WAnder Through Winter | Escapes for Every Kind of Traveller

From crisp mornings and misty forests down south to warm, balmy days up north, there's a winter escape to suit every kind of traveller.

Whether you’re chasing the sun, the surf, or a good old-fashioned country bakery, here’s how to make the most of WA’s four incredible regions this winter and the cultural gems you’ll find along the way.

Australia’s South West | Cosy escapes and wild landscapes

What you can expect: Cool temperatures, misty mornings, and wooly coastal winds.

Australia’s South West comes alive in winter. Think long lunches by a roaring fire, mist drifting through towering forests and dramatic coastal views along windswept cliffs. If you’re looking for an atmospheric escape, the South West is the place to venture. Looking to add some cultural and historic stops to your route?

Here are a few of our favourites:

Bridgetown Police Station Museum. Bridgetown is a quaint and pretty country town, perfectly located near Manjimup and on the way to Denmark and Albany, ideal for a stop on your winter road trip. Bridgetown Historical Society curates the museum within the original Bridgetown Police Station and Lockup 1880. The graffitied cell walls and the well-worn floorboards of this 1880 building speak of the many people that have spent time here, either as police or as prisoners. It’s a fascinating stop and one not to miss!

Busselton Jetty Museum. The Jetty is on everyone’s to-do list when in Busselton, but don’t miss the chance to explore the Jetty Museum! Follow the stages of the Jetty’s construction, destruction and resurrection on the informative touch screen table and learn more about the marine life below.

Timber Museum Manjimup Heritage Park. Manjimup is made for winter exploring; with truffles galore and heaps of tiny attractions to enjoy. As you walk through this museum, with its high curved walls lined with slender strips of hand-cut tuart, it is like being within a tree, surrounded by beautiful wood grain. The story of the timber industry is told in different informative displays which includes the voices of a range of people for whom the timber industry is important and topical.

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Albany in winter is wild and wooly; be sure to head to The Gap to see the crashing waves below you. Make sure you check out Albany’s Historic Whaling Station - the world's only complete whaling station tourism attraction - and soak up those dramatic Southern Ocean views.

National Anzac Centre. Spectacularly set on the slope of Mount Adelaide overlooking King George Sound, where the ships gathered that were carrying Australian and New Zealand troops to the First World War, the award winning National Anzac Centre is one of Australia’s ‘must-do’ experiences. Follow the personal stories of those who served in World War I through state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits.

Museum of the Great Southern. This museum in Albany offers fascinating permanent and rotating exhibitions on natural and cultural heritage, including stories of the Menang Noongar people. Stroll around the expansive grounds to learn about the arrival of the Brig Amity in 1826 with a visit to the impressive life-sized replica. Don't miss the outdoor exhibitions and views over Princess Royal Harbour.

Discover more hidden gems in Australia’s South West here.

Australia’s Golden Outback | Big skies and winter sunshine

What you can expect: Crisp, dry days, starry skies, and cool desert nights.

There’s something magical about the Golden Outback in winter; the sun is shining, the salt lakes are shimmering and the air is clear and fresh. The cooler months are ideal for hitting the road through vast open landscapes and discovering historic towns and quirky museums along the way.

Merredin Railway Museum. Merredin is a key stop on your way to the Goldfields and home to this fantastic museum. Housed in the original railway station building, it showcases the important role the railway played in the town’s development. Don’t miss the beautifully restored carriages and the station master's office.

Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre. Dedicated to recording and preserving Aboriginal languages across the Goldfields, the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre (GALC) is an important cultural hub, creating important learning resources such as lexical databases and dictionaries to encourage the use of the language. Visit the interactive exhibits or take part in a language workshop to connect more deeply with Country.

Lake Grace AIM Hospital Museum. This tiny, remote museum is full of heart. It’s the only remaining Australian Inland Mission hospital in WA and offers a fascinating look at rural medicine, pioneering nurses, and the incredible challenges of healthcare in the early 1900s.

Museum of the Goldfields. Explore the golden era of WA’s mining boom, with dazzling gold nuggets, historic mining equipment, and stories of prosperity and perseverance in the outback. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the headframe tower! Find out about yiwarra (ancient tracks, networks and trade routes) used by Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia. You can also gain an insight into the mining history of the region and the migrant workers who established towns in search of striking gold.

