Southwest Australia is earthy and elemental. Though only a small part of the continent's landmass, the Southwest is Australia's only globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. Here the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean collide, shaping distinct microclimates that support diverse forest and vegetation zones. Because of this complexity, the southwest is a wonderland of nature: rugged, wind-battered coastlines, big rivers and towering karri forests stand side by side. Cool, rainy winters and long dry summers also create the ideal climate for growing wine, making this one of the world's great wine producing regions and a gastronomic hub of artisanal foods. Together land and sea, wildlife and wine - the Southwest has something for everyone and much to discover.
The wind sculpted coastline of Cape Leeuwin, where the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean collide.
Natural art: the flotsam of the southern ocean tossed up on the beach creates a mosaic of colors, shapes and forms.
Natural art: the bright colors and organic shapes of lichens adorn craggy boulders like an abstract piece.
Large tracts of towering karri and jarrah forests are found throughout the southwest. These are amongst the tallest trees in all of Australia. Wildlife like Western Rosellas, Western Grey Kangaroos and Emus can all be found within these great primeval forests.
An Australian Wood Duck eyes me carefully. These beautiful birds and hundreds of others can all be found in the southwest. Some birding highlights for me were Baughdin's Cockatoos, Red-Capped Parrots, Western Honeyeaters and Hooded Plovers.
The cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers of the southwest create ideal conditions for growing grapes. Many small, family-run vineyards dot the countryside, such as Singlefile Vineyards near the town of Denmark - founded by a South African family who moved here, hence the protea flowers.
For anyone who appreciates learning about where there food is produced and enjoying local flavors, the southwest abounds in artisanal food and drink. Though the Margaret River area is most well known, other southwest regions also produce quality chardonnay and pinot noir grape varieties. Local cheeses, truffles, olive oil, seafood and more are also on offer in this gastronomic hub of food and drink.
Funky grass trees pop up from the forest like something from a Dr. Seuss book. Recognized as a hotspot of floristic diversity, this region is famed for it's unusual plants and spring wildflowers.
Tannin stained rivers gush after heavy rain in the forests around the Franklin River Valley. A vast mosaic of national parks, forestry and nature reserves protect much of the southwest's wilderness.
A young Western-Grey Kangaroo 'buck' stands his ground between me and his nearby 'mob'. Winter rain and lush vegetation support healthy mobs of kangaroos and foraging emus.
Rugged cliffs and ferocious winds buffet Point D'Entrecasteaux, the most southerly part of western Australia. Accessed through the aptly named village of Windy Harbor, this national park is wild and remote. Encompassing rugged coastline, feral bush and towering forests D'Entrecasteaux is the southwest at it's best. Pummeled by the wind, standing atop these cliffs it is possible to spot migrating Humpback and Southern Right Whales in season, while gazing out over miles of wild ocean.