The Great Southern Region

“The Great Southern region is tucked down on the south-western tip of the continent, amid spectacular coastline, whales and ancient native forests.  It’s a long way away, but the kind of place you remember forever.” Nick Stock, Australian Wine Writer

The small town of Denmark and the enchanting Great Southern region is home to the origins of the Howard Park label, but offers a whole lot more for the discerning traveller.

Large in geographical area and varied in landscape, the Great Southern region stretches 150kms inland from the coast and 100kms wide from east to west and the climate varies from maritime to moderately continental.  Flanked by tall karri and marri trees with wineries dotted amid the wild coastline and large national parks, the region is fast becoming a favourite Western Australian holiday destination.

COASTAL EXPERIENCES

The Great Southern coastline between Albany and Denmark offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Western Australia.  Pounded by the wild Southern Ocean the coastline houses rugged cliffs and wonderfully tranquil bays. The drive between Denmark and Albany takes only 40 minutes and is a must-see in the region.

Coastal experiences abound for all and include beach and deep water fishing, whale watching, diving, surfing, swimming, and snorkelling.  The pristine and spectacular coastline is ideal for coastal walking.  There are many paths available including parts of the Bibbulmun Track, which begins in the Perth hills and makes its way south almost 1000 kilometres before ending in the town of Albany.

FOREST

The Great Southern region is home to some of the oldest forests in the state.  The Valley of the Giants tree top walk is one of the only places in the world where you can see first hand the enormous statue of these trees and admire the different varieties: The Red Tingle Eucalyptus Jacksonii, The Yellow Tingle Eucalyptus Guilfoyei, The Rates Tingle Eucalyptus Cornuta, The Red Flowering Gum Eucalyptus Ficifolia.  The suspended bridge climbs some 40 meters into the forest canopy and winds through the trees, some over 400 years old reaching 16 meters in circumference.

NATIONAL PARKS

The Stirling Range national park lies in close vicinity to the Albany region and has the third highest peak in Western Australia, Bluff Noll.  The Noll rises 1073 meters above sea level and is able to be trekked if so desired!  This park also has an array of wildflowers for the nature lover.

The Porongurup National Park lies further inland and has panoramic views from its ancient ranges.  The walking trails will give the traveller a taste of flora and fauna native to Western Australia along with a wonderful array of birdlife.

ACTIVITIES

The Great Southern offers fresh produce all year round - available directly from the grower or the farm gate including seafood, oysters, mussels, fish, olives / olive oil, asparagus, berries and cherries.   Galleries and studios for art, craft, and local woodwork and the bustling market days and music festivals in Denmark and Albany reveal the true appeal of this region.

The region is becoming renowned for its fine wine - small boutique wineries, premium quality wines, family owned businesses and stylish cellar doors.  Howard Park was one of the original wineries to begin producing wine in this vast region.  Located just two kilometres out of town on the scenic Scotsdale tourist drive is the Howard Park winery.  A must see for all wine lovers and lovers of Riesling, a specialty of the region.  Visit the cellar door to taste the full range of Howard Park wines.

For further information contact the tourist bureau of the region.

Denmark Tourist Bureau
Phone: (618) 98482055
Fax: (618) 98482271
Email: touristb@denmarkwa.net.au

Albany Visitors Centre
Information: (618) 98419290
Bookings: (618) 98419377
Fax: (618) 98421490
Email: atb@albanytourist.com.au