Want to enjoy a slower pace of life, an abundance of natural beauty, and a range of things to do? Then WA’s South West Region is calling your name!
The spectacular scenery combined with its short distance from the capital of Perth makes the South West Region an enticing area to live and work in.
Boasting pristine beaches, bountiful farmlands, wild forests, a year-round temperate climate, a booming employment market, and a strong community focus – it’s plain to see why so many come to visit and end up staying!
Moving to the South West region
The South West region is located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. It covers around 24,000 square kilometres and includes popular tourist destinations such as Margaret River, Augusta, and Dunsborough.
The South West Region is the most populated region in WA but also boasts the highest happiness rating of all the regions in WA! South West residents value the high sense of community and connectedness in this region and also rate the region as safe to live and raise children in. The South West also has excellent access to services such as hospitals, health centers, and schools and plenty of job opportunities, particularly in the tourism, health, and construction sectors.
The main population centres in the South West region are Bunbury, Busselton, Harvey, and Augusta-Margaret River:
- Bunbury: The main commercial and administrative hub, Bunbury has a population of 32,684 and is known as The City of Three Waters – since it sits on a peninsula surrounded by the rugged surf of the Indian Ocean, the calm waters of Koombana Bay, and peaceful Leschenault Inlet.
- Busselton: The city of Busselton is home to around 37,673 inhabitants and is located in the renowned Cape to Cape sub-region of South West WA. Busselton features a wood pier (The Busselton Jetty) which proves to be a popular attraction in the area, especially during humpback whale season.
- Harvey: The inland town of Harvey is nestled beneath the rolling hills of the Darling Scarp and is home to 27,029 friendly locals. Harvey is known for its agriculture, particularly its orange and dairy industries.
- Augusta-Margaret River: The Shire of Augusta Margaret River includes the top tourist destinations of both Augusta and Margaret River. The shire includes 14,687 locals – the majority of whom live in either Augusta or Margaret River. This area is known for its national parks, award-winning wineries, and heritage-listed places including the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Do you still need some convincing to pack the bags and head south? Here are some of the main reasons for moving to the South West Region:
- The South West is the most populated region outside of Perth, bringing plenty of job and lifestyle opportunities
- It’s the happiest region in all of WA with a high sense of community and connectedness
- It’s a safe place to live and raise children
- It has excellent access to services such as health and education
- The South West offers an overall positive lifestyle and general wellbeing
Working in the South West region
If you’re considering moving to live and work in the South West Region then you’ll find plenty of employment opportunities.
Working in the region
The South West has a thriving economy which generated $14.7 billion in 2019. It has a diverse range of industries providing employment in areas such as mining, real estate, building & construction, agriculture and fishing, manufacturing, health care, education, tourism & hospitality, retail, transport, and more.
Government works in progress
Communities in the South West Region will directly benefit from the current South West Emergency Helicopter service based in Bunbury. This will be WA’s first regional rescue helicopter and will provide greater regional coverage and improved emergency response, rescue, and medical attention for those in regional WA.
The city of Busselton is currently on the way to receiving a major new attraction, The Busselton Foreshore. The Foreshore consists of 38.5 hectares and will provide a state-of-the-art waterside promenade alongside new parking, BBQ facilities, shade and shelters, seating, native gardens, playgrounds, wind-powered lighting, and a redeveloped jetty featuring a U-shaped swimming jetty.
Recently completed works
The South West Region has welcomed many new upgrades and projects including:
- The revamped Bunbury Waterfront
- New aged care facilities and accommodation to cater to an aging population
- The Bunbury Outer Ring Road – the South West’s biggest ever transport infrastructure project
- Margaret River Main Street makeover
- The $1.44 million Busselton Airport Terminal Expansion has increased the airport’s efficiency, capacity, and passenger comfort and safety.
Living in the South West region
You will not regret living in the South West! Aside from being among the best and safest places to live in WA, the South West offers a slower pace of life alongside a stunning natural landscape and an abundance of activities and attractions.
It doesn’t matter where you choose to make the move to, every community in the South West Region will welcome you with open arms. Be it city, town, or village, you’ll find most communities provide plenty of opportunities to get involved – be it community groups, volunteering projects, social clubs, farmer’s markets, and local events.
When it comes to things to see and do in South West WA – where do we even begin?! There are so many attractions and activities to get involved in, from camping, fishing and whale watching to surfing at world-class surf beaches like Margaret River (home to the annual Margaret River Pro). There is also plenty of national parks to explore, including many 4WD tracks and the Summit Walk Trail at Mt Chudalup in the Mt D’Entrecasteaux National Park. Explore the underground caves of Augusta and finish with some wine tasting among the region’s 500 wineries! For the kids, there are endless activities, from the award-winning Yallingup Maze to combing for seashells on one of the many turquoise beaches along the coast. They can also feed their curiosity and learn about the region by exploring heritage sites and museums including The Pemberton Tramway.
Make the move
With its great sense of community, safety, high happiness levels, and considerable employment opportunities, the South West Region is a welcoming beacon for anyone who is considering making the move down south.
Plunkett Homes can help you make your move to the South West Region as smooth as possible. Get in touch or take a look at our range of display homes in the South West!
