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Fire Up

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Found in Brunswick

Found in Brunswick

Book a stay in a place that’s FIREUP as perfect in summer as it is in winter, says Sandra Ramini.

Cool down or snuggle up and enjoy every moment.

Do you fancy snuggling around a proper fire on a crisp evening when it’s dark outside and the weather smells of smoky BBQs? Or watch the days get lighter and longer as winter turns into spring and wild flowers pop up in the middle of the bush? Or, on the other hand, if you relish indulging in those lazy, hazy, golden days of summer, the Bunbury Geographe region is your kind of destination.

This is a corner of Western Australia that is cooler when it’s too hot somewhere else and warmer when the seasons change and the uninvited cold creeps under your collar and between your toes. That’s when you hover around the fire pit as it crackles with goodwill and eucalyptus leaves. Or should summer be your season, you’ll find a holiday cabin can be highly civilised with proper air conditioning, not to mention nature’s own cooling breezes. Besides, in this gorgeous part of the world there’s usually a lake or a dam to dive into or where you can just simply go messing about in boats - and that’s before you get around to the endless joy of the Indian Ocean.

So here we are with a decidedly well-deserved break to look forward to, somewhere relaxing but fun, different but with the comforts of home and near enough so the drive doesn’t kill you. So where do you start? No worries, friends, we’ve done the work for you.

All these fine properties understand the importance of proper fires to warm both the body and the soul. They also know how to cool down in summer, where to go to see the wildlife, both flora and fauna, which are the best beaches, where to see the glorious sunsets and how to have the best time possible for the whole family. Just remember, in season, campfires are allowed between the hours of 6pm and 10am and are to be contained in the designated fire pits. Once you know the rules you’re on your way. Have fun.

Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages

With just six cosy, but stylish cottages in 46 acres of glorious bushland Balingup Heights is pretty irresistible. The views are out of this world and they’re not just glimpsed, they are all around you. Owners Deb and Brian deserve their clutch of awards, (another one just joined the collection) as they go that extra mile for their guests. Each cottage has its own fire and they’ll start it before you arrive on extra cold days, just to make you feel warm and cosy before you even put down your bags. Summer visitors will be relieved that each cottage is reverse-cycle airconditioned. You can marvel at glorious sunsets, wake in time to equally beautiful sunrises and just relish the peace and tranquility. Then as night falls, take a breath and look out for the stars in a stunning night sky. Visit balingupheights.com.au - email info@balingupheights. com.au

Lions Myalup Pines

If you’d like to add the warm glow that comes from supporting a good cause, alongside that other warm glow from the fire pit try Lions Myalup Pines, a notfor-profit property just 150 kms south of Perth. It’s leased from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and managed by a board of Lions. No, not the ones with manes, but the ones who volunteer their services and help change people’s lives. There are seven cottages, comfy but basic and ideal for families. Myalup’s beautiful white beaches, great for swimming and fishing, are only a short drive away. Lake Preston and Yalgorup -National Park are ideal for bird watching, bush walking and nature study. There’s a properly controlled fire pit, a playground for kids. But, don’t forget your own pillows, towels and bed-linen. Visit myaluppinescottages. com - email info@ myaluppinescottages.com

Lewana Cottages

Another gorgeous spot is Lewana Cottages - located in the Blackwood River Valley. Great for everyone who wants to get close to nature, but especially kids who can help feed the farm animals, including a llama, an alpaca and a guinea fowl. You can dive into the swimming dam and toast marshmallows over the fire-pit. You can take over the whole place if you’ve got a special occasion coming up. Their old rusty machinery shed doesn’t sound like a place for a party, but it has been the scene of many. All a huge success. Lovely days, star-filled nights. Perfect. Visit lewanacottages. com - email contactus@ lewanacottages.com

Tegwan’s Nest

Unlike most of the properties mentioned, Tegwan’s nest is all under one roof. It’s the kind of classic Australian homestead you read about in glossy magazines. Nothing has been over-looked in this sophisticated home from home. Expect stunning views, rolling hills, healthy, delicious food, a great selection of wines, available in the surrounding area, the possibility of just about every activity you could think of in the region and loads of style. Cool comfort for summer visitors, warm and cosy for winter guests, the flickering flames of the log fires just complete the picture. Canny travellers might note that Tegwan’s Nest is an Airbnb 5 star rating Superhosts 12 quarters in a row. Nice. Visit tegwansnest.com.au - email info@tegwansnest.com.au

Evedon Lakeside Retreat

This is a property that combines the charm of a cluster of log cabins and ten two-storey apartments alongside the glamour and ease of the main property. And all on 800-acres of gorgeous bushland.

The cabins have lots of space, with well equipped kitchens, evaporative airconditioning for summer and that cosy log fire we all hanker after for winter. The apartments are equally comfortable but with their own style. There’s also the Aussie staple of a generous verandah for entertaining or just relaxing and watching the sunset over the lake.

