48 hours in . . . Capel Region

48 hours in the . . . CAPEL REGION

Stretch your legs in a rare tuart forest, be charmed by tiny towns, and indulge in gourmet-fresh produce in the Capel region. Amble along Peppermint Grove Beach, play a game of golf surrounded by kangaroos or fly through the air on a trampoline. Feed your curiosity at quirky galleries and studios, or at a local cellar door and cafe.

DAY ONE Perth to Peppermint Grove Beach

It’s the great Australian summer ritual: packing up and heading for the beach. So, jump in the car and get ready for 48 hours of summer-time fun in the Capel region. Allow a little over two hours to reach the region.

If it’s chilled-out beach time vibes you crave, then spending time in the quintessential seaside town of Peppermint Grove Beach (aka Peppy Beach) is a must. You’ll find the beach holiday you remember from your childhood. No high rises, just endless days enjoying the sun and sea.

Sunset Magic

Arrive in time to catch the last beautiful rays over the Indian Ocean. Climb the 119-step Peppermint Grove lookout for 360-degree views of the Peppermint Grove Beach and beyond and an unbelievable sunset. Access is from Peppermint Grove Terrace, or from Maali Rise (off Boobook Rise).

Where to Stay

Families will love the Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park with its camper’s kitchen, mini golf, tennis, volleyball and the best Friday night pizzas in the region.

For space to luxuriate, try a twostorey architecturally-designed house by Peppermint Tree Lodge.

DAY TWO Get Sand Between Your Toes

Lock the car into 4WD and hit the beach highway. Bring the fishing rod, boat, snorkelling gear, surfboard or kayak and spend the morning getting wet and salty.

Berry Breakfast

You’ve earned your breakfast, so head to Capelberry Cafe in the main street of Capel (only a 10-minute drive from

Peppy Beach) for their famous breakfast bruschetta or spicy it up with spicy chorizo eggs. Vegetarians will love the Capelberry mushrooms. The coffee and tea selections are fabulous, and the lemon coconut cake is to die for.

If you have kids in tow, spend a few moments at the nearby Capel Skate Park and Playground.

Walk Among Spectacular Trees

Wander through the world’s only remaining tall tuart forest in the Tuart Forest National Park. It’s also home to towering 40-metre tuart trees and the rare western ringtail possum. Go bushwalking, have a picnic or check out the Tuart Discovery Trail.

Another picturesque walk meandering through rare tuart forest (that only locals know) is situated at the northern end of the Capel region between Dalyellup and Usher (South Bunbury). The 1.27kms trail ssamjang mayonnaise, pickled mushrooms, and steamed bao buns with vegetable and gochujang. Capel Vale’s Cellar Door has also launched new wine flights. Taste vertical vintages of Museum-stock riesling and cabernet sauvignon, pulled out of their private cellar!

For a quick, casual bite, try the Capel Bakehouse which specialises in traditional baking. The pies and pasties are delicious followed by a lick-your-lips choccie eclairs. We recommend you grab some of their famous charcoal bread to take home with you. Pack a picnic and head to the picturesque Ironstone Gully Falls, off Goodwood Road.

Sporting Adventures

Get swinging at Capel Golf Course. Established in 1928, the 18-hole par 72 championship course offers a spacious layout with flat terrain and bending fairways. While challenging to veterans, this course is also a great start for beginners since there is no troublesome water. You’ll also tee-off to an audience of local kangaroos.

MTB adventures can put peddle to the metal on the Boyanup to Donnybrook or Boyanup to Wellington Forest sections of the famous Munda Biddi track. Pick up and drop off services are available in the region.

The 19th Hole

Finish your golf game or MTB adventurers with drinks at the Capel’s historic tavern – its sunny beer garden is an afternoon ritual.

Where to Stay

If a vineyard view is more your style, couples should check into Windfall Wine Estate’s gorgeous one-bedroom chalet. Windfall is located in North Boyanup, on the border of the Capel region and the

OLD FASHIONED FUN Head to the Capel region and rediscover the summer holidays of your childhood. Opposite, Capel Vale is home to an award-winning winery and restaurant. Below, Capelberry serves fabulous brekkies.

of high quality, flat asphalt path (perfect for walkers, cyclists, skaters, and parents with prams) is surrounded by majestic tuart trees. The trail features two interpretive shelters at either end, as well as numerous interpretive panels throughout the Walk.

Matching Wines

Recently nominated as a The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2020, Capel Vale is an essential foodie and wine experience. Settle in to enjoy some superb food from executive chef, Jason, at Match Restaurant overlooking the Stirling Vineyard. We recommend the Geographe Malbec Plate with Szechuan lamb ribs,

Ferguson Valley, and only minutes from Bunbury. Stretch out on the expensive deck overlooking the property and sprawling vines while being entertained by their friendly alpacas and resident flock of guinea fowl.

