Enveloped by towering trees, enchanting coastlines, and world-class vineyards, otherworldly natural beauty isn’t all Australia’s South West has to offer. The region is also home to a collection of quirky and compelling offbeat experiences worth adding to your bucket list. This summer, step away from the usual suspects and experience something a little different with a road trip through WAnderland.
From the cultured to the kitsch and everything in between, there’s a world of colour and curiosity waiting for you at the other end of WA’s winding roads — hidden in towns you’ve never seen and collected by folk you’ll love to meet. And getting there is half the fun.
We’ve brought together WA’s unexpected regional collections to inspire your next adventure. With the help of local custodians, we’ve mapped our state’s treasure trove of bygone tales and talismans. It’s a rediscovery of long-hidden things; a lucky dip for the weird, wonderful, odd-shaped, and eyebrow-raising.
Sometimes choosing where to go is the hardest part, so take advantage of the user-friendly WAnderland itinerary planner to help you hatch a plan for your journey. But, if you’d prefer to leave it to us, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots to shape your South West summer road trip.
Arts & Culture
City of Albany Art Collection
Albany’s stunning natural beauty has long been a muse for creatives, drawing artists, and visionaries alike to its inspiring landscapes. One such admirer was arts patron Claude Hotchin, who made Albany his home for several years. In 1949, Hotchin gifted a collection of paintings to the Town of Albany, sparking the beginning of what would grow into a collection of more than 400 pieces. Today, selections from this impressive collection are on display at the Albany Public Library, as well as through rotating exhibitions at the Albany Town Hall and Vancouver Arts Centre. It’s a treasure trove of artistic inspiration, all shaped by the town’s extraordinary surroundings.
Greenbushes Discovery Centre
This charming town has a strong passion for its rich local history. Keep an eye out for the purple and orange signs marking the Heritage Amble, a delightful walking trail that winds through the town centre and reveals the stories of past shops and businesses. To make the experience even more engaging, pick up the Heritage Amble Game brochure at the Greenbushes Discovery Centre, where exhibits are designed to both educate and entertain. The centre offers a fascinating array of interactive displays covering local history, the environment, Nyoongar culture, timber processing, and mining, all brought to life with hands-on technology and information.
Be sure to step into the Discovery Decline — an exciting, immersive mine experience complete with sound effects. Mining has played a central role in Greenbushes since tin mining began in 1888, and today, lithium ore (or spodumene) is the town’s valuable resource, used in everything from mobile phones to ceramics, glass, and batteries.
Busselton Jetty Museum
The fascinating story of Busselton Jetty’s many lives is vividly captured in this intimate, dedicated museum, located within the Jetty’s Visitor Centre. Discover the jetty’s journey through construction, destruction, and revival on the interactive touch screen table, which details each pivotal stage. Originally built and expanded to serve industrial needs, the jetty now stands as a major tourism icon in the region. Its role continues to evolve, as it supports vital marine research and offers visitors the chance to experience the wonders of the deep up close and personal.
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery
Look out for the dreamy pink and oh, so Instagrammable building en route to Margaret River. Once a Sisters of Mercy Convent and Chapel, dating back to 1897, the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery is now a must-visit destination for any art lover.
The numerous gallery spaces mean there’s usually a wide range of exhibitions and media from emerging and established artists. Plus, a selection of artwork from the City of Bunbury Art Collection is always on display. The local government was actually the first to receive a donation from Claude Hotchin, a philanthropist and arts patron, who donated 22 paintings to Bunbury in 1948.
History & Heritage
National Anzac Centre
Dramatically perched on the slopes of Mount Adelaide overlooking King George Sound — the historic gathering point for Australian and New Zealand troops bound for World War I — the award-winning National Anzac Centre is one of Australia’s top attractions. Recognised as Australia’s best museum by TripAdvisor reviewers three times in four years, this centre, located within the grounds of the Princess Royal Fortress, offers an immersive and deeply moving experience.
The story of World War I unfolds through the personal accounts of 32 men and women, and each visitor receives a card to follow the journey of one of these individuals closely. Reflect on their sacrifices in the contemplation room, where you can honour the fallen against the stunning natural backdrop. The centre’s compelling displays are brought to life with items on loan from returned service families, private collections, and major institutions, including the Australian War Memorial and the Western Australian Museum.
