Trade the Sahara Desert for: Yeagarup Dunes
Pemberton’s hidden gem is kind of a big deal – literally. Forget sweating it out under a blazing sun, Yeagarup Dunes are a sure-bet for a thrilling day out playing around on giant sand dunes. The area may be best known for its woody skyscrapers, karri trees but things are also gigantic at ground level too, home to the largest inland dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. The dunes rise up to 40 metres above old-growth forests so you can imagine the oh so spectacular views of the coast and surrounding ancient forests from the sand dunes. The sand dunes are on the move too, slowly clambering inland at a rate of four metres per year, engulfing the forest while unearthing fossilised trees.
To put your south-west experience into overdrive, hop on board a 4WD tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours to ride out this unique natural wonder in the south.
Plan your trip: Yeagarup Dunes
Trade France’s Bordeaux for: Margaret River Wine Region
Taking cues from the French who know how to properly unwind with a glass of good wine and c’est la vie is our beloved Margaret River Wine Region. To best enjoy the sips of this world-famous region, pair it with a gastronomical food experience at Domaine Naturaliste: offering charcuterie and cheese boards with award-wining wines; or partake in four-course discovery menu seating at Voyager Estate; or relish a quiet lunch seating at Clairault Streiker Estate.
Want someone to guide your palate for a day (and drive you around)? Harvest Tours offers personalised vineyard and wine tours to allow you to experience the very best of the region.
Plan your trip: Margaret River
Trade the Pyrenees, Spain & France for: Stirling Range National Park
Forget the winter layers as these mountains do not require the climbing finesse of summiting snow-capped mountains.
Take on Western Australia’s largest mountain range, Stirling Range National Park to really make you feel on top of the world, er Western Australia! Recently reopened Bluff Knoll is the area’s highest peak and is not considered a difficult climb, taking 3.5 hours return to complete the 1094 metre ascent.
Another standout climb includes Castle Rock Granite Skywalk in the Porongurup. This is one for those who want to challenge themselves with a bit of bouldering (handles on rocks attached) to reach a glass skywalk wrapping itself around the mountains unique granite peak. The leg and arm work are all worth it as the panoramic views at the summit are all kinds of wow.
If you need someone to guide the way, local family-owned tour operator Down Under Discoveries offers a range of nature-based experiences, eco-tours, hikes and 4WD adventures to many unique attractions throughout Porongurup, Albany and the South West. To mix adventures with gourmet experiences, check out Busy Blue Bus.
Plan your trip: Porongurup
