15 Hidden South West Escapes To Fire Your Inspiration This Winter
There isn’t anything that screams winter like a cosy getaway – preferably with a couple of majestic trees and a crackling fire. What do we like even more though? Well, we can’t resist a deal – and winter getaways are jam-packed with ‘em.
With that in mind, we’ve found some of the best places to stay and play in the beautiful South West, whether it’s rain or shine.
Evedon Lakeside Retreat
Take in the tranquil lakeside views and cosy fire pits at the serene Evedon Lakeside Retreat. Nestled within the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley and ensconced in 320 hectares of lush bushland, the waterfront accommodation is only a quick 20 minute drive from Bunbury. Book in for a midweek winter getaway, and you can even enjoy $100 off (T&Cs apply).
While you’re so close to Bunbury, you can check out what makes Bunbury Brighter – perhaps with a meal at Market Eating House or a New York-style pizza at Last Slice.
Origins Market
While we think of Busselton as being a beach-babe’s paradise, it’s also a foodie favourite – due in no small part to Origins Market, a huge indoor market that opened at the tail end of 2021. Experience as much of the deliciousness on offer as you can with their Tasting Flight, which pairs some of the market’s best eateries with the best of the Tasting Hall.
While you’re in Busselton, rest your head at the RAC Busselton Holiday Park – during winter, the surrounding bushland is even more lush, and you can keep the kids entertained on rainy days with their recently revamped games room.
Shelter Brewing Co.
Another favourite for any Busso visitors, you’ve got to hit up Shelter for a pint or two. Enjoy the views of the wild winter ocean, or go behind the scenes with a brewery tour – as well as seeing how their beer is made from grain to glass, you can grab a takeaway case for half price afterwards!
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Stay a while at the luxurious Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. Situated on the spectacular Cape Naturaliste coastline (and less than an hour away from Busselton), the resort is an ideal spot year-round – whether you’re taking advantage of that enticing pool or relaxing with a treatment at their day spa.
Margaret River Caves
As well as the world-class wine and beaches, the Margaret River Region is home to some truly breathtaking natural wonders – including a series of unique and varied caves. Yallingup’s Ngilgi Cave is easily explored through a series of boardwalks, while the Mammoth Cave has been the excavation site of over 10,000 fossils – including some pretty insane megafauna. You can even save 12.5% on your semi-guided tours with the code “winterdownsouth” via this link!
Bina Maya Yallingup Escape
Self-catered Scandi luxury? That sounds like a winning combo to us! Set amongst 7.5 acres of pristine native bushland, you’ll feel a world away from it all at Bina Maya – although you’re in the heart of the Margaret River Region. To make your stay even more special, use the code ASW-WINTER and you’ll receive a complimentary grazing board and wine when you arrive (T&Cs apply).
RAC Margaret River Nature Park
Sleep amongst the majestic surrounds of the Wooditjup National Park with a stay at RAC Margaret River Nature Park. Accommodation options include self-contained cabins – with cosy log fires! – as well as safari tents and campsites. Suitable for families as well as romantic forest getaways (they’ve got a nifty deal for winter), make sure you bring some marshmallows to toast on the campfire.
Naturaliste Charters
One of WA’s most spectacular winter treats is the annual migration of whales as they travel north up the coast on the “Humpback Highway”. Join up with Naturaliste Charters and watch the magnificent sea creatures as they frolic in the water off Augusta – plus you can get 10% off if you use the code ASW10.
Ampersand Estates
Having only just opened at the start of 2022, Ampersand Estates has already become a must-visit for anyone journeying through Pemberton. As well as three luxurious accommodation sites, the boutique winery showcases the region’s distinctive terroir – or wet your whistle at their distillery’s gin and vodka lounge. This winter, bookings will also include a $200 hamper of Gin, Vodka and Wine (or a luxury gourmet food hamper) when you use the code WINTER 22.
While you’re amongst the mystical Southern Forests and Valleys, stop in at Manjimup – one of the world’s premier truffle-growing regions. Hunt for fresh truffles or stop by one of the picturesque wineries to enjoy the region’s amazing produce.
RAC Karri Valley Resort
RAC Karri Valley Resort is home to world-class lakeside views and karri forest that will take your breath away. Relax and unwind with a hot chocolate or glass of wine at the Lakeside Restaurant, or get cosy next to your chalet’s log fire… Or, if you’re more outdoorsy, you and the family can try your hand at a whole range of activities that include fishing, canoeing, archery, mini golf and more…
… Including the spectacular Beedelup Falls. We make no secret of our love for waterfalls – and Pemberton’s home to a stunner! Beedelup Falls flow year-round, but the best time to see them is of course during the winter. The 4.5km Beedelup Loop Walk is a gorgeous winter’s walk that will take you through breathtaking karri forest, and right by the falls.
Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages
We’ve made no secret of just how adorable we think these cottages are – perched high atop a Balingup hilltop, you can enjoy magical misty mornings with a warm cuppa, and evenings by the log fire. While that’s enticing enough, we’re even more inclined to visit now with their midweek winter offer, which also includes a complimentary gourmet breakfast hamper, bottle of local wine and even a lunch voucher to The Cidery & Blackwood Valley Brewing Company.
The cottages are only a short hop away from Bridgetown – dubbed “Fridgetown”, it’s WA’s unofficial winter capital. As well as the Cidery, it’s packed with charming and quirky cafes, cute boutiques and plenty of history!
Busy Blue Bus
Enjoy the South West’s award-winning wineries with the help of the Busy Blue Bus – not only will you travel in comfort, you won’t have to worry about who’ll be the designated driver! As if that wasn’t appealing enough, for every two guests booked onto the Mt Barker Grape Escape Tour, you’ll get a complimentary bottle of Shiraz from Plantaganet Wines, which you can enjoy next to the fire at the winery’s cellar door – if that won’t warm you up, we don’t know what will!
Bluff Knoll
WA’s mild winters are really a blessing, but we can’t help but be a little jealous when we see people frolicking in the snow… Well, with a bit of work (and altitude) – we can enjoy some snow, too! Bluff Knoll is one of the few places in our state it regularly snows: with WA seeing an average of 1.7 snowfalls per year, 2021 saw five flurries hit the Knoll.
The Horsepower Highway
Start the trip home with a drive via the Horsepower Highway – a 75km trail of quirky tractors that showcases the region’s agricultural history (as well as a few fun winter getups!).
For more great deals and things to down south, head to the Australia’s South West Website.
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This article is sponsored by Australia’s South West and very happily endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.