bar has become a gathering place for both locals and travellers, offering a curated selection of Great Southern wines alongside craft beers, seasonal cocktails and share-style plates that hero regional produce. 

It’s the kind of place where conversations stretch long into the evening. Where a glass of shiraz is paired with stories from the road, and the warmth inside contrasts beautifully with the crisp country air beyond the doors. 

Beyond the hotel itself, Premier Mill also offers a gateway into Katanning’s evolving food and cultural scene. With multicultural eateries, local cafés and country hospitality all within walking distance, it’s the perfect base for discovering one of the Great Southern’s most surprising towns. 

There’s a certain comfort found in wine country in winter. 

A glass of red beside the fire. A slow lunch overlooking the vines. The warmth of conversation with loved ones. Across the Great Southern Wine Region, winter invites visitors to settle in and experience the region through its wineries, where exceptional cool-climate wines and seasonal local produce come together. 

In Denmark, spend an afternoon at The Lake House Denmark, where lakeside views and hearty seasonal dishes pair beautifully with estate wines. Nearby, Willoughby Park Winery and Boston Brewery offers the best of both worlds with wine, craft beer and relaxed dining, while Rockcliffe Winery delivers intimate cellar door experiences paired with pizzas, platters and desserts, perfect for cooler days. At Pepper & Salt, located at Forest Hill Winery, seasonal menus hero local produce alongside some of the region’s most awarded wines. 

Further inland in Mount Barker, cellar doors such as Gilbert Wines, Plantagenet Wines and West Cape Howe provide welcoming spaces to taste, dine and unwind among rolling vineyard landscapes. 

In Frankland River, Alkoomi Wines offers its popular Laze and Graze picnics, inviting guests to settle among the vines with local produce and a bottle of wine in hand. Bookings are essential, especially through winter weekends. 

Over in the Porongurup, Ironwood Estate pairs panoramic range views with a cosy café atmosphere, making it an ideal stop after exploring the nearby walking trails and national park. 

These are places designed for slowing down. For embracing the season. For gathering around good food, great wine and meaningful moments. 

This winter, wander wine country. 

There’s something fitting about whisky in winter. 

The warmth of it. The patience behind it. The way it invites you to slow down and settle into the moment. In Albany, on the edge of Princess Royal Harbour, that experience comes to life at the Limeburners distillery. 

Housed within the Albany cellar door, Limeburners crafts its award-winning single malt whisky using traditional small-batch techniques. Every expression is distilled on site, shaped by time, oak and the cool southern climate. 

Join a guided distillery tour and step behind the scenes of the whisky-making process, from the malting of barley and fermentation through to the final still run. Running for approximately 30 minutes, the experience offers a rare insight into the craftsmanship and detail behind every bottle. Tours held Monday to Friday also provide the opportunity to see the distilling team at work. 

Following the tour, settle in for a tasting flight featuring three 15ml pours of Limeburners Whisky, allowing you to experience the distinct character and complexity of the range. 

Tours are available Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and are priced at $55 per person. Guests must be aged 18 years and over, and enclosed footwear is required. 

Set against Albany’s waterfront and perfectly suited to cooler days, it’s an experience that combines craftsmanship, flavour and a deeper appreciation for one of the Great Southern’s most iconic producers. 

This winter, discover the spirit of the south. 

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. 

There’s a deeper way to experience the Great Southern, one that begins with listening. 

In Kinjarling (Albany), Kaarl Wirn Cultural Tours offers immersive on-Country experiences led by Noongar Cultural Custodian Lindsay Dean and family. Through storytelling, traditional practices and shared knowledge, each tour invites a meaningful connection to land, waterways and culture that spans tens of thousands of years. 

A highlight is the Catch and Cook experience along the shores of Oyster Harbour. Guided by traditional fishing practices, guests learn to source fish, crab and shellfish from the surrounding environment, before gathering around the fire to share stories, damper and, when the day allows, the fresh catch. 

