2008 Winter Escapes in the South West.
South West WA can be stunning at this time of year.
Escaping 'down South' with your loved one can be the perfect Winter break! South West WA offers some of the most diverse natural wonders in the world. Western Australia's Southwest offers magnificent forests of Jarrah, Karri and Tinglewood trees. Plus, most of what nature has to offer is so close to each other.
Winter Escapes:
There really is a
Escape to a Spa Chalets and Log Fires:
A lot of the short stay accommodation down south WA, now offer spa chalets and spa cottages with roaring log fires... Ideal for that Winter escape or just to 'chill out' away from it all. Winter mornings down south, produces mist filled valleys and crisp, clean fresh air. Sitting in a hot spa on a secluded balcony, sipping Champagne, overlooking nature can be extremely relaxing. Most Spa chalets down south invite to bring along your bath oils.
Escape to Nature:
The night sky in Winter is just awesome, with the Milky Way looking like a dense cloud above you! You can sit in the spa and watch the satellites and spent Russian rockets pass overhead in total seclusion. The air in Australias south West is so clear, especially during the winter months. Most chalets and cottages have enclosed log fires and pre chopped wood.. There is just something very romantic and relaxing about watching the flames dance about, especially if the lights are turned off!
Escape to the Rain:
Who would have thought watching the Winter rain could be so soothing! There is a lot of difference in looking at the downpours outside your window in the City, to watching the showers sweeping by down South! A lot of the rain in South West WA, comes in light showers. The Rainbow Coast, as it is known in the Albany region, is called that for that very reason. You can stand on the shore and watch the rainbows over the ocean as the showers come and go. Watching the rain fall when you in the middle of a forest is altogether different to watching it at home. The air is so clear and fresh after a shower, it seems to be charged with life!
Escape to a local Winery:
Sampling some of natures best in Western Australias wineries, is a favourite past time with West Australians. There are literally dozens of both major producers and boutique wineries in the South West. Cellar sales abound and many people end up taking a couple of bottles back to their accommodation.
Escape to see the Wildlife:
It's only when you slow down, that you get to see some of the wonders down South.. There isd a lot of wisdom to the 'Stop and smell the roses!' The South West WA is teeming with all sorts of wildlife, both lrage and small, that are never seen in the cities. Sitting down quietly for 10 minutes on a log in the States forests and you will start top see some of the amazing wildlife around you. Leaves rustle with the sounds of all sorts of insects, while the 'thump, thump' of the kangaroos can be heard as they go about their business. Because of their isolation, a lot of these animals have little fear of mankind and if you keep still, you will be surprised how close they will get to you! You can see them on TV but there is nothing like 'live and up close' as they say. The South West forests also bear a beautiful display of Toadstools in the most amazing colours and sizes. It is at this time of year, that the magnificent Blue Wrens and various species of Parrots, come out to play.
Escape to Scenic Wonders:
Australias South West is so diverse. From the flat coastal plains of Busselton, to the almost mountainous Darling range that runs from Perth to Albany. Some of the peaks around the Albany region have even been covered in show during the Winter months. The limestone caves of Yallingup and Augusta take you deep underground where you can see stalegtites and stalegmites that have taken tens of thousands of years to form. Some of the caverns in the Jewel cave are breathtaking! The Ngilgi Cave was discovered in 1899 and was the first cave in Western Australia to be opened to the general public.
Escape to Tall Timber:
The South West is also home to some massive trees. In Collie, there is the King Jarrah as it is locally known. Like other giant trees of the South West, the King Jarrah tree offers a chance to view one of nature's older creations. The tree is quite fragile now in its very old age and can be easily damaged by foot traffic at the base. This ancient tree is also known to drop branches and even whole limbs with no warning! Manjimup is home to one of the largest Karri trees in the world (It's located very close to the road but few know about it because of fears it may be damaged. (I was personally taken there many years ago by a Forestry worker who knew of it!) Denmark is also home to large trees with the Valley of the Giants, home to the giant Tinglewood trees. These are not forests but are dotted in and through the massive Karri trees in the region.
Escape to the Busselton Jetty:
If you want a quiet soothing stroll, you could try the Busselton Jetty. It has recently undergone extensive renovations and the 2 kilometre walk out to sea can be very peaceful. At the end of your walk, there is the underwater observatory where you can see the coal and marine life!
If you are looking to really 'get away from it all' ~ Then I highly recommend an escape to Australia's South West!.. Especially during Winter! You can find a great selection of South West accommodation in our new Winter Breaks directory.
Western Australias finest accommodation directory, Winter Breaks in the South West, caters for people looking for a place to escape in WA's South West. Winter Escapes
John