Our Guide to the Great Southern
February 18, 2025Just a four- to five-hour drive from Perth CBD, Western Australia’s Great Southern region is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and world-class wine. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, there’s something here for everyone. From wine tasting at renowned cellar doors to witnessing majestic orcas in the wild, here’s your guide to the must-visit experiences in the Great Southern.
Join us for a tasting at Plantagenet Cellar Door
Join Us for a Wine Tasting at Plantagenet Wines
No trip to the Great Southern is complete without exploring its incredible wine scene. Visit our welcoming cellar door in Mount Barker to sample our premium cool-climate wines, including elegant Rieslings, complex Chardonnays and structured Shiraz.
Enjoy a relaxed tasting experience while learning about our rich heritage and commitment to quality. Fancy staying a while? Book in for a tasting and platter or an in-depth session with our winemaker Mike Garland.
Orca migration from January to April in Bremer Bay
Orca Watching in Bremer Bay
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, head to Bremer Bay (between January and April) to witness orcas in their natural habitat. This area is home to one of the largest congregations of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. Book a guided boat tour to get up close to these magnificent creatures as they hunt and play in the deep waters of the Bremer Canyon.
Stay at the breathtaking Native Dog Cabin and relax in the hot tub with a glass of our Wyjup Blanc de Blancs as you take in the sunset vista over the ocean.
The breathtaking Stirling Ranges
Explore the Stirling Range and Bluff Knoll
Adventure seekers will love Stirling Range National Park, home to the iconic Bluff Knoll – one of the highest peaks in Western Australia. Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views and if you’re lucky, you might even see snow during winter. We also recommend a walk up Mount Trio – a steep yet rewarding trail that gives you a 360-degree view of the ranges. The park is also a biodiversity hotspot, making it a paradise for wildflower lovers and bird watchers.
Stay at the Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park and soak in the views after a hard day of exploring with a glass of our ‘Normand’ Pinot Noir.
The perilous Gap near Albany
Visit The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park
Once connected to Antarctica in the days of the Gondwana supercontinent, The Gap is a truly incredible part of the Great Southern landscape. Safety tip! Don’t get too close to the edge. A short drive away (and not to be missed) are the famous Blowholes.
Recover from your adrenaline rush with a cold glass of our Three Lions Sauvignon Blanc at The Bay House.
River’s End Retreat just outside of Albany
Discover Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Step back in time at the Albany Historic Whaling Station, where you can explore the last operating whaling station in Australia. Now a fascinating museum, it offers insight into the region’s maritime and whaling history. Walk through the old whaling ship and learn about the transformation from whaling to conservation.
Stay in the beautiful River’s End Retreat tiny home just outside of Albany and enjoy a glass of our Three Lions Shiraz by the outdoor firepit.
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Visit the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Experience the beauty of the Great Southern’s towering forests with a visit to the Valley of the Giants near Walpole. The Tree Top Walk takes you 40 metres above the ground through the ancient tingle forest, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective of these massive trees.
Continue your tree-top journey with a stay at the Riverbank House and share a bottle of our Wyjup Chardonnay as you wind down from your day.
The coastal town of Albany
Pay Tribute at the National ANZAC Centre in Albany
Did you know that over 40,000 Australian and New Zealand troops departed for Gallipoli from the Albany coast in WW1? The first ever ANZAC Day Dawn Service was held in town and the award-winning National ANZAC Centre is located here too. For a culturally significant stop, this is a must do.
For a stay in town consider the stunning City Sanctuary. Relax in this beautiful home and take a moment to reflect with a glass of our Wyjup Malbec.
The Porongurup Range National Park, home to the famous Granite Skywalk
Explore the Porongurup Range
For breathtaking views and unique rock formations, visit the Porongurup Range National Park. Home to the famous Granite Skywalk, this park offers spectacular hiking opportunities, where you can climb to the top of Castle Rock and enjoy panoramic views over the Great Southern landscape. A visit to this ancient mountain range is a must for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Sleep amongst the vines at this farm stay in Mount Barker and treat yourself to our Wyjup Cabernet Sauvignon as you watch the sun set over the vineyard. Bonus points if you spot a Llama!
Visit Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park
Relax on the Pristine Beaches
The Great Southern is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Visit Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park, a tranquil, crystal-clear swimming spot protected by granite boulders. Or take in the dramatic coastline of Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay, known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Misery Beach along the Albany coastline was also voted ‘Best Beach in the Country’ by Tourism Australia in 2022! Surfers can head to Denmark’s Ocean Beach for fun rides in the stunning turquoise ocean.
Relax at the end of a day in the sun with a refreshing glass of our ‘Angevine’ Riesling at this incredible adults-only tiny home, tucked away amongst native Karri trees.
Plan Your Great Southern Adventure
Ready to explore? With its mix of fine wine, stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife, the Great Southern is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re sipping award-winning wines at our cellar door, hiking through breathtaking national parks, or watching orcas in the wild, this region promises truly unforgettable experiences.
