Blackwood River ValleyThe picturesque countryside of the Blackwood River Valley is charming and naturally beautiful. It is characterised by lush rolling hills, historic towns and outstanding arts and crafts. The valley comes alive with flowers in spring and the many award-winning gardens with tulips and daffodils being favourites with visitors. The night sky over this serene region is clear under a blanket of stars, and a stay in this special part of Australia’s South West is a memorable country affair.
Balingup’s friendly scarecrows welcome visitors to the Blackwood River Valley, just three hours south from Perth by road. From Balingup a scenic drive follows the Blackwood River through to the picture-postcard village of Nannup.
Travellers then take the Brockman Highway to Bridgetown, the valley’s largest town. It’s a short and very pleasant scenic drive through to Boyup Brook, also situated on the edge of the mighty Blackwood River, the longest continually flowing river in Western Australia.
Balingup
Balingup sits at the northern entrance to the Blackwood River Valley, surrounded by undulating hills, forests and orchards. This charmingly beautiful small town is steadily becoming known for its locally handcrafted pottery, herbal products, arts and crafts, annual open gardens, festivals and concerts. Spend an interesting hour or two wandering its many specialty shops and galleries before stopping at a quaint café. The sixty hectare Golden Valley Tree Park holds a unique collection of beautiful and interesting trees from all over the world. A great place for a picnic with several walk trails through the park including the Bibbulmun Track. Balingup offers a range of accommodation with a choice of romantic weekend getaways in secluded cottages, charming B & B’s or farm stays for the family.
Bridgetown
With a relaxed country atmosphere, Bridgetown has a delightful rustic charm and serenity. Its special character extends to the breathtaking views in the town and its surrounding green rolling hills, tall jarrah and marri forests. Bridgetown comes alive every November with the famous Blues at Bridgetown Festival that attracts thousands of music fans. Bridgetown offers a vast array of unique arts and crafts that can be viewed in the local shops and galleries. Experience enchanting misty mornings in winter, refreshingly cool summer nights, a blaze of colour through the deciduous trees in autumn and bursts of new colour in spring. It’s always a good time to stop and discover the beauty of Bridgetown.
Nannup
Situated on the banks of the Blackwood River, Nannup is a historic mill town surrounded by forests. The scenery is especially beautiful in spring when the wildflowers burst into colour, there are number of walks that take visitors along the river and into Kondil Park to appreciate the spectacle. Restaurants, cafés and wineries provide a warm welcome for visitors to this attractive town. It is known as the ‘Garden Village’ in honour of its many beautiful gardens and its garden festivals, most notable being the annual Flower and Garden Festival in mid-August which centres on Nannup’s famous tulips. With canoeing all year round and the Munda Biddi cycle trail, there is plenty to do and Nannup is perfectly situated centrally as an ideal starting point to explore the beautiful South West.
Boyup Brook
Set in the hills above the Blackwood River is the quaint town of Boyup Brook, which is transformed into a mass of colour during the spring wildflower season. The reserves around the town and the 5,000 hectare Haddelton Reserve are good places to experience the wildflowers and many orchids. Boyup Brook’s arts and crafts displays, historic homesteads and the Beetle and Butterfly display make it an interesting and intriguing place to visit and explore.
Boyup Brook has gained a reputation for country music. It is home to the unique Harvey Dickson’s Country Music Centre and the Western Australian Country Music Awards. Also well worth a visit is the Flax Mill. Built in 1941 it worked through World War II and closed in 1965. It now houses Sandy Chambers’ fascinating sand sculptures.
Editorial and images courtesy of Australia's South West.
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