Touring Great Southern

Day 1 - Travelling from Perth along the Albany Highway you pass through the communities of Williams and Arthur River before arriving at the town of Kojonup. First established as a military outpost in 1837 to protect the mail run from Albany to Perth, Kojonup today supports the surrounding farming areas and is home to the annual Wildflower Festival during springtime.

From Kojonup continue on to Cranbrook before heading east to the spectacular and scenic Stirling Range National Park. Time should be taken here to enjoy one of the many bushwalks or, for the more adventurous, a climb up Bluff Knoll offers some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Over 1,000 species of flowering plants occur naturally in the range. Accommodation is available here and is recommended

Day 2 - Travelling south, turn off to the Porongurup National Park where once again visitors can enjoy scenic and challenging bushwalks. Castle Rock is one not to be missed. The immediate area is also home to many quality vineyards offering a full rage of wines that cater for all tastes. Continuing on to Mount Barker, centre of the region's wine country, will bring you back to the main highway. Mount Barker has many attractions for visitors including the Old Police Station and Gaol.

Day 3 - A short drive towards the coast and you are in the City of Albany, the centre of the region with a population in excess of 25,000. Albany is the site of Western Australia's first European settlement in 1826, established some three years before Perth. Many reminders of those early days are well preserved in both the architecture and attractions. A visit to The Forts atop Mount Adelaide should be high on the list.

Albany is also noted for its dramatic coastal scenery. Places such as The Gap and The Natural Bridge make for some wonderful photo opportunities. In the same area you will also find Whaleworld. Now a museum, it was once a whaling station and now stands as a reminder of a bygone era. Other attractions not to be missed include the replica of the Brig Amity, which brought Albany's first settlers and the Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, a well-preserved cottage from the 1830s. Albany and the immediate area are certainly worth spending a few days in, either sightseeing or simply relaxing.

Day 4 - Heading west from Albany you will arrive in the quaint, coastal hamlet of Denmark. The laid-back feel of the town makes it a favourite for those who just want to 'get away from it all'. The many hobby farmers who now call Denmark home and a flourishing Arts and Craft community ensure that the lifestyle of Denmark remains at a comfortable pace.

Travelling further west you will come upon the William Bay National Park and the scenic swimming area of Green's Pool. Take time to enjoy the natural beauty this Park has to offer. From here it is only a short drive to the stunning Tree Top Walk. Here visitors are able to walk among the treetops of an ancient tingle forest and gain a bird's eye view of the ecology. A ground level walk is also available and is recommended. Because of the proximity to each other, the South West and Albany and Great Southern regions are sometimes best combined for a total southern touring experience.