Cranbrook Museum
The sound of the steam train whistle may have faded, but Cranbrook’s rich history as a key railway hub lives on. The story of this vibrant past is preserved within the Station Master’s House — the oldest building in Cranbrook. Built in 1888 to 89, this brick and iron cottage dates back to when Cranbrook was first established as a siding for the newly built railway. The area’s geography and natural water sources made it an ideal spot for a railway dam, providing a vital water supply for the steam engines. Over time, Cranbrook grew into a bustling railway hub, with both passenger and goods trains stopping to refuel and load up with local produce, connecting the community to the wider region.
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
From the weathered flensing deck, the view of King George Sound and its islands is simply breathtaking — a stark contrast to the bustling, steamy, and pungent scene of the past. This former whaling station, which operated from 1952 to 1978, now serves as a captivating historic site, where the stories of the crews who worked on whaling ships and processed the catch bring the place to life. The Historic Whaling Station Collection includes an extensive photographic archive, some of which is displayed in the Colin Green Heritage Gallery. This gallery honours Colin Green, a visionary local businessman who encouraged the Green Family to donate the abandoned whaling station to the Jaycees Community Foundation, preserving this significant piece of industrial heritage. Today, the site, with its fascinating exhibits, is one of Albany’s most popular tourist attractions.
Wellstead Museum
Bremer Bay is an iconic coastal summer destination, known and adored by locals and travellers alike for its exquisite natural beauty. But breathtaking landscapes aren’t all you’ll find, Wellstead Museum is one of the town’s most fascinating cultural attractions.
The history of the Wellstead family as farmers on the South Coast traces back more than 180 years. The family history is entwined within the vast collection amassed by descendent Max Wellstead, who was born in 1936, and opened the museum at the old family farm in 2003. Here, historic farming tools and machinery tell of a time when physical strength and perseverance were essential ingredients in farming and self-sufficiency.
If you’re getting peckish, there’s a café — Museum Café Bremer Bay — onsite that’s well worth a visit for great coffee, snacks, and more substantial feeds.
Katanning Historical Society
Housed in an impressive collection of heritage buildings, the Katanning Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating look into the past of this country town, which was notably the first in WA to install electric street lights. Established in 1937, the Katanning Historical Society holds the distinction of being the oldest of its kind in the state. The museum grounds feature a range of historic buildings, including a charming church, the original brick schoolhouse, the old Dongolocking School building, and the former band hall, each contributing to the unique historical tapestry of Katanning.
South West Rail & Heritage Centre
Step back in time with railway objects, photos, and trains on display at the South West Rail & Heritage Centre. Railways played a crucial role in opening up Western Australia’s regional areas, and when the Bunbury to Boyanup railway was constructed in 1887, it became the first railway in the state specifically built to serve an agricultural district. Boyanup soon became a significant railway junction, with lines extending to Katanning and Flinders Bay, transporting timber, agricultural goods, and people to Bunbury.
Although steam engines are now a rare sight, the area remains vibrant with dedicated volunteers actively working on restoring the historic rolling stock. Keep an eye out for the curved roof of the Roundhouse section, relocated here from the Bunbury railyard in the 1980s. The site also hosts the Preston River Old Machinery Collection, along with the Capel Men’s Shed.
Before reaching the larger engines, take a moment to explore the South West Model Railway’s miniature railways in the entrance building. Notice the intricate details of the miniature landscapes, including the painted “blue trees”. These trees are part of the Blue Tree Project, a Western Australian initiative raising awareness of mental health issues, especially in rural communities, by painting dead trees blue across the countryside.
Family Adventures
Power Up Electricity Museum
The Power Up Electricity Museum offers a hands-on, immersive experience for the whole family, bringing to life the story of electricity’s evolution and impact in Western Australia. With interactive displays and engaging, people-powered activities, Power Up ignites curiosity as it takes you from the early days of the first light bulb to the future of solar energy. Located alongside the Manjimup Visitor Centre and Park Café, it’s an ideal stop to spark new discoveries as you kick off your Southern Forests adventure. Now the reimagined home of the former World of Energy collection, the museum showcases some of WA’s earliest generating sets, vintage electric vehicles, and a range of early domestic electrical appliances.
Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre
Stepping into the Trails and Visitor Centre, you’re immediately immersed in the vibrant spirit of the Dwellingup community. This centre is a mecca of stories, history, and exploration. Large touch screens provide not only essential tourist information but also delve into the layers of the region’s past. Digital history trails feature-rich content on local Nyoongar culture, the timber mill towns, and the significant 1961 Dwellingup fire, with photos, first-hand accounts, and the compelling 30-minute documentary, The Day the Flames Came. Glass display cabinets showcase historical artefacts, offering a glimpse into life when Dwellingup was the heart of small mill towns. Back then, Dwellingup was the local timber industry’s administrative centre and home to “The Dwelly Pub” — now one of only two community-owned hotels remaining in Australia.
