While her daily life unfolds on Australia's east coast, Sunrise host Nat Barr has reaffirmed her deep connection to her home state, spending her summer break in the picturesque South West region of Western Australia.
A Heartfelt Homecoming for the Sunrise Star
The 57-year-old television personality, who was born in Bunbury, made the most of her time off to visit family and revisit the sprawling landscapes and endless coastlines of her youth. In a cheerful social media montage shared with her followers, Barr was seen embracing the quintessential South West lifestyle.
Her holiday highlights included leisurely walks along pristine beaches, visits to local wineries, and indulging in delicious sweet treats. The mother of two signalled her return to the morning television desk with a post captioned: "Summer. Down South. @westernaustralia But the holiday’s over.. See ya Monday everyone!! @sunriseon7."
Her post quickly attracted attention from colleagues and friends. Fellow presenter Kylie Gillies and prominent nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo responded with heart emojis, while the official Instagram account for the state of Western Australia commented simply, "Love our summer."
An Ambassador's Passion for WA Exploration
As a travel ambassador for Western Australia, Barr's visit marks another chapter in her ongoing promotion of the region. She also travelled back in winter last year. In an interview with PerthNow in August, she shared her personal approach to discovering the area.
"We go to Dunsborough every year, my family are lucky to have had a house down there since the 70s," Barr explained. She advocates for a spontaneous adventure, suggesting travellers get a map and simply start driving.
"It’s not just wineries, there’s so many great restaurants, but also little olive oil companies and little cafes," she said. "You just wander around and drive in, and experience something that you’re probably not going to experience anywhere else." She summed up the south's appeal as "welcoming and unique, and relaxed."
Celebrity Spotlight Boosts Region's Profile
Barr is not the only high-profile figure singing the praises of the South West this summer. Perth-raised, Melbourne-based music star Troye Sivan also recently posted from his holiday in the area, specifically naming Yallingup.
"I came here all the time as a kid. I really think it’s the most beautiful place on Earth," Sivan told his fans, explaining he spent New Year's there with friends.
This consistent celebrity endorsement coincides with strong visitor numbers. City of Busselton mayor Phill Cronin noted that while the region felt busier, summer crowds were largely in line with expectations. He attributed the perceived increase to significant local population growth.
"We were at 30,000 people in 2011 and we’re now 45,000, so you’ve got another 15,000 people on top," Mayor Cronin said. "That growth alone changes how busy the place feels."
The combination of natural beauty, gourmet experiences, and a laid-back atmosphere continues to make Western Australia's South West a premier destination for both returning locals and first-time visitors seeking an authentic escape.
