15 must-do experiences, tours and stays for your next trip down south
The South West region of Western Australia is one where pristine beaches meet towering forests, world-class wines flow, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures await.
It’s a region where you can really dream big, and if you’re wondering where to get started, The Dream Collective is a fantastic way to get you on the right track.
A celebration of Western Australia’s leading tourism operators, it’s the crème de la crème of highly reviewed, award-winning travel businesses and experiences.
Look out for the prestigious badge when planning and booking your dream experiences and getaways; awarded to operators committed to customer satisfaction, accessibility and sustainability.
From indulgent escapes to rugged outback adventures, The Dream Collective is here to help you experience the best that Western Australia has to offer – so let’s get started with the South West’s must-see stops:
SCENIC STOPS & DREAM DESTINATIONS
Busselton Jetty
Busselton Jetty is one of Western Australia’s most unique destinations, where you can stroll or hop aboard a solar-powered train, before descending eight metres below it. A journey to the end of the southern hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty leads you to the Underwater Observatory (where you can witness passing parades of marine life) and the Underwater Sculpture Park – a must-do for any diving enthusiast.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Where two oceans meet, climb to the top of this historic lighthouse for sweeping views of awe-inspiring coastlines. If you’re lucky enough to be there during migration season from May to September, it’s also a prime spot for whale watching.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
An easy 59-step climb at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse rewards you with panoramic views of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and Geographe Bay. Explore the original lightkeepers’ cottage, now an immersive museum of maritime history filled with tales from dedicated keepers who have kept ships safe since 1904!
Lake Cave + Mammoth Cave
A descent into Lake Cave takes you through a sunken forest to an underground lake, where stalactites and delicate crystal formations create a mirror-like reflection unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Meanwhile just a few minute away you’ll find Mammoth Cave, which is home to over 10,000 fossils. Of the many highlights is a 50,000-year-old zygomaturus jawbone embedded in the cave wall, offering an incredible window into Australia’s megafauna history.
Jewel Cave
Prepare to be awe-inspired by the grandeur of Jewel Cave, the largest show cave in Western Australia, and one of the world’s most spectacular tourist caves. Crystal ornaments adorn its vast chambers, including Australia’s longest straw stalactite, growing down into the depths of the cave for over five metres!
Ngilgi Cave
Just five minutes from Yallingup is a journey down into Ngilgi Cave – an incredible Karst cave system with mesmerising crystal formations including shawls and helictites. You can choose from a variety of different tour options while here, including Koomal Dreaming.
Koomal Dreaming
Experience the South West through the eyes of its traditional owners. Connect with culture on a Koomal Dreaming tour in the Margaret River Region and taste native foods, learn about bush medicine, and hear ancient stories on Wadandi and Bibbulmun Country. Koomal Dreaming also operates a Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tour – be mesmerised by a live didgeridoo performance followed by a Koomal bushwalk to learn about indigenous plants, foods, and medicines tied to the Aboriginal six seasons.
Margaret River Discovery Co.
Not your typical wine tour. This exclusive experience links the region’s best wineries with epic outdoor adventures, keeping things intimate with a six guest limit. Think sunset canoe tours on secluded rivers followed by fine wines among the vines.
Forest Adventures
If you’re chasing a slice of action in the South West, you can channel your inner adventurer among the treetops of Ludlow Tuart Forest with flying foxes and high-rope challenges at Forest Adventures. The park spans eight acres of natural bushland and has six courses mixing rope and wire challenges, and it’s open seven days a week during the school holidays!
Pemberton Discovery Tours
Explore the Southern Forests and Valleys with guided eco-adventures on offer with Pemberton Discovery Tours. Traverse Yeagarup Dunes, navigate lush National Parks and normally inaccessible forests, or indulge in gourmet food and wine tours showcasing the best of the area.
Harvest Tours
Embark on an adventure of the Margaret River Region’s finest food, wine, and produce with Harvest Tours. From chatting with local artisans to exploring breathtaking coastline and bushlands, this tour is a feast for the senses. Families including children and travellers requiring wheelchair access are all welcome, with door-to-door service enabling you to enjoy all that is on offer throughout the region.
Naturaliste Charters
Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with whale watching tours or Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions – one of only a few places in the world you can see majestic orcas in action in the wild. Depart from Dunsborough, Augusta or Bremer Bay and witness our state’s vibrant marine life.
SERENE STAYS
Tree Chalets
Tucked into 90 acres of pristine bushland, these luxury chalets are the perfect escape for couples seeking a little serenity. You’ll find eco-friendly comfort with panoramic views and the ultimate in privacy, along with over five kilometres of walk trails, and the occasional visit from a kangaroo and abundant birdlife.
Chestnut Brae Farmstay
Reconnect with nature at this tranquil farmstay surrounded by sweet chestnut trees. Enjoy peaceful rural charm, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting, perfect for families or those seeking a digital detox.
Tanah Marah
Escape the everyday at Tanah Marah, nestled in 350 acres of stunning forest and farmland. Relax in luxury chalets with lakeside views and reconnect with nature in serene seclusion.
Ready to start dreaming big?
Planning your next trip to the South West? Embark on dreamlike adventures with Western Australia’s leading tourism operators and experiences, thanks to The Dream Collective.
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This article is sponsored by Tourism Western Australia and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.