Belleview Shell Collection
If you’re partial to the curious world of shell collection, make this Margaret River classic the next pit stop on your South West road trip itinerary. For more than 40 years, Belleview Shell Collection has lured visitors from far and wide to marvel at the 30,000 shells and specimens that call the private collection home.
Since childhood, Peter Ignoti has nurtured a passion for shell collecting, so it’s no surprise that this path has shaped his life. A portion of his collection has been curated to offer visitors a visually captivating experience, while another section is organised by family groups, complete with Latin names for reference.
Nature & Wildlife
Yongernow Australian Malleefowl Centre
Discover the fascinating endangered Malleefowl, a bird that builds impressive mounds to incubate its eggs, at the Yongernow Australian Malleefowl Centre. Dedicated to preserving the mallee bush ecosystem and raising awareness of the Malleefowl, the centre runs a captive breeding program and conducts regular bird and fauna surveys. Through engaging educational displays, visitors can learn about the mallee bush, regional farming practices, and ongoing conservation efforts to protect this unique habitat and its wildlife. While you’re there, relax with a drink at the café, or explore the gallery and library for a deeper dive into the region’s natural heritage.
Roelands Village
The rolling hills make for a scenic drive along Seven Hills Road, winding alongside the Collie River through the valley. At the road’s end lies the entrance to Roelands Village, a place rich with history and opportunity. Managed by the Woolkabunning Kiaka Aboriginal Corporation, this farm holds deep significance; from 1939 to 1975, it served as an Aboriginal Mission, where more than 500 children lived and worked. During that time, Aboriginal people were often marginalised, excluded from the opportunities available to others, and placed in settlements, missions, and reserves. Due to government policies, children were sent to missions like Roelands Native Mission.
Woolkabunning Kiaka, meaning “We’ve been there, left, and returned to Seven Hills,” is dedicated to sharing the story of Roelands Village and creating opportunities for young people to connect with their culture and learn practical skills. At the heart of the village, the Function Centre serves as a community hub, displaying photos from its days as a mission, preserving memories of its past for future generations.
Margaret River Library
Surrounded by bird-filled native gardens, the Margaret River Library is a lively centre of knowledge and inspiration. Among the shelves, you’ll find a unique collection on grape growing and winery operations — resources that have supported generations of aspiring vignerons. There’s also a wealth of general and historical information on the Margaret River region, including the Mae Wise Files: a meticulously organised archive of local history created by passionate historian Mae Wise. Over many years, Mae gathered newspaper clippings, birth, death, and marriage records, and details on notable families, buildings, and events, carefully organising everything by topic.
Reflecting Margaret River’s creative spirit, the library building also serves as a showcase for local art. The entrance foyer, known as the Cocoon Gallery, features work by emerging artists, while the main library walls are adorned with pieces from the local art community. Before you leave, be sure to visit the sensory courtyard — a serene space perfect for relaxing, reflecting, and even stopping to smell the roses.
Strawberry Hill at Barmup
Next up, Strawberry Hill. The name came from the British colonists who established their first farm in Western Australia here. In 1966, it was the first historic house opened to the public by the National Trust of Western Australia.
As you walk along the path towards the magnificent stone building, revel in the beauty of the lush gardens enveloping you. The verdant greenery highlights the significance of this place for both the Menang people and the early colonists as the soil was fertile and fresh water was abundant, sourced from a watercourse fed by springs and rain running off nearby granite hills. It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, if you’re feeling nibbly.
You can learn more about its rich history at the Visitor Hub, where a volunteer will guide you through the cultural landscape and heritage buildings. Self-guided tours of the grounds are also available.
Your adventure starts here
Australia’s South West is brimming with eclectic experiences that bring history, culture, and nature together in unexpected ways. Whether you’re delving into unique art collections, exploring intriguing museums, or embracing the natural beauty and wildlife, each stop on this journey adds a new layer of adventure and discovery to your summer road trip.
So, why not take the road less travelled? Let the WAnderland itinerary planner help you plot your path, or dive straight into our curated list of must-visit spots to shape your trip. Start exploring, make memories, and uncover the hidden gems that make WA’s South West truly one of a kind.
