Australind BUNBURY
Destination
Collie
Gelorup Stratham
Boyanup
Capel
Donnybrook
Busselton
Balingup BOYUP BROOK
It may be the country capital of WA but you’ll also find rolling hills, rivers and farmland in this beautiful part of the world.
Boyup Brook region WHERE AN ICONIC RIVER, undulating valleys, and rare flora and fauna meets broad-acre farming plains, Boyup Brook on the tranquil Blackwood River is the heart of Western Australia’s country music scene. Each year, thousands upon thousands of fans descend on this small community to attend the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival. But it’s not all cowboy boots and guitar twangs; Boyup Brook is also a rural community brimming with talent. From creative artists to some of WA’s best food and wine producers, this town will win you over with its warm hospitality and spirit. Highlighting the fact is Boyup Brook’s obsession (in a good way) with collecting. From a world-famous rare jewel beetle and butterfly collection, an amazing doll collection, record and music memorabilia that will blow your mind, to one of Australia’s largest collections of teapots, the people and things of Boyup Brook will intrigue and delight.
Must-dos
1 Grab your boots and hat - This is country music country and home to WA’s iconic Country Music Festival (February). Throughout the year, you can visit the Hot Country Music Shop to view its artist signature collection and stock up on all things country. Make sure you don’t miss the Harvey Dickson’s Country Music Centre. This entertainment shed is decorated wall-to- wall and
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floor-to-rafter with memorabilia spanning more than 100 years - The original wagon that local pioneers, the Muir family, rode into the area in 1884 hangs from the rafters. See life-sized sand sculptures of Elvis and Johnny Cash and the ‘record room’ contains hundreds of records including an extensive Elvis Presley exhibit. The Harvey Dickson Rodeo is an iconic rodeo, music and camping Festival held in the last weekend of October. 2 The butterfly effect - Visit the beautiful Carnaby Jewel Beetle and Butterfly Collection, regarded as the best outside the British Museum of Natural History, at the Boyup Brook Visitor Centre. Keith Carnaby was a leading light in the field of entomology. The Visitor Centre also showcases the impressive Kradals Doll Collection, and locally-made produce with Boyup Brook olive oil a must-buy. Teapot lovers should visit the quirky Quacking Frog Teapot Shed, boasting a collection of more
than 5000 items. 3 Paddles up - Hire a canoe from the Flax Mill Recreation Complex (also housing a timber and sewing machine display by appointment) and paddle down the majestic Blackwood River, the longest river in the south west. Peaceful stretches meander through farming country. To experience magnificent flora and birdlife, take a picnic and stop off along the way. For the more adventurous, the river and surrounds are suitable for longer treks that incorporate camping at various spots along the banks. Prefer to be on land? Take the Bicentennial Trail for an ultra-pleasant walk beside the Blackwood River. 4 Artfully done - Explore the streets of Boyup and be amazed by the holograms and sculptures, plus murals and a giant gnomon by acclaimed local artist Sandy Chambers. Boyup Brook’s public art also encompasses impressive, largescale metal works by Len Zuks and Harvey Dickson. visitbunburygeographe.com.au
