The Great Southern is the epitome of old-style ‘down south’, a massive region that even locals tend to underestimate, covering 39,000 square kilometres. It’s renowned for stunning coastal landscapes, incredible cool-climate wineries, walking trails, and views around Mt Bluff, the highest peak and one of the few places in WA where it snows. You’ll find Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker in this region, along with smaller settlements of Porongurup, Katanning and Kojonup, among others.
Albany Coast
With a population of over 40,000, Albany is the only city in the region and still retains its slow-paced country feel. It was actually the first town established in WA in 1927, two years before Perth was settled, and it still retains many of the old buildings from that time.
The town centre contains everything one expects in retail and restaurants, and venturing out further surfaces the coastal landscape and national parks directly adjacent to Albany. The beach views are famous here, and for good reason, with endless kilometres of stunning white sand and crystal clear waters. The view from the top of Mount Clarence is worth climbing for, with scenes of Emu Point, Middleton Beach, the King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.
The coastal and inland national parks are some of the most beautiful in WA, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and four-wheel-driving. In the months from June to October, whale watching is also popular. Popular whale-watching sites include the cliffside at Torndirrup National Park. The history of whaling in Albany can be uncovered via the upgraded museum at Discovery Bay, alongside native wildlife and wildflower exhibits on the Discovery Trail, and by visiting the Historic Whaling Station.
Denmark Coast
To the west of Albany stands Denmark, a town with central shopping and eateries. As the town sprawls outward you can also find outdoorsy outlets like national parks and beaches. Those who enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkelling and fishing will be at ease, with the William Bay National Park a must—Greens Pool is great for kids (or kids at heart) with calm waters and rocks to jump from, alongside Elephant Rocks and Madfish Bay, both aptly and literally named. For the adults, the Scotsdale Tourist Drive on the way to Greens Pool passes wineries, galleries and farms.
Further north, we find Mount Barker, 45 minutes from Denmark and Albany, and home to the Porongurup and Stirling Range national parks. Basing yourself in Mount Barker or a farm stay in Porongurup Village to day-trip the national parks is a popular route, and the parks themselves have a lot to offer regarding views and biodiversity. Porongurup’s Granite Skywalk circles Castle Rock, a staggering half a kilometre above sea level. Even higher for thrill seekers is Bluff Knoll at Stirling Range National Park. As the highest peak in the Great Southern and Southern WA generally, submitting Bluff Knoll is a badge of honour for hikers. An even bigger draw is the possibility of snow in winter—something we’re not used to here in WA.