Sport down south is all about having a good time, whether you’re a seasoned pro or giving it a go for the first time.

So, we’ve put together a list of our favourite sporting events in the region. Most can be done as a team, so if you’re not solo-ready, rally your best mates for an adventure worth the sweat. 

Here’s what made the cut. 

Tri-hard

Just when you thought mastering one sport was hard enough, someone invented triathlons. The Busselton Ironman is the peak triathlon race in WA, attracting fitness enthusiasts from around the world looking to swim, cycle and run their way to a personal best.

Matt Burton was gifted an entry to the novice distance Busselton triathlon for his 21st. He joined in for a bit of fun, and now travels the world chasing the sport he loves.

Starting as a hobby, Matt now travels around the world competing. Photo: Daniela Tommasi

“Having an event at home, where the journey began, will long be my favourite weekend of the year,” he says. “My son was born in race week, which adds to the enjoyment of the first weekend in December.”

The three-stage race includes a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride and a 42.2 km run, which can be completed solo or in teams. Matt says triathletes come for the race but stay for the experience.

“The local people welcome all visitors with open arms and leave great memories for anyone travelling through the region,” he says.

The Busselton Ironman is the peak triathlon race in WA. Photo: Supplied

Bike than beer

The Cape to Cape MTB Race is a four-day adventure that takes mountain bike riders from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta all the way to Cape Naturaliste in Dunsborough. Ross Wilcox from the Cape to Cape MTB team says the event is geared for good times.

“We’ve scouted the funnest trails we could find, with loads of variety each day and achievable distances.”

The finish line of every stage is close to a brewery, so riders can enjoy the perfect balance of time on the bike with time sipping beer. This is one reason why the race is best paired with mates.

The race best paired with mates. Photo: Daniela Tommasi

Get wet

The Busselton Jetty Swim is a cult classic for ocean-loving swimmers. The 3.6k m swim kicks off in February, taking swimmers around the iconic Busselton Jetty and back to shore. Swimming Women founder Charlotte O’Beirne has been participating in the race since 2002.

“It’s become a bit of an institution within swimming women because it’s local and it inspires so many women to go, oh wow, they did that, I can try too,” she says.

“So we meet together and we encourage each other.”

Swimming Women is a space for women to swim together and have fun in the ocean. They meet regularly down south, and welcome visitors from out of town.

Swimming Women is a space for women to swim together and have fun in the ocean. Photo: Abby Murray

Barrels of fun

In 1985, a bunch of surfers launched a longboarding competition in Yallingup. The Yallingup Malibu Classic is still going strong, luring some of the best longboard talent in WA. Lauren Williams is a regular.

“I love the Yallingup Malibu Classic because it brings the surf community from up and down our coast together in the beautiful South West,” she told us. “I love hearing the stories from the old boys about the history of the event, and their surf shenanigans in Yallingup from over the years.”

Yal-Mal takes place over two days in December and includes divisions for women, men, juniors, and teams. Lauren says this year will be the comp’s 40th anniversary, so it’s bound to be a special one.

2024 marks Yal-Mal's 40th anniversary. Photo: Supplied

Celebrate right

Every good athlete respects the post-race celebration. If you’re in Dunsborough, Eagle Bay Brewing Co. is the perfect spot for a cold beer and wood-fired pizza. Shelter Brewing Co. is our pick for Busselton. These beer-making legends are right on the bay, which makes for epic views and recovery brews.

Every athlete deserve to celebrate in good company. Photo: Daniela Tommasi

Recover at your own pace and bring your own picnic packed full of your post-race teats to Evans & Tate. Enjoy alongside a glass of their award-winning wines, or leave it up to local company The Art of Grazing, and preorder one of their gourmet platters to the cellar door. If you’d prefer something a little fancier, then Voyager Estate in Margaret River is a vineyard and restaurant worth the drive. Their five-course seasonal tasting experience is a seriously indulgent recovery best enjoyed with the accompanying wine pairing.

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