THE chilly days and nights need not mean hibernating on the couch with a blanket – bravely step outside and explore the beauty of our great State in all its winter splendour.
Breakaway has hand-picked some local winter weekend getaways and landmark attractions to inspire your itinerary.
Swan Valley
It’s often overlooked in favour of its more famous grape-growing cousin, Margaret River, but why wouldn’t you head out to this historic region when it’s just a half-hour commute from the CBD?
Winter provides the perfect time to enjoy the Valley if you’re after a quiet, reflective day trip – with considerably less traffic and shorter queues than during the peak spring season, which means more time to enjoy its gastronomic delights.
And don’t forget there’s more than just wine – beer, whisky, chocolate and nougat are all produced in the area.
Busselton Jetty
It’s a West Australian tourism icon and it recently took centre stage on TV juggernaut MasterChef Australia – the 140-year-old Busselton Jetty.
Hit the freeway and head down to Geographe Bay, home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 1.8km long jetty re-opened earlier this year after completion of a $27 million refurbishment, with new features including fish cleaning bays, swimming and diving platforms, rain shelters and heritage sculptures.
And don’t forget to take the train to the Underwater Observatory and marvel at the marine life.
New Norcia
A two-hour drive north-east from Perth brings you to this Spanish colonial outpost in the middle of eastern regional WA.
The Benedictine monastery, located on the site of the original 1847 mission building, is still home to monks, where they go about their simple communal lifestyle (visitors can join the monks in prayer).
If you are keen to stay the night, there are a handful of accommodation options.
A guided tour of the local landmarks is available – and don’t forget to pick up some regional olive oil to take back home.