Rain on the forecast? No worries – we’ve rounded up our top picks for things to do on damp days in the south west.

Although we secretly do love winter in Margaret River – insert cosy nights by the fire pit with a hot chocolate in hand – dealing with rain, especially if you’ve got kids in tow, just takes a little planning. We think you’ll love these wet weather options for Busselton and beyond.

The Mermaid’s Cave

Discover the mesmerising world of The Mermaid’s Cave, a wonderland adorned with an extraordinary seashell collection and captivating aquariums filled with treasures from the ocean. They even have newly born baby seahorses! Afterwards, head into Mermaid’s café and enjoy all your favourite sweet and savoury sea treats! It’s the perfect haven for wonder, relaxation and imagination.

Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory

If it’s too rainy to stroll the jetty, take the red electric train to the end and visit the Underwater Observatory. Descend eight metres under the waves and spot over 300 different marine species from the comfort of the underwater observation chamber.

NEW: the new Marine Discovery Centre opens 1 July, offering an interactive and educational glimpse into Australia’s Marine Parks. Fully accessible on on dry land, you’ll find it in the Railway House Ballaarat Room.

Yallingup Maze

If rain stops plan in Yallingup’s outdoor timber maze, let the fun continue with a few hours playing with the free puzzles in the indoor puzzle café. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, explore and expand your mind this winter.

Boranup Forest followed by Pies & Ale

Fairly protected from wind and (most) rain, there’s nothing quite so wonderful as petrichor in Boranup Karri Forest. It’s a natural sensory treat; the gloriously uniform trees, the sound of birds and rustling of the breeze in the canopy, the pleasant earthy smell.

After taking in the beautiful sights, stop for lunch at Pies & Ale for a gourmet handmade pie.

REDSEA Gallery

Although perhaps an activity best suited for big kids, REDSEA Gallery is the newest gem to open in Margaret River and should be (rightfully!) added to your holiday to-do list. The 100-year-old heritage building has been transformed into a beautiful gallery filled with artistic finds from across the globe.

Indulge in Chocolate

Top of every kid’s list is a visit to a chocolate factory, and there’s a few to choose from!  The Margaret River Chocolate Factory has free tastings plus a chocolate café serving up a range of delicious light lunches and sweet treats too. Gabriel Chocolate is a bean-to-bar producer with the BEST warm chocolate chip cookies, and great ice cream too. Yallingup Chocolate Company, with their sister business, Commonage Coffee, is a family favourite for us too – and we can’t go past their giant freckles.

Explore a cave

If the weather is looking grim, why not head underground? There are over 100 limestone caves dotted along the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge in the Margaret River region, and we’re fortunate to be able to explore four – Ngilgi Cave, Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave. Each of the caves are completely unique and offer an unforgettable experience the whole family will love.

Forest Adventures

Don’t let the cooler weather stop you from climbing, swinging and zip-lining your way through the forest. Winter is one of the best times of year to experience Forest Adventures – an adrenaline-filled adventure park with six high ropes courses to explore! The whole family can get involved (ages 7+) then settle by the campfire for a well-deserved treat of toasted marshmallows.

Busselton Cantral Shopping Centre

The highly anticipated Busselton Central Shopping Centre expansion finally finished late last year, and is the ultimate spot for shopaholics, or those trying to stay dry in rainy weather.

We love the reclining seats at Reading Cinema, testing our arcade skills at Timezone, brunching to our hearts content at Benesse Café and Inara and shopping at a number of boutique stores.

Wow Illusions

 A perfect activity for those wet days, Wow Illusions will have the whole family puzzled! Explore the gravity-defying rooms, galleries of illusionary artworks, mirror mazes and perplexing experiences at this wonderful attraction in Metricup. As well as this, they also have a café serving up delicious home-made ice-cream, coffee and other treats.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

“But we’ll get wet in the rain?!”, we hear you say! That’s the whole point – 120 years ago, the lighthouse keeper would often be lashed by stormy weather as he toiled and kept the flame aglow, to warn passing maritime traffic of the coastline and submerged reefs.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse has a brand-new interpretive centre, an excellent mini museum within an original lightkeeper’s cottage. Book a guided tour and climb the lighthouse too, and think of the lighthouse keepers if the heavens open on you!

Tim Campbell Photo

Swim & Slide ~ just BYO wetsuit for the slide!

Good news, everyone, two of our three pools are heated year-round, so bring your bathers to Mandalay, no matter the weather. The indoor pool is heated to 32 degrees, making it supremely comfortable in winter. The rainbow slide pool is unheated but we recommend bringing a wetsuit, for ultimate winter fun!