2025 South West Events to mark in your diary

Plan your next South West getaway around these must-see and must-do events that perfectly complement a fun-filled holiday.

Foodie? Athlete? Adventure seeker? Art collector? Book worm? We’re not kidding when we say there’s at least one event in the South West perfectly suited to your passion. Here’s the ones you’ll find the Private Properties team at this year.

For the Foodies

Taste Great Southern

May 1-4

Go on a journey made for the mind, body and belly, during Taste Great Southern – a four-day foodie fest that’ll have you indulging in the best of South West food and wine, while immersing yourself in the region’s best sights and delights.

South West Craft Beer Festival

May 17

Mother Nature’s golden elixir will be on tap, ready to be poured straight into your glass at this year’s South West Craft Beer Fest. Come and try beer and brews at the festival’s new digs – Aravina Estate – and kick back with family and friends in a West Australian-style, open-air, beer hall.

Cabin Fever Festival

July 18-27

It might be a winter festival, but everything about Cabin Fever is hot, hot, hot! From meat-sweat-inducing bonfires to spicy nighttime fiestas, Cabin Fever’s lineup of winter events will turn winter on its toes.

Pair’d Margaret River

November 20-23

Foodie heaven can be found in the Margaret River Region, specifically during Pair’d – a chic festival comprising events laced with plenty of food and world-class wine. For the food connoisseurs, the wine fiends and everyone who’s looking for a good time.

For the Outdoor Adventurers

Busselton Jetty Swim

February 8-9

The turquoise blue waters of Geographe Bay are dotted with more than 5000 swimmers during the annual Busselton Jetty Swim, which challenges participants to swim 500m, 1.6km or 3.6km, by, around and under the Busselton Jetty. It’s a sight to experience and/or see, even if you prefer dry land to the sea.

Geographe Bay Race Week

February 15-22

Sail into Geographe Bay during Geographe Bay Race Week – the highlight of Western Australia’s sailing calendar. This premier yachting regatta attracts competitors from around the nation, who compete in a variety of races throughout the week, as well as family and friends, who come for both the on-shore and off-shore activities.

Busselton Festival of Triathlon

May 3-4

A West Australian triathlon stalwart, the Busselton Festival of Triathlon is back again for its 24^th year, bringing with it a legion of athletes – from novice through to the well-seasoned – who live and breathe running, swimming and riding. There are three races held across the weekend – the Busselton 100 and Aquabike, Busselton Foreshore Triathlon, and, for little athletes, the Busselton Kids Triathlon.

Margaret River Ultra Marathon

May 10-11

When an event sells out hours after tickets are first released, you know it’s popular. That’s certainly the case for the 2025 Margaret River Ultra Marathon, which takes runners on a journey through some of the Margaret River Region’s most beautiful scenery. As Mia, a previous participant says, it’s the “postcard of running events”.

Western Australia Margaret River Pro

May 17-27

The world’s best surfers riding some of the world’s best waves, right in our own backyard… This iconic surf event is one not to be missed, and gives you the chance to see the professionals battle it out with local legends and young up-and-comings.

Cape to Cape MTB

October 16-19

Four days of mountain biking fun, kicking off at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse? If you’re a keen rider looking for a unique, two-wheel experience, you’ll love the Cape to Cape MTB. Riders will be blessed with some of the most stunning views – think vineyard, forest and ocean vistas – special, usually private tracks and plenty of challenging (yet very ridable) trails.

Run Bibbulmun

November 14-16

Perfect for solo runners, Run Bibbulmun is a three-day stage race that takes in the most spectacular sections of the Bibbulmun Track. Traverse along remote beaches and picturesque bays, through towering forest and past granite cliffs, then rest tired feet in beautiful Denmark each night.

Run Bibbulmun 2024. Credit: Rapid Ascent

Ironman Western Australia

December 7

One of the world’s fastest and flattest Ironman courses, the Ironman Western Australia is the perfect challenge for athletes looking to beat their personal best. Oh, and did we mention it’s set in one of the most serene settings – the Busselton Foreshore?

For the Lovers of Art and Culture

Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival

May 2-4

Three days of storytelling awaits you at the Margret River Readers & Writers Festival, which aims to foster a love of literature and the arts in young and old. We’re always excited to see the stellar lineup of world-renowned novelists, journalists, writes and emerging storytellers that the festival features, and can’t wait to see who’ll be gracing the festival’s event stages this year.

CinefestOZ

August 30-September 7

Celebrate all things Australian film during CinefestOZ Film Festival, which presents a bill of outstanding, thought-provoking, entertaining films and community-led events across the Margaret River Region, Albany and beyond. The best bit? You can walk the red carpet with stars like Rachel Griffiths, Isla Fisher, Kate Walsh, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham.

Margaret River Region Open Studios

September 13-28

Experience a roving art exhibition held across the Maragret River Region in September. From a railway carriage studio and manmade grotto, to sheds and artist backyards – the Margaret River Region Open Studios allows you to interact with South West artists in their own creative spaces, and view/buy some spectacular local art along the way.

Ready to book your event tickets? Book your place to stay first! Here’s some of our faves.