Margaret River & South West

Wine connoisseurs will be in their element on a holiday to Margaret River. One of Australia’s largest wine regions, this area has more than 200 vineyards. More than a quarter of the country’s premium wines are produced in Margaret River, with specialities including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. There are a number of wineries to visit, ranging from small, family-run vineyards to sprawling estates. Most offer laidback tasting sessions, where you can compare fruity reds and crisp whites. But some – like Amelia Park and Vasse Felix – also offer a full fine-dining experience, featuring local produce alongside their best wines.

If you’re hiring a car, it’s very easy to visit the wineries independently. But, if you’re planning to sample the produce, it’s best to book a guided daytrip – then you can sit back, sip away, and let someone else do the driving.

Western Australia is famous for its knockout beaches, and the South West has more than its fair share.

First up, there’s Dunsborough. About a three-hour drive south of Perth, this scenic town has not one, but four jaw-dropping stretches of sand. You can stroll along crescent-shaped Bunker Bay, swim in the blue waters of Eagle Bay, and hop between the tidal pools of Castle Rock. But Meelup Beach is the jewel in the crown. With sugary sands and clear, turquoise waters, it wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.

Further south, William Bay National Park also has some absolute show-stoppers. Small coves pepper the coastline, where talc-white sands are brushed by cobalt-coloured waters. You can snorkel in the calm waters, keeping your eyes peeled for small fish swimming between the granite boulders. You’re likely to see a range of tropical creatures, such as zebrafish, moonlighters, starfish and stingrays.

Want to see some wildlife during your holiday? Make tracks for Fitzgerald River National Park, on the south coast of Western Australia. It’s one of the largest national parks in the country, covering more than 3,290 square kilometres – an area bigger than Gloucestershire. It’s crammed with a variety of flora and fauna, including more than 1,800 species of plant and 200 types of bird. But the real attraction can be found just off-shore. In winter, hundreds southern right whales swim close to shore to calve, and the whole area becomes a whale nursery. 

Alternatively, if you’re planning to spend more time on the west coast, check out Bunbury. This coastal city is famous for its friendly bottlenose dolphins, which can often be seen swimming in Koombana Bay. It’s likely you’ll spot them playing just off-shore. And you can find out more about them at the Dolphin Discovery Centre

As you’d expect from a wine region, Margaret River is warm throughout the year. But the driest, warmest season runs from October to April, when temperatures hover between 20°C and 27°C. January and February tend to be the hottest months. Just remember that the grape harvest usually takes place between mid-March and mid-April – so, if you’re keen to see the vines in all their glory, it’s best to visit beforehand

Showers are common between May and September, as this is effectively the winter season. If you’re planning to spend lots of time on the beach, this might not be the best time to go. But, on the other hand, this is when you’ll be able to see southern right whales swimming off the coast of Fitzgerald River National Park. And the towns, cities and wineries will be much quieter than in summer.