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The South West of Western Australia can do four seasons before lunch. A still, sunny morning on the coast can turn into a cold, blustery afternoon in the karri, and winter brings proper rain. Pack for all of it, and you’ll be comfortable whatever the sky does.
This list is built around a bush stay near Margaret River: a self-contained chalet or cottage, days spent walking, at the beach or in the forest, and evenings in.
How we put this list together
- Practical first. Things you’ll actually use on a South West trip, not a shopping spree.
- Bring what you already own. You probably have most of this already. Links are there for anything you’re missing.
- Generic over brand-name. We haven’t tested specific products, so we link to searches for the type of item, not to one “best” product. Read reviews and product details before you buy.
- Safety advice is linked to official sources, not written from memory.
- No prices. Check the retailer.
Clothing
The South West has a Mediterranean-type climate: the Bureau of Meteorology describes wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers. Evenings can be cool even in summer, especially on the coast.
- Layers. A thermal or merino base layer, a fleece or warm jumper, and a light down or synthetic jacket. You’ll use them in every season. Search merino base layers on Amazon.com.au
- A waterproof rain jacket. It’s essential from autumn to spring, and useful year-round on the coast. Search rain jackets on Amazon.com.au
- A beanie and gloves for winter mornings and windy lighthouse visits.
- Swimmers and a rash vest for summer beach days.
- Something nice for dinner. Winery restaurants are relaxed, but you may want to swap out the hiking gear.
- Comfortable clothes for the chalet. Trackies are encouraged.
Footwear
- Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots for the Cape to Cape Track and forest walks. Limestone can be loose and sharp underfoot. Search hiking shoes on Amazon.com.au
- Thongs or sandals for the beach.
- Gumboots if you’re visiting in winter with kids. Puddles are inevitable.
- Shoes with grip for the caves, where steps can be damp.
Sun and bugs
The Australian sun is strong. Follow the Cancer Council’s SunSmart advice: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.
- A broad-brimmed hat. A cap doesn’t cover your ears or neck.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) labelled broad-spectrum and water-resistant. Follow the label for how much to use and when to reapply. Search SPF 50+ sunscreen on Amazon.com.au
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent. Mozzies and flies can be out in the warmer months. Use a repellent as directed on the label. Healthdirect has general guidance on avoiding mosquito bites. Search insect repellent on Amazon.com.au
- A fly net for your hat. Optional, but on a still summer day you won’t regret it.
Walking and day-trip kit
- A comfortable day pack for water, layers and snacks. Search day packs on Amazon.com.au
- Reusable water bottles, and more water than you think you’ll need on warm days.
- A head torch for evenings at a bush stay, where it gets properly dark, and for stargazing. Search head torches on Amazon.com.au
- Binoculars for black cockatoos, whales in season and surfers at the point. Search compact binoculars on Amazon.com.au
- A basic first-aid kit, including a compression bandage. For first-aid guidance, such as what to do for a snake bite, see St John WA’s first aid information or the Australian Resuscitation Council, and consider a first-aid course. Search first-aid kits on Amazon.com.au
- A downloaded offline map. Phone reception drops out in parts of the forest and coast.
For the car
- A cooler bag or small esky for cheese, chocolate and picnic supplies. See what to buy in Margaret River. Search cooler bags on Amazon.com.au
- A picnic rug.
- A car phone charger or power bank. Navigating drains phones fast. Search power banks on Amazon.com.au
- A shopping bag or two for market and cellar-door finds.
- Patience for kangaroos. Drive slowly around dawn and dusk.
For the chalet or cottage
Check what your accommodation provides, then fill the gaps:
- Linen and towels. Some places include them and some charge extra. Check when you book.
- Beach towels. These are often not supplied.
- Basic pantry items, such as oil, salt and coffee, if you’re self-catering. There’s a supermarket in town.
- A good book and a deck of cards for rainy evenings.
- Slippers. Floors get cold in winter.
Safety extras
- Check Emergency WA for fire warnings, especially in the warmer months, and know your accommodation’s emergency information.
- Download the Emergency WA app (App Store or Google Play) or bookmark the site.
- Check Beachsafe before swimming.
Season-by-season extras
| Season | Add |
|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Extra water, fly net, rash vests, beach shade |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Light layers, a rain jacket |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Warm layers, beanie, gloves, gumboots, a waterproof everything |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Layers, a rain jacket, a wildflower field guide |
A bush stay near the river
If you’re still choosing where to stay, River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet in Margaret River, about two minutes’ walk to the river and a short drive from town.
Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.
It sleeps four in two queen bedrooms, with one bathroom, and no pets or parties. Before you pack, check with the booking agent what’s supplied, such as linen and towels. Book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses, or compare other bases in where to stay in Margaret River.
More Margaret River guides
Written by our editors. We haven’t tested the products linked here; they’re searches for the type of item. Last checked: 31 October 2026.