Explore the South West your way, with these suggested day trips and ideas.
Feature by Carolyn Beasley
Throughout Western Australia, The Dream Collective showcases some of the most outstanding experiences and accommodation providers, helping visitors to choose tourism operators to enhance their holiday. In Australia’s South West, just a couple of hours’ drive south of Perth (Boorloo), Dream Collective members will introduce you to world-class wineries and breweries, rugged coastal scenery, and towering forests. Whatever your interests, and wherever you’re visiting, here are a few dreamy day trip ideas for South West inspiration.
Wine and food escapes
Directly opposite Smiths Beach near Yallingup, you’ll find Smiths Beach Resort. Foodies can base themselves here, dining inhouse at Lamont’s Smiths Beach restaurant, under the direction of food and wine pioneer, Kate Lamont OAM.
The Margaret River region is famous for premium wines and produce, and an easy way to experience both is with a knowledgeable guide and driver. Trust the experts at Harvest Tours, who will drive you through three wineries, including lunch plus a cleansing craft beer. Another fun-filled taste bud tour is with Wine for Dudes, where you’ll be collected from accommodation in Dunsborough, Yallingup or Margaret River, before diving into the wine and brewery scene, including lunch and a wine blending experience.
For something different, try a farm experience at Chestnut Brae Farm in Nannup, where tours introduce chestnut farming and products, and you’ll meet the friendly black angora goats and Wessex Saddleback pigs.
Chestnut Brae Farm, Nannup
Nature lover’s dream
It’s hard to image a more sublime place to explore nature than in the South West. For accommodation that loves nature as much as you do, try Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge, nestled in the forest just 20 minutes from Dunsborough. One and two-bedroom spa chalets are offered, or settle into the four-bedroom lodge.
Stretch the legs on a short section of the iconic Cape to Cape Track with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours. On their three-hour hike from Smiths Beach to Canal Rocks, be guided through wild rocky headlands, hidden turquoise pools and in spring, glorious wildflowers.
Another spectacular attraction of the region is the natural limestone caves, Ngilgi, Lake, Jewel and Mammoth Caves. All are open for visitors and featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, lakes, and even fossils. Walkways lead into the caves, and Mammoth Cave offers universal access into the first chamber.
To experience Margaret River from the water, take a serene sunset canoe trip with Margaret River Discovery Company in the late afternoon glow. Between September and November, take to the ocean itself with Naturaliste Charters and Whale Watch Western Australia and be awed by the mighty humpback and southern right whales that migrate through this region.
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
Family adventures
Families with kids in tow will be delighted with Broadwater Resort on the shores of Geographe Bay near Busselton (Undalup). The pet-friendly, beachfront resort offers self-contained accommodation from one to three bedrooms, plus indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and e-bike rental.
A visit to the iconic Busselton Jetty is a must, as is catching the solar-powered train along the historic 1.8-kilometre jetty before exploring the marine life below the surface in the underwater observatory.
Changing up the pace, treat the kids (and grown-ups too) to an adrenalin fix at Next Level Monkey Business in Dunsborough where a high-ropes and zip-line course through the treetops is waiting to thrill.
From here, continue on to meet Wadandi man Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming for his Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tour. After Ngilgi Cave closes to the public, follow Josh into the depths to hear the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo in spine-tingling cave acoustics.
Josh Whiteland, Koomal Dreaming
Southern Escape
Venture further south to explore Albany (Kinjarling) and the Great Southern Region, where more Dream Collective operators will enrich your holiday. Base yourself in a cute cabin at Heyscape in Denmark, and from your comfy queen-sized bed, soak up views across spectacular William Bay.
Taste some of the Great Southern’s finest drops at Singlefile Wines in Denmark, where a trip to the cellar door often begins with meeting the resident family of geese. Book a behind the scenes tasting tour, or bring a picnic to enjoy overlooking the lake, a glass of Chardonnay in hand.
Further east in Albany, Susan McCabe of Albany Tours Busy Blue Bus guides visitors through a diverse array of highlights, from taking in the town’s heritage at the National Anzac Centre, to the wild coastal scenery of The Gap. Round out your visit to Albany with a visit to Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Tour an old whaling ship, and learn more about the industry and the current-day protection of the animals.
The Gap, Albany
Published April 2025.