Coolgardie Visitor Centre and Goldfields Exhibition Museum. From a tent town to bricks and mortar, the old Coolgardie Courthouse unpacks the history of the 1890's gold fever and is a treasure trove of items from local collectors. Learn about Coolgardie’s mining history, and the triumphs of its local heroes, such as the divers who rescued trapped miner Modesto 'Charlie' Varischetti.

Esperance Museum. Esperance in winter is breathtakingly beautiful. Picture invigorating beach walks that clear the mind, followed by warm, welcoming cafés perfect for lingering over a hot drink. Don’t miss the local museum, where you’ll discover everything from vintage farm equipment to actual space debris – including pieces of NASA’s Skylab, which famously fell near Esperance in 1979!

Discover more hidden gems in the Golden Outback region here.

Australia’s Coral Coast | Coastal calm and underwater wonders

What you can expect: Mild, sunny days and cool nights; ideal for outdoor adventure… and whale sharks!

The Coral Coast is very popular in winter, the abrasive summer heat is gone and the ocean is perfect for a snorkel or swim. It’s the perfect time to see whale sharks, walk quiet coastal trails, and discover stories of early life along the coast.

Carnamah Historical Society and Museum. Just inland from Jurien Bay, Carnamah is full of character. A stroll through the Carnamah Historical Society's museum is like a journey through the region’s past. You’ll find an extensive collection of old machinery and tools in the Museum’s yard and sheds while the interior houses objects, photos and documents from Carnamah’s social, domestic, commercial and agricultural past.

Museum of Geraldton. Uncover the region’s maritime past, including the story of the Batavia shipwreck. The museum also features rich Aboriginal cultural exhibits, including the Yamaji history of the area and incredible sea-country connections.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery. Located in a beautiful heritage building, the gallery is a hub for contemporary art in the region. The exhibitions rotate regularly, featuring both local and touring artists. Perfect for a cultural hit between fish and chips by the foreshore.

Gwoonwardu Mia, Gascyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre. A must-visit. This Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre showcases the culture and stories of the five language groups of the Gascoyne region. Through digital exhibits, art, and the stunning ethnobotanical garden, visitors can deepen their understanding of local Aboriginal knowledge and connection to Country.

Greenough Museum and Gardens. A step back in time, this beautifully restored homestead shares stories from settlers and farmers of the Greenough district. Wander the gardens and feel what life was like in this windswept, remote part of the coast.

Irwin District Historical Society. A fascinating museum where you can wander through the old police house and court rooms which today house the vast Irwin Districts Historical Society collection and you can almost hear the click of chains which once bound prisoners here.

Discover more hidden gems in the Coral Coast region here.

Australia’s North West | Endless summer and ancient stories

What you can expect: Warm, dry days and cooler evenings; the best weather of the year.

Ready to escape winter altogether? Head to Western Australia’s North West, where warm, sun-filled days and starry nights await. From Broome to Kununurra, this is the dry season at its best! The perfect time to chase waterfalls, visit vibrant Aboriginal art centres, and immerse yourself in rich coastal culture and ancient landscapes.

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts. In Kununurra, this Arts Centre has been celebrating Miriwoong culture for over 40 years. You can view ochre paintings, textiles, and carvings, and even take a guided tour led by one of the local artists - it is a truly immersive cultural experience.

Nyamba Buru Yawuru. In Broome, connect with Yawuru culture through this community organisation. Their wellbeing centre offers deep insights into Liyan, a concept of balance and connection to Country that shapes daily life in the Kimberley.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Located on the Dampier Peninsula, this family-run pearl farm is the oldest in Australia. Take a tour to learn about pearling history, explore the stunning coast, and bask in the warm northern sun.

Wangka Maya Aboriginal Language Centre. Based in South Hedland, this centre is dedicated to preserving and promoting over 30 Aboriginal languages. The exhibitions and language resources provide a powerful window into the Pilbara’s cultural depth.

Discover more hidden gems in the North West region here.

Ready to start planning your perfect Winter Escape? Whether you’re chasing coastal sunshine, outback adventures, or the charm of cosy country towns, Western Australia’s winter serves up a perfect escape for every taste.

Find even more hidden treasures and plan your next adventure with WAnderland.