25 things to do in 2025 across the South West to avoid weekend boredom

The South West has a lot to offer from beautiful beaches to dog-friendly cafes to adrenaline pumping sports. So, whether you want an excuse for a day out in the sun, or a family-friendly small-town showcase to keep those of all ages happy, here are the top 25 things to do in 2025 to be a tourist in your town. January Starting off strong we have Karnidale Circus in Karridale on January 17 and 18. This aerobatics circus in the Margaret River region features cabaret, comedy and acrobats with live music and market stalls. If Bunbury is your local hang-out, Fringe kicks off on January 24 until February 1. It’s Bunbury’s alternative festival bringing live music, theatre and so much more. In between that, there is Bunbury Skyfest on January 26 between 4pm and 9pm, with fireworks, markets and live entertainment. February The Jetty Swim returns in Busselton on February 8 and 9. Swimmers can take part in a 3.6km swim around the Jetty or enjoy on-land entertainment and activities. The Boyup Brook Country Music Festival swings through February 14 to 16. Volunteers jazz up the town for an influx of visitors with the opportunity to camp over three days. South West Multicultural Festival is coming to Bunbury on February 21 and 22. The free event features live performances from different cultures, market stalls and food trucks. Nannup Music Festival will be held from February 28 to March 3, making use of the Labour Day long weekend. Established and emerging artists will take to the stage for a celebration of music. March The West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne will face off at Hands Oval in Bunbury for a much-anticipated pre-season match on March 1. Want to see this game but can’t make it? They return to Bunbury again in June. South West Craft Beer Festival on Busselton Foreshore is held on March 15. For the non-beer drinkers, wines and ciders are at fingertips length with food trucks and other food vendors to pair with the more than 150 types of local brews. Off-road triathlon XTerra races through Dunsborough as competitors gather over March 29 and 30. Solo or team athletes will complete a swim, mountain bike track and run. April Balingup Small Farm Field Day on April 12 is expected to be a great family day out. Small farming practices are showcased featuring a petting zoo, local product vendors, camel rides, face painting and local music. The Donnybrook festival follows the week after Balingup on April 19. The free event features local musicians, market stalls, local wine and beer tastings, fresh produce from local farmers and show rides. May For the serious athlete, Margaret River brings the Ultra Marathon on May 10 and 11. The 80km cape to cape track can be completed solo or in a team of up to five people for a relay style marathon competition. Forest Rally sees drivers competing in Nannup between May 16 and 25. Instead of a circuit race, drivers compete on closed road sections including gravel surfaces. Spectating is free at Nannup or alternate free viewing at Bunbury Speedway’s special stage of the race. Margaret River Pro returns from May 17 to 26. The iconic surf competition is stop No.5 of 11 in the World Surf League’s World Championship Tour and is the mid-season decider on who will continue for the final world tour events. June June 8 sees North Melbourne to take on the West Coast Eagles in Bunbury at Hands Oval. This will be a “for-points” AFL match up, marking round 13. July Collie River MTB Marathon on July 5 is a choose-your-own-journey marathon starting and ending in Collie CBD. The mountain bike racers can choose from a 90km, 50km or 40km course with a 15km community ride also available for leisure. August Balingup festivities return for the Medieval Carnivale on August 23 and 24. There’s medieval performers and a parade with market stalls and food and drink tasting, complete with the burning of the dragon on the Saturday night. Cinefestoz is coming to the South West from August 30 until September 7. Films will be featured across Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River with some meet-the-filmmaker events. September The Busselton Jetty will transform into a Japanese dining paradise on September 13 when the jetty train becomes a Sushi train. Suitable for adults and children, a drink is given on arrival before the train takes you to the end of the jetty for Japanese entertainment, a curry for adults and a bento box for kids. Dessert will be served on the ride back to shore. October Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival returns in October. Food and market stalls are showcased with the burning of the bull to close the night. The bull statue will be built by a local artist and the event is free to enter, with dates yet to be announced. The annual Brunswick Agricultural Show will return on October 25 with markets, show rides and lots of fun for parents and kids. Tickets can be purchased at the gate using cash or card. November Blues at Bridgetown returns for their three-day festival. Featuring acoustic and electric blues music along with food vendors, the main streets of Bridgetown quickly fill up with music enthusiasts. Dates are yet to be announced. December Ironman hits Busselton on December 7. A bay swim followed by a flat terrain bike ride and run has put Busselton on the map since it first hit the South West in 2004. Christmas in the City is held in Bunbury’s CBD on the second Sunday of December. The event features food trucks, market stalls, live performances and the Christmas parade.