There's a particular kind of magic that settles over the South West in winter. The crowds thin out, the karri forests turn moody and atmospheric, log fires get lit, and the whole region slows down to a pace built for slow mornings and long lunches. If you've only ever visited in summer, you're missing the South West at its most beautiful.
Here's where to base yourself for the ultimate winter escape across four of the region's best-loved towns.
© Tourism WA
Margaret River: Wine, Forest & Cosy Self-Contained Stays
Winter in wine country means quieter cellar doors, crackling fires, and forest walks without another soul in sight. Here's where to stay.
Central Avenue Apartments: Just 150 metres from Margaret River's main street, these spacious self-contained apartments come with king beds, deluxe waterfall showers, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Margaret River Hideaway and Farmstay: A working farm just 5km from town, home to alpacas, Highland cattle and a menagerie of farm animals. Well-behaved dogs stay free.
Margarets Beach Resort: The only resort accommodation right by the sea, just 500m from Gnarabup Beach.
Redgate Forest Retreat: A 167-acre property of native forest near Redgate Beach, close to Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate and Watershed wineries.
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Dunsborough: Beachside Stays for the Off-Season
Casa Feliz: A sun-drenched Mediterranean-style retreat in Old Dunsborough, just 150m from the beach.
Yallingup Forest Resort: Eco-certified chalets in native bushland, heated pool, on-site brewery.
Four Seasons Holiday Park: Just 200m from Geographe Bay, pet-friendly with a DIY dog spa. From $90/night.
BIG4 Dunsborough Southern Stars Holiday Park: Large, fenced, pet-friendly sites close to Busselton Jetty and Ngilgi Cave.
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Pemberton: Karri Forest at Its Most Atmospheric
Karri Forest Motel: Air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pool, BBQ facilities and continental breakfast, close to the Gloucester Tree.
Pemberton Forest Cottages: Rammed-earth cottages among the karri trees, close to Beedelup Falls and the Yeagarup Dunes.
Clover Cottage Country Retreat: A historic 1875 homestead on the Warren River with private spa chalets and a trout-filled lake.
Forest Lodge Resort: A boutique resort dating to 1916, set among tranquil gardens with native birds and kangaroos.
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Walpole: Wild, Wood-Fired & Wonderfully Quiet
Tree Top Walk Motel and Restaurant: A four-star motel with a solar-heated pool and licensed restaurant, beside the Tree Top Walk.
Coalmine Beach Holiday Park: Set on the Nornalup Inlet inside Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
Walpole Bayside Villas: Self-contained villas near the town jetty, several with log fireplaces and spa baths.
Peaceful Bay Chalet 5 A spacious three-bedroom chalet near Peaceful Bay's calm shoreline, with kangaroos as daily visitors.
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Make the Most of South West Winter
Pack a jumper, book a fire-warmed stay, and let the South West's quieter season do its thing.
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