Winter in the South West of Western Australia gets a whole lot quieter and much more cosy. Though the temperatures start to drop and the region sees a bit of rain, the weather during winter down south is relatively mild when compared with winters around the globe.
Margaret River and the South West sees average daytime temperatures between 8 and 16 degrees celsius, perfect for rugged-up rambles among towering trees and world-class wines by a crackling fire.
Winter down south also brings an impressive lineup of seasonal events, from migrating whales to foodie feasts, stunning displays of tulips and red carpet events, so there’s plenty to do.
We’ve compiled a guide to the best winter events and things happening this winter down south. Check out the best things to do down south in winter and plan your winter down south getaway today.
Mother and calf Southern Right Whales off the coast of Margaret River. Photo Credit: Frances Andrijich
Winter in the South West of WA is the start of whale watching season, with humpback whales beginning their mating season migration from Antarctica to the north of the state from late May, and Southern Right whales returning to the indian ocean to give birth to their calves from about July.
See these majestic giants of the sea on a whale watching tour in Augusta during winter down south from late May until the end of August.
Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching runs tours daily at 10am & 2pm from the Augusta Boat Harbour on Flinders Bay. For those keen on planning a winter getaway, book a stay at Margaret River Tourist Park or Riverview Tourist Park, roughly a 37-minute drive from Augusta.
Whales can also be seen around this time in Albany, roughly 1.5 hours from Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park. Make a day of it and visit the many lookouts along this stretch of coast in search of migrating whales.
Not able to visit during winter down south? Whale watching season continues through September and November in Busselton and September and to early and even mid December in Dunsborough, as Southern Right whales and their calves make their way back north, and Pygmy blue whales can sometimes be spotted in the crystal-blue waters of the bays.
Our tip: Stay at Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park.
An aerial view of the Truffle Kerfuffle Festival in Manjimup. Photo Credit: @trufflekerfuffle on Instagram
One of the best parts about winter down south in the South West of Western Australia is the arrival of truffles! Winter in the South West is the season of the Périgord black truffle in Australia’s truffle heartland, Manjimup.
Truffle Kerfuffle festival kicks off the start of the truffle season, celebrating the prized delicacy from Friday 28th June - Sunday 30th June at a series of foodie events in Manjimup and surrounds. Think mouth-watering dishes heroing this pungent and flavoursome ingredient, paired with exceptional local wine and the finest produce - winter is the time to feast!
During truffle season, which typically takes place during the winter months from June to August, you can also join a truffle dog hunt to see how the black gold is unearthed. Truffle also features on the menu at many of the restaurants around the region during the season, so head out exploring and get ready to indulge.
Our tip: Extend your trip around Truffle Kerfuffle and continue on towards Walpole after the festival and stay in one of our cabins and units at Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park.
Enjoy a glass of wine in front of a campfire this winter at the Cabin Fever Festival
Keep the foodie feast rolling with Cabin Fever Festival in July - a showcase of 50 events from Busselton to Margaret River over 10 wintry days that; as they put it; ‘will leave you fuller than a late-night fridge raid’. Think degustation dinner collaborations, cheese toastie battles, parties with bonfires and beats, delectable wine and food pairings celebrating local produce, and so much more.
From Friday 12th July to Sunday 21st July there’s a jam-packed program of unique and indulgent events that are bound to warm you up this winter down south. Tickets sell fast, so get in quick and secure your spot.
Tickets sorted? Book your stay at Margaret River Tourist Park, Riverview Tourist Park or Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park for affordable and central accommodation during Cabin Fever 2023.
If you prefer the great outdoors over cellar doors, head to the 2024 Nannup Flower and Garden Festival this winter down south. Nannup is a great mid way point to stop and stretch your legs before reaching Walpole. Nannup is nestled beside the beautiful Blackwood River and the town displays explosions of colour each year during the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival.
Take a road trip down south during winter and make sure to stop through Nannup during the flower and garden festival and admire the spectacular scenery.
With so many events, winter down south is an opportune time to take a holiday and experience something new. Paired with the luscious greens of rolling hills, towering forests, truffles, prime surf breaks, majestic whales and so much more, it is an underrated time to visit the South West of Western Australia.
So why not pack your bags, don your winter woollies, and head south for a winter adventure you'll never forget?
Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of our cabins at Riverview Tourist Park
This winter down south, book your accommodation with Summerstar Tourist Parks at one of our four conveniently located South West caravan and holiday parks to help you make the most of your getaway.
Our South West parks include Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park, Margaret River Tourist Park, Riverview Tourist Park and Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park. These parks boast fantastic amenities and are the perfect affordable accommodation option for your stay down south this winter.
What is the weather like during winter in the South West of Western Australia?
During winter, the weather in the South West of Western Australia is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 16 degrees Celsius. Though the region experiences some rainfall, it is not as harsh as winters in other parts of the world.
What are some of the events and activities available during winter down south?
Winter down south offers a range of seasonal events and activities, including whale watching, truffle festivals, the Cabin Fever Festival, the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, and the CinefestOZ Film Festival. These events showcase the region's natural beauty, local produce, and cultural offerings.
Where can visitors stay during their winter down south getaway?
Visitors can choose from four conveniently located Summerstar Tourist Parks, including Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park, Margaret River Tourist Park, Riverview Tourist Park, and Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park. There are also mid-week specials and powered site discounts available for those booking directly on the website.
