WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S SOUTH WEST
Stretching from sun-drenched coastlines to towering forests and rolling farmland, the South West of Western Australia offers adventure, natural beauty and quiet gravel roads. Just a few hours drive south of Perth, this region combines remote charm with easy accessibility, creating an ideal setting for a global gravel cycling event.
Within the South West lies the Southern Forests & Valleys – a subregion defined by captivating forests, winding rivers, and peaceful rural landscapes. The area’s network of gravel roads and cool forest climate create ideal conditions for cycling and immersive experiences.
Follow the links to take a look at some of the stunning places you’ll visit:
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EVENT LOCATIONS
BUSSELTON – HOST CITY & EVENT HUB
Busselton is your base for the championships, hosting:
- Registration
- Race week functions and community activities
NANNUP – RACE COURSES
The races are held in and around Nannup, featuring:
- Courses made up of over 80% gravel
- Start and finish in the same location
BUSSELTON (EVENT HUB)
BUSSELTON
The City of Busselton is the event hub for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships. Busselton sits on the shores of Geographe Bay – calm, sparkling and protected, making it one of Australia’s most loved coastal destinations.
The city is defined by its iconic Jetty — at 1.8 kilometres, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching towards the horizon and surviving cyclone, storm and fire over its 150-year history. Board the jetty train to reach the Underwater Observatory at its end, where you can descend 12 metres to view over 300 species of fish, coral and marine life in one of Australia’s most unique ecotourism sites.
Back on shore, the newly refurbished foreshore is the heart of the city – barbecues, a skate park, cafes and Shelter Brewing Co sitting right on the water’s edge with sweeping views across the bay. Nothing says end of race week like a cold one watching the sun go down over the jetty.
Busselton is also the gateway to the world-famous Margaret River Region, renowned for its wineries, surf breaks and bold food scene.
NANNUP (RACE COURSES)
Central to the South West Region is the Shire of Nannup. Nannup lies at the heart of South West Boojarah country. For more than 50,000 years, the Wardandi and Bibbulmun Noongar people walked this ancient land, gathering along the riverbanks at Foreshore Park – one of their most important meeting places.
The shire has 87% tree coverage and hundreds of kilometres of interconnecting trails. Nannup is also the halfway town of the internationally recognised Munda Biddi Trail and home to Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park which has the best single track in WA.
Although relatively small, Nannup has plenty of personality – charming cafes, grocery stores, a bakery and its own brewery in the Nannup Brewing Company. It’s best to book a table if you want to sit down for a meal during event weeks.
Download the free Experience Nannup app to discover more.
NEARBY
Nannup is supported by the surrounding towns of the Southern Forests and Valleys Region – Bridgetown, Balingup, Greenbushes and Manjimup – all approximately 40 minutes drive away. The region as a whole is destined to become the next bucket list trip for cyclists. Visiting riders compare it to experiences in Europe or North America, but it’s something entirely its own – Australia, but not as people think they know it.
The relatively small township of Nannup will accommodate riders participating in the Gravel World Series with the support of surrounding towns in the Southern Forests and Valleys Region, like Bridgetown, Balingup, Greenbushes and Manjimup, all of which are approximately 40 minutes away by car. The region as a whole is destined to become the next bucket list location for cyclists of all types. Put simply, there is something for everyone. Visiting riders compare their experiences to those in Europe or in North America, but in fact the experience is unique: its Australia, but not as people think they know it.
IS IT REALLY THAT FAR?
Okay, yes…Western Australia is remote! But remote means uncrowded beaches, ancient forests, cellar doors with no queues and a region that still feels like a genuine discovery. Pair your race weekend with a few extra days and you won’t just attend the Championships – you’ll experience one of Australia’s best-kept secrets.
Discover what’s available in the region by clicking on the images below.
TAKE MORE OF A LOOK AROUND
Click into the map below!
THE REGION IS WAITING FOR YOU
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