From natural landmarks like flowing waterfalls and incredible limestone structures to man-made pools and painted murals, WA’s South West has plenty to offer those who are handy with a camera (or a phone).
If you’re planning your next trip down south and want to scope out a few picture-perfect places, look no further than this list of Instagram-worthy spots.
Pemberton Pool, Pemberton
This idyllic man-made swimming pool has been around for decades and is a very picturesque place to take a dip. The pool is a particularly great spot for Instagram snaps; it’s lined with Karri trees reflecting beautifully off the water’s surface.
You’ll find the pool on Lefroy Brook, next to the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park. There are plenty of facilities around for you to make an afternoon of your visit, including picnic tables, barbecues, and toilets.
Collie Mural Trail, Collie
While it would have been easy to add Black Diamond Lake to this list — we wanted to at least mix it up a little bit.
If you haven’t visited Collie in the past two years, plan a visit to explore the ever-expanding Collie Mural Trail. The trail splashes colour across town and landmarks on its outskirts, too. Start at the visitors’ centre in town before weaving your way through the streets, using the mural QR codes to better plan your walking route.
The trail’s main attraction is the 8000-square-metre mega-mural on Wellington Dam within the Wellington National Park, a short drive from the Collie town centre. Though many people say photos won’t do this mural justice, you’ll definitely be able to take a few impressive snaps from its viewing platform.
Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup
Often regarded as one of WA’s most beautiful autumnal towns, Balingup is home to the 60-hectare Golden Valley Tree Park, a must-visit for travellers seeking a colourful photo opportunity. The park harbours a collection of trees from around the world, and come autumn; their canopies erupt in blazing colour. If you’re visiting at other times of the year, the park is equally as beautiful, boasting blossoms in springtime and late winter, too.
If you want to spend more time exploring the surroundings, the Bibbulmun Track feeds through the park. Along the way, marvel at the views over the Blackwood Valley.
Boranup Forest, Margaret River
The Margaret River region’s towering Karri trees are a sight to behold. Pull into a rest stop along Caves Road for a hero photo of the road winding through the trees. After a quick lens change, make your way into the forest for more photos. As the sun streams through the trees’ branches, sections of the forest canopy and wildflower-covered forest floor are illuminated. It makes for beautiful textures for macro photography.
Bald Head Walk Trail, Albany
Though the Bald Head Walk Trail will challenge you, the vistas over the Flinders Peninsula are a much-welcomed consolation prize. You can see right the way back to Albany and King George Sound, making for perfect photo opportunities. If you’re not up for all that exercise, it’s a short walk from the car park to the viewing area.
Canal Rocks, Yallingup
Perhaps one of the South West’s most Instagrammed locations, Canal Rocks is characterised by a rugged granite coastline and the narrow channel carved between rocks by centuries of thrashing waves and currents.
Wander the timber boardwalk to view marine pools and lagoons from above. For an alternate view, visit the lookout (accessed from the road), or hop in the water to explore. Just be sure to follow warning signs, as conditions can get rough.
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Walpole
If you’re venturing into the beautiful ‘Walpole wilderness’, don’t miss your chance to walk the 600-metre-long Valley of the Giants walkway among the treetops. Some of the Tingle forest’s trees (many of which are up to 40-metre tall) date back millions of years and are endemic to the area around Walpole. They make an ideal photographic subject.
While in the area, check out the award-winning Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre and the unique Swarbrick art installation within the forest.
Ferguson Valley
No matter which direction you look, the vistas in the Ferguson Valley are perfect for photos. In fact, it’s hard to narrow down just one of the valley’s wineries to take pictures at. So, we’ve picked a few favourites.
Head to Green Door Wines for sweeping valley views. On a clear day, you can see from the cellar door right back through to the port of Bunbury. Talisman Wines is home to a picturesque deck overlooking a still dam, and St Aidan Wines sits beside the flowing Ferguson River.
Quinninup Falls, Yallingup
Though these falls are a little tricky to find (and reach), their flowing beauty is well worth the hike, particularly if you’re visiting right after winter rains. Entry to the trail is from the Moses Road car park, the falls taking around 45 minutes to reach by foot.
Make sure you wear solid footwear, bring water, and plan your walk when there’s plenty of daylight.
Travel Western Australia with So Perth
Lead image: Danny Lau
