Gotta gram ’em all: 10 of the most Insta-worthy spots in the South West
Western Australia’s south west region is often touted the state’s crown jewel, bursting at the seams with a bounty of photo-snapping, extremely Instagrammable places to enjoy.
With its Mediterranean climate and world-class culinary experiences, crystal coastlines and verdant forests, this little slice of paradise is well-worth tucking in to. We’ve put in the leg work and compiled a list of 10 of the most scenic spots around WA’s south west to add to your Instagram bucket list:
Honeymoon Pool, Collie
Perched within the jarrah, marri and yarri trees of Wellington National Park, and enveloped by overhanging Peppermint trees, Honeymoon Pool is known and adored for its title as a picturesque camping, swimming and kayaking spot. Located a 2.5-hour drive from Perth, the emerald wonderland is an adventure mecca on the Collie River, with plenty of bushwalking and mountain biking trails to explore.
Honeymoon Pool once operated as an army training base camp, and it’s thought the destination was named by WWII soldiers due to its popularity as a honeymoon destination.
Boranup Forest, Margaret River
If you’re a lover of nature and all things green, the Boranup Forest is a must! Located between the beachside towns of Margaret River and Augusta, the forest could be straight from a fairytale with its towering karri trees and lush climbing moss! Take a trip along Boranup Forest Drive and pull in at the Boranup Lookout for sweeping panoramic vistas of the forest canopy and impeccable photo opportunities. Bring a picnic and stay to explore the leafy paradise!
Canal Rocks, Yallingup
Branded by a rugged granite coastline and narrow channel weathered by waves and currents, it’s no surprise that Canal Rocks is one of the South West’s most photographed locations. Take a tread along the timber boardwalk for the Insta-worthy seascapes, marine pools and lagoons, or visit the lookout for an alternate view.
Ferguson Valley, Dardanup
The emerald rolling hills of Ferguson Valley are truly what dreams are made of. Characterised by verdant vineyards and flowering colour, the region is a picturesque agricultural hinterland and viticultural district, situated between Dardanup and Collie. It’s a hotspot for foodies and winos alike, home to world class wineries, breweries, restaurants and charming accommodation options. For sweeping valley views, make a beeline for Green Door Wines, or try Talisman Wines for the tranquil dam and deck, flanked by bushland.
Black Diamond Lake, Collie
Enveloped in an oasis of native bushland and only five kilometres west of Collie, Black Diamond Lake is a dazzling turquoise watered paradise. A quick Insta search will be all it takes to convince you to pack the car, grab your favourite floaty and hit the road. Located just over two hours by car from Perth, the destination is perfect for a picnic, day trip or roadie pit stop! According to the history books, Black Diamond is an abandoned mine site that filled with water after it was de-commissioned. So, while swimming is permitted, it’s recommended that recreationists keep their head above the water, as there is a risk of contaminates.
Busselton Jetty, Busselton
When you think of WA icons, one of the most recognisable landmarks is the Busselton Jetty. Spanning an impressive 1841 metres over Geographe Bay, the world’s second longest wooden jetty is known and adored for its endless summer allure and for gracing countless postcards with its four blue beach houses. The heritage listed jetty is also home to one of the world’s six underwater observatories where guests can discover more than 300 marine species!
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Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Walpole
If you’re partial to adventure, a visit to the Valley of the Giants region, – located between Denmark and Walpole – should well and truly be on the cards. The famous Tree Top Walk is suspended within the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness, and offers sensational views in the canopy of
ancient tingle forest. Visitors can also explore the boardwalks below to experience the Ancient Empire Walk – a grove of veteran tingle trees, some of which have been standing for over 400 years, reaching heights up to 75 metres.
Injidup Natural Spa, Yallingup
What was once a secret South West swim spot, is now a bucket list destination for families, photographers and Instagrammers alike. The natural rock formation is located only a short drive south of the famed Yallingup surf breaks, at the north end of Injidup Beach. The (supposedly) hidden rock pool is protected from the winds and allows guests the coastal spa experience – that being less glamorous and probably not so relaxing, but incredibly beautiful. It’s a favourite seaside joint for many, the perfect spot to perch with a book or simply watch the world go by. A word to the wise: aim to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to dodge the crowds.
Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste
Emerging from the Indian Ocean, only a stone’s throw from the mainland, the towering, sea-sculptured Sugarloaf Rock is one of the region’s most photographed coastal landforms. Its name originates from the tapering form of refined sugar which was produced and sold until the late 19th century. The location is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, situated near Dunsborough, within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Hamelin Bay
Known for the notorious stingray swimming close to the beach and home to sweeping shores of snowy sand and turquoise water peppered with marine life, the sheltered Hamelin Bay is a destination fit for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Located a 30-minute drive south of Margaret River, the beach – another Instagram hotspot – was named after French explorer Jacques Felix Emmanuel Hamelin, who sailed through the area in around 1801.
Header Image Credit: Alexandra Casey