Discover the Great Southern
Visitors flock to the Coast to discover a countryside teeming with wildlife, dotted with quaint historical settings, and frequently adorned by rainbows.
Cradled by wild surf, rugged earth and fertile turf, the district dramatically showcases elements of unspoiled Australia at its best.
Bright blue skies are met by towering granite stacks, pounded below by crashing white waves. Forested green cliffs provide shelter for calm turquoise bays fringed by verdant bush land. While rolling pastures plateau between mountain ranges, and foster a splendid diversity of native flora and fauna.
A region inundated with awe-inspiring natural attractions, the Great Southern hosts numerous one-of-a-kind sightseeing experiences.
Find solitude at inviting white-sand beaches like Green Pool, Shelley Beach, Two Peoples Bay, Salmon Holes, and Cosy Corner. Marvel at ancient rock formations like the Natural Bridge, Elephant Rocks, The Gap (pictured), Castle Rock, and Tree in the Rock. Explore the magnificent Southern Forests and walk amongst the giant trees of Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Witness explosions of colour inundate the local landscape during wildflower season.
Flanked by the Southern Ocean and numerous nature reserves, the Rainbow Coast is the region’s most popular holiday haunt. Visitors flock to the Coast to discover a countryside teeming with wildlife, dotted with quaint historical settings, and frequently adorned by rainbows.
The port city of Albany helms the region with diverse and plentiful attractions. Framed by outstanding wilderness – including impressive national parks, the beautiful Princess Royal Harbour and the expansive King George Sound – Albany is most renowned for its long and dramatic heritage.
Visit the Brig Amity; a full-scale replica of the ship that brought the first European settlers and convicts to Western Australia. Peruse charming colonial buildings turned museum and shops. Pay homage to Australian and New Zealand war heroes at the Desert Mounted Corps War Memorial on Mount Clarence – reportedly the site of the first ANZAC Day dawn service. Step back in time with an interactive journey through the last operating whaling station in Australia.
History and nature are not the Great Southern’s only drawcards. Like nearby district Margaret River, the region is also famous for wine production. The Great Southern boasts one of Australia’s largest wine regions, home to no less than 30 wineries. Tour the countryside surrounding Mount Barker, Frankland, Denmark, and the Porongurups and taste the region’s famous flavours.
Plan Your Great Southern Getaway
- Flights to the Great Southern: Virgin Australia operates flights to Albany, direct from Perth.
- Great Southern Holiday Packages: Plan your holiday with expert help, Virgin Australia Holidays can tailor exceptional Great Southern holiday packages.
- Albany Hotels: Find your perfect Great Southern base. Select from a wide choice of accommodation with our hotel partner Agoda.
- Albany Car Hire: Take to the road and discover the best of the coast and national parks. Book a car for pick up at Albany airport, and receive great rates from our car hire partners.