DAY THREE

After breakfast in your cottage, pack up and drive five minutes to Boyanup. Located on the Preston River, Boyanup is a Noongar name, said to mean “a place of quartz” as “Boya” means “rock” or “stone”.

Caffeine Boost

Kickstart the morning with a caffeine boost from drive thru Coffee Joy. You’ll find freshly brewed Rubra artisan coffee, real fruit smoothies and the best almond milk lattes around. Your kids will love the homemade cookies and bay chinos. Still hungry? Select from the toastie or croissant menu, Gaby's Muesli with yoghurt and mixed berries or a vege frittata.

Morning Walk

Start the day in nature, with a walk along the Preston River Ramble. The Ramble is a delightful 1.3km walking trail alongside the Preston River, starting at Boyanup’s Lions Park on Bridge St. The trail follows the Preston River, and through interpretation signage visitors can catch a glimpse of the area’s history, observe conservation principles, and engage all five of their senses.

Keep walking on the edge of town and you’ll find the Joshua Lake Walk – the circuit caters for both cyclists and walkers, with high quality flat concrete paths. The walk features interpretive panels, and includes several artistic shelters, a bird hide, bench seats, and tables.

Toot Toot

Lions Park is also the departing point for the Boyanup Heritage Trail. You will uncover 15 historic sites and buildings along the trrail, including the South West Rail and Heritage. On the fourth Sunday of the month, the Rail & Heritage Centre opens its doors to the public. View the historic trains and carriages, plus see the Capel Men’s Shed and the blacksmiths working in the traditional way.

Meet a Local Farmer

Markets draw crowds at this rural town

family favourite on the fourth Sunday of the month. The Boyanup Farmers Markets are considered the best produce markets in the BunGeo. Their farmers are passionate about the food, produce and very little food miles – think fruit in season, from apples, pears, stone fruit and beautiful fresh vegetables, goat’s milk and cheese, sheep cheese, honey, olives and olive oils, macadamia and pecan nuts products. Not only can you buy fresh eggs at the market you can purchase chooks in all shapes and sizes. The preserve stalls have a large variety of jams, chutneys, pickled onions and African-style preserves for those that like them a little spicy and a special salt blends stall. Plus, there's Geographe Wine available for tasting and purchasing.

It’s also the perfect place for an early lunch. There are goat meat and lamb vans with high quality pasture fed meat products on offer. Finish with a coffee and French pastry and more.

All Things French & Beautiful

Less than 200 metres walk from the markets, you’ll find Rustic French Living which is literally oozing with all things Gallic. Located in an old Methodist church, Rustic French sells French-inspired furniture, homeware, antiques and ladies clothing. They also have an extensive range of recycled furniture plus traditional bed linen, quilts and cushions. While you’re shopping partake in freshly baked goodies perfectly paired with a coffee or a tea. Our favourites include their Blueberry-Filled Vanilla Cupcakes, Melting Moments, and Pineapple and Coconut Cupcakes. Don’t say goodbye, just “à bientôt”.

Fossickers Rejoice

In an unsustainable world of fast fashion, perhaps it’s time to swim against the current and try some pre-loved goodies from Quirky Too. A five-minute walk from Rustic French, Quirky Too is the perfect place for fossickers to uncover unique vintage, retro, art and salvage finds.

Say goodbye to Boyanup and hit the road. If you still have room in the boot after the markets, pick up fresh produce from The Forbidden Fruit in Stratham. Owner Phil is passionate about supporting our local farmers and orchards. Produce changes daily, and you will also find delights like Capel Seedless Mandarins mystic butter and mandarin marmalade, woodfired bread, Solarfruit, woodsmoke meats, preserves and more.

More Wonderous Beaches

For another lesser known yet fabulous beach, try Dalyellup Beach. Descend the staircase, to find a stunning beach that stretches for miles. 4WD vehicles can access the beach here and drive south and there’s a dog-friendly section too. Above the beach there is a lawn picnic area with BBQs and toilets.

Find a Bit of Gravity

Kids, and big kids at heart, will have a jumping good time at Gravity ETC trampoline centre. Gravity is a world-class family and youth venue that is all about fun; home to 1,800 sqm of trampoline floor area, with seven different activity zones, plus 200sqm mezzanine level, parent retreat, café, and a free soft play area for kids under three..

Fish N Chippies

No beach holiday is complete without a serving of Fish and Chips. Before you depart for Perth, stop at Seven Seas Fresh Fish & Chips, consider one of the top fish and chip restaurants in Australia. Grab takeaway and picnic at the The Lakes. Located opposite the Collie River on the Eaton Foreshore and only 8kms from the city of Bunbury, Riverside Park is ideally located for family holidays or travellers that are passing through. The park offers clean, well-equipped cabins, as well as large grassy powered sites. For those looking to explore Bunbury and surrounding areas in more detail, our park will offer all the comfort you need to relax after a long day out and about.

Tel: 08 9725 1234 Email: reception@riversidecp.com.au Website: www.riversidecp.com.au