Story is also shared through movement. The Kaarl Wirn youth dance troupe, guided by Elders, bring culture to life through traditional ceremonial dance, song and Dreaming, preserving ancient knowledge while sharing it with the wider community. 

It’s a chance to slow down. To learn. To connect more deeply. 

There’s a different kind of warmth to be found this winter, one that lives in story. 

In Kojonup, The Kodja Place offers a deeply moving journey through the lived experiences of the Great Southern. Here, Noongar and settler histories are woven together through voices, photographs, art and objects revealing a rich and honest portrait of country life.  

Wander through the Kodj Gallery, where stories stretch from ancient creation to modern farming, or lose yourself in the Australian Rose Maze, where pathways are shaped by the intertwined lives of three women across cultures and generations.  

Pause in the Story Place, where personal stories invite reflection and connection. 

This is more than a visit, it’s an invitation to listen, to learn, and to understand the land through many perspectives. 

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

There’s a moment in the Great Southern when the day softens and the landscape begins to glow. 

With Albany Tours, the Uredale Twilight Hike & Bush Picnic invites you into that moment. This guided journey along Albany’s spectacular coastline unfolds as afternoon turns to evening. 

Departing from Whalers Cove, the trail winds through coastal bushland, across granite rises and along the shoreline, revealing sweeping views over King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour and the Southern Ocean. Along the way, your guide shares stories of Uredale, a Menang elder, connecting the landscape to culture, history and meaning. 

At Uredale Point, pause for sunset. Colour shifts, light softens and the land opens wide. Enjoy a bush picnic of gourmet snacks as the sky deepens, before returning under a canopy of stars. 

With small group sizes and expert local guides, this is an experience designed for connection. To place, to story, and to stillness. 

There’s a quiet kind of luxury found in the Great Southern. One that doesn’t ask for attention, but invites you to slow down and settle in. 

At Heyscape’s tiny cabins in Denmark, that feeling comes naturally. Set within the Raintree Estate and moments from William Bay National Park, these thoughtfully designed cabins offer a stay deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. 

Each space is simple yet considered. A queen bed with premium linen, a warm indoor shower, a kitchenette for easy meals, and an outdoor bath that invites you to pause beneath open skies. Wake slowly with a coffee in hand, spend your days exploring, and return to stillness as evening settles in. 

With options for solo travellers, couples or small groups, and even pet-friendly stays, it’s a place shaped for comfort, connection and ease. 

This winter, escape to somewhere quieter. 

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. 

SAVE THE DATE: Taste Great Southern returns in 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/ 

Albany International Folk ‘n’ Shanty Festival
Albany | 10-12 July 
Albany comes alive with sea shanties, folk music, Irish dance and coastal revelry. With performances, markets, family activities and the much-loved Shipload of Shanty singalong, it’s the perfect way to embrace winter by the coast.
More info: https://albanyfolknshantyfest.com/ 

Albany Maritime Festival
Albany | 1 – 31 July 
Winter meets the sea throughout July as the Albany Maritime Festival celebrates the region’s deep connection to the ocean. Expect coastal experiences, storytelling, food, culture and family-friendly events inspired by Albany’s rich maritime heritage. 
More info: https://www.cityofalbanyevents.com/maritimefestival 

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 

Bloom Festival
Various locations | 12 Sept – 11 Oct
As winter gives way to spring, the Great Southern begins to bloom. Wander through a month-long celebration of wildflowers, art, food, music and nature across one of Western Australia’s most breathtaking seasons. 
More info: https://greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/bloom/ 

2026 Southern Art and Craft Trail
Various locations | 26 Sept – 11 Oct
Step inside studios, galleries and creative spaces across the Great Southern during the Southern Art and Craft Trail. Meet local artists and makers, discover handcrafted works, and experience the creativity woven throughout the region. 
More info: https://artsouthwa.com.au/southern-art-and-craft-trail/