Discover hidden gems and South West holiday deals

A South West holiday is pretty much the birthright of every Perthite. Right on your doorstop, this is the place for weekend getaways and relaxing family breaks. Holidaymakers flock to Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River in search of long stretches of soft sand, crashing waves, natural wonders, curious wildlife, farm-fresh produce, gourmet dining, fine wine and juicy craft beer. And you find it in spades.

But wining, dining and treating the family to all the activities can really add up. Here at Holiday Advantage we’re lucky enough to ‘live the dream’ in sunny Dunsborough, so we’ve negotiated some incredible deals and discounts with our favourite local attractions, cafes, breweries, tours and more. You can take advantage of these offers by downloading our app and joining as a member for the duration of your stay.

There are some well-known businesses offering juicy deals, plus some lesser known but equally awesome places you’ll be hanging to tell your friends about. So, pack your bags, download the Holiday Advantage app, get ready to discover hidden gems and get more holiday memories for your buck.

Keep reading to find out what’s new, what’s a must, and how you’ll save money on your next South West holiday.

What’s new for your South West holiday

As a Holiday Advantage member, you’ll receive a special bonus at Dunborough’s newest adventure park, Next Level Monkey Business. This kid-friendly ropes and zip line course park will challenge your fears and awaken your inner spider monkey.

Top tours

Easy Ride Tours is another new tour company offering a unique experience for wine lovers: a wine tour via electric bicycle. Imagine (almost) effortlessly rolling past paddocks, through native bushland, and along country roads inhaling the beauty and fresh air as you search for Margaret River’s best wine. Sounds divine.

If vacation wine tours are your thing, check out Devine Wine Tours for a private charter, full-day exploration of the best cellar doors in the region. And save $50 when booking for 2 – 7 persons. Is a South West holiday really a holiday without a wine tour? Dog lovers, Fido can join you wine tasting with Grape Escape South West Tours’ Pawesome Tour – it’s a dog friendly private or small group experience visiting some of the region’s best boutique cellar doors.

Head underground to explore the million-year-old crystal caves with a guided tour through Lake Cave within Boranup Forest or Jewel Cave near Augusta.

If you crave open-air and salty hair, you’ll have the time of your life with Dunsborough Jetski Tours, the region’s only jet ski tour company. What a fab way to see the South West’s rugged coastline.

Witness the annual whale migration with All Sea Charters or Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching – they spend winter in Augusta and spring in Geographe Bay, and a charter boat tour is the best way to get up close to these gentle giants.

Hidden gems not to be missed

If you’re looking for a cafe with a rustic old world charm and seriously amazing cake, head to Bohemian Brews in Vasse. There’s a huge open garden, perfect for kids to play, and the food is just as delicious as it looks. They do an excellent brekkie and scrummy lunches too.

Another place tucked away off the beaten tourist path is The Colony Concept. Specialising in honey and bee products, you’ll find fresh, pure honey, mead, beeswax wraps, and lovely gifts too. At the restaurant, expect dishes like Honey Soy Chicken Wings and Honey Lemon Myrtle Crème Brulee for dessert. Members get 10% off in the shop and restaurant – more honey for your money!

When you explore beyond the main streets, you’ll find excellent country hospitality from family-owned wineries, breweries, artists and artisans, beekeepers, coffee roasters, independent bookshops, and so much more. Check out our offers page for more inspiration.

Family-friendly adventures

Treat the kids to a fun-filled party day of Undercover Laser Tag where they’ll battle it out at a venue of your choice. Hire the Water Tag experience in summer where keeping cool is a barrel of laughs. Awesome for a birthday party or if you’re holidaying with friends or family to keep the kids entertained.

For an educational experience, head to the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury for your chance to meet a bottlenose dolphin and learn everything there is to know about these incredible mammals. While near Bunbury, take the kids to Gravity for some trampoline bouncing where they are sure to expel any pent up energy.

Yallingup Maze is always a fun activity for families up for a challenge. The Puzzle Cafe will keep tummies full and minds boggled – there are puzzles on every table for some lunchtime problem-solving.

