The Great Southern Region
The area to the south of Perth is home to many varied attractions and magnificent contrasts. The southern wonders include the Kauri Forests, fantastic wildflower displays and, of course, my favourite, the wineries. There are some 85 wineries in the region and many award winning wines are to be found.
You will not be disappointed. Many of the wineries offer tastings, restaurants and picnic facilities to enjoy the local hospitality and produce. Many display handmade arts and crafts produced by the local artists.
This area is known as the Margaret River Region and is located just inland from the coast. A full vacation can be had in this part of the world as there is so much to see and do. As far as National Parks you cannot go past the Stirling Range National Park. The Cape coastline is a destination in itself. A sparkling sea, with brilliant blue waters and rocky outcrops add to the dramatic effect of this coast.
Geography Bay with smooth seas and wide sandy beaches is a major feature of the cape. You may well discover your own private beach. Protected and secluded with calm waters, make this a haven playground for the children. Offering superb swimming and great picnic spots, the bay is a must for anyone venturing south.
To fully appreciate the abundance of sea life that abounds in Geographe bay, I would suggest a tour with one of the local experts. They can arrange diving, whale watching and fishing.
Closer to the tip of the cape region the small bays become rockier featuring limestone caves and outcrops. This provides excellent diving and snorkelling.
Those travelling across the south of the state should try to reach the city of Albany. A former whaling station it is the site of the first white settlement in 1826 and is a beautiful spot.
The south west is home to a famous tourist attraction known as Wave Rock. Many who have seen it have said that it looked so real you could almost surf it. Further east is the Kalgoorlie gold fields where you can try your luck in fossicking for gold. Gold was discovered in this region in 1893 and it is still a thriving mining town. But this is what we call the outback so be prepared for some travel. Lots of tours are available in the region, but joy flights are probably the best way to get the feeling of the awesome size and space of the region. Whatever you do in the Great Southern you will not be disappointed, just allocate adequate time as this is a large area.