We’re yet to meet a girl who doesn’t love horse riding, so treat your daughters to a lesson or trail ride at The Humble Horse near Cowaramup. Linda and her team have a lovely collection of gentle ponies and horses and the bushland rides are an absolute pleasure.

The Par 3 Golf & Mini Golf is new(ish) to Old Broadwater Farm in Busselton – they added mini golf and a café just recently. It’s a beautiful spot to putt putt around, the peppermint trees are home to critically endangered western ringtail possums and kangaroos can be seen at dusk.

Dinner with little kids is a breeze at Dunsborough Tavern thanks to their wonderful indoor playground. Food is generous and tasty, they have a great selection of craft beer on tap plus a solid local wine list.

Wine and Dine

No South West holiday is complete without indulging in the local food, wine and craft brews.

Prepare to fill your boot with wine from boutique wineries such as the organic, family owned Blind Corner and Flametree Wines’ gorgeous beach-house-style cellar door. The Credaro family are pioneers of Margaret River wine, which pretty much guarantees that  Credaro Wines will have a drop you’ll enjoy. Make time for a visit to their beautiful Caves Road cellar door on your DIY wine tour.

When it comes to beer, the South West froths! Black Brewing Co is a must-visit, with craft beer and Dune Distilling all under one impressive roof, along with a fabulous family friendly dining space.

The Studio Bistro + Gallery is where fine food and art come together. Set in stunning gardens on Marrinup Drive Yallingup, you’ll want to book a table in the sunny courtyard in summer, or sit indoors surrounded by fine Australian art in winter. Great dinner option, too.

Artisan crafts

Did you know the South West is brimful of talented artists and artisans, making amazing things by hand? It’s the perfect place to find creative crafts, stimulating paintings, quirky items, and custom-made objects. 

Corrynne’s Natural Soap Factory is an olfactory delight, and a great place to pick up affordable handmade soaps and beauty products. Pottery collectors will be head-over-heels for the handmade mugs at Happs Pottery and Icon Honey, and Goanna Gallery offers an array of handcrafted Australian products, as well as being one of our favourite brunch spots. Lava Art Glass Gallery and Studio in Bunbury has high end glass art and jewellery from a range of artists, and look out for their monthly workshops, too. Meanwhile, Shadowz Dunsborough represents functional artists and their beautiful gift pieces.

Affordable luxury

Make your South West holiday extra special by treating yourself to a little luxury. The Holiday Advantage membership allows your budget to spread further, which means more happy memories to cherish. Combine nature with comfort and stay in a bell tent from Soul Camping in a location of your choice! They do all the heavy lifting and set-up too. Tents include all linen, an air mattress, rugs, and even tables and chairs. How good?

Pamper time

If your trip Down South is all about relaxing and de-stressing, make your way to Bodhi J at Injidup Spa Retreat. Set high above the pristine Injidup coastline, the spa has a world-class treatment menu, featuring Sodashi skincare products hand-made in North Fremantle, and the signature indigenous  Li’Tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage.

Travelling as a couple? Vie Spa at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort has beautifully appointed couple’s spa suites in one of the most picturesque places in the south west. Book in for a range of tranquil experiences guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and on cloud nine.

Bucket list favourites

You get so much more bang for your buck with Holiday Advantage, which means you can do more, taste more and make more memories! Now’s the time to knock off some of those dreamy bucket list activities.

Cruise the iconic Caves Road with Cape Chauffers. Go deep underground at Mammoth Cave, then see where two oceans meet at Leeuwin Lighthouse. See breathtaking humpback whales with Naturaliste Charters. Finally, fly through the forest on an exhilarating zip line and high ropes course at Forest Adventures South West. These are just a few suggestions that will create lasting memories of your South West holiday – sign up to discover more deals and start saving today.+

Let us help make your holiday even happier! Choose from 3 days, 7 days or 14 days membership. Download Holiday Advantage and start saving today!