The main property boasts an excellent restaurant. Hard to resist. Visit evedon.com.au - email info@evedon.com.au

Jalbrook Estate

Each of the six earth-rammed cottages on Jalbrook Estate is charmingly individual, but all have hot tub jacuzzis, soft, comfy beds, air conditioning for the summer months and the piéce de resistance - a log fire, crackling away adding its own touch of warmth and glamour to your holiday break. A complimentary first morning breakfast comes as a delightful surprise, especially as it includes tasty local produce.

The area is as beautiful and as tranquil as you would hope. Visit jalbrook.com.au - email info@jalbrook.com.au

Ferguson Farm Stay

If you’re a rose-lover you’ll be in heaven. There are 1000 of them in this lovely property owned and run, appropriately enough by Rosa. When the breeze is in the right direction those blooms will scent your way as you explore your new surroundings. Obviously ideal for weddings, Ferguson Farm is also great for families. Farm animals, a

RUG UP AND RELAX

Opposite and below, Evedon Lakeside Retreat. Above, Tegwan's Nest.

tennis court, basketball court and a trampoline are on site, you’re right in the heart of the Ferguson Valley, the glorious Wellington Dam is minutes away and there are great bike tracks for the adventurous.

Or you could just loll around, sipping your wine, nibbling something delicious in front of the fire. There’s one in each of the 11 chalets. Or when it’s warm there is always the verandah, proper Aussie style, where you can catch your breath and the evening breezes. Remember, there is a one-off charge for bed linen, $10 per single, $20 per double or you can bring your own. Visit fergusonfarmstay. com.au - email info@ fergusonfarmstay.com.au

Blue Hills Farm Stay

Blue Hills Farm stay is a rustic property overlooking the magnificent Harvey dam. There are just three chalets, so an especially private and tranquil experience. Each are pleasantly comfortable, made of rammed earth and have lovely individual touches from local artisans. They also have all the conveniences you’d need indoors, while outside are the rolling views of the Darling Ranges.

The chalets each have split air-conditioning and boast a log fire although you could always join in the friendly, communal barbecue. There is a one-off $10 charge for bedlinen. Visit bluehillsfarmstay.com.au - email info@bluehillsfarmstay. com.au

Balinga Cottages

Balinga also has gone the ‘small is beautiful’ route and have just two fully equipped and furnished family sized cottages on their 15 acre property. Owners, Chris and Lila were the first to brave what was essentially a farming area around Balingup and open it up to tourism.

These days cooling breezes and nearby Balingup Brook provide summer comforts while in winter log fires flicker their welcome, guests enjoy the privacy and can do as much or as little as they like in a great location. You could also bring your

IMAGE Bianca Turri

Glenmervyn Lodge, Collie

Despite awful storms which gave this property a real battering in recent times, Glenmervyn is up

own horse if you felt like it. The paddock is available. A complimentary first morning breakfast includes Chris’s home-made bread and marmalade. Yum. Visit balingacottages.com. au - email balingacottages@ westnet.com.au

Kirip Kabins

If you want to bring your blood pressure down and your spirits up plan to stay here. Kirip Kabins is about tranquillity, about life as it used to be, where your boots get muddy, where the kids can muck about with the animals, learn how to build a proper fire and enjoy proper outdoor life. Mullalyup State forest, with 11,000 hectares of flora and fauna is on the doorstep and should you want to venture further, everything is within an easy drive. There are both two bedroom and three bedroom cabins available, each warm and cosy and part of the fun is having the kids collect the firewood. Bed linen is BYO. Kirip Kabins is not a summer destination, so November through to March it’s closed. Visit kiripkabins.com.au - email kirupkabins@westnet.com.au

and running and open for business again. Take the family, take the friends, take your pets, take the lot. Glenmervyn can handle sleeping for up to twelve people. And their dogs. There’s also a cottage available for reclusive types who might want a bit of privacy. It’s an easy place to be, close to Glenmervyn Dam and the the Ferguson Valley and offers comfort and the great outdoors. Visit glenmervynlodge. com.au - email contact@ glenmervynlodge.com.au

Collie River Valley Tourist Park

If you’ve got your own canvas or house on wheels the Collie River Valley Tourist Park can direct you to the ideal caravan site for you. They’ve got 70 powered sites

and 13 camp sites. You just choose which way you want to go - every facility you could think of or the simple life. It’s all possible. Check out if campfires are allowed and go for it. Visit colliecaravanpark.com.au - email info@crvtp.com.au

Lake Brockman Camping Site and Cabins

Like the Collie River Valley Tourist Park, Lake Brockman has everything for campers, with well set-up facilities in both the powered and nonpowered sites. It’s set in the beautiful surroundings of the state forest, 10 minutes away from the Harvey townsite. You can bring your canoe, or swim in the clear fresh water of the dam or you could be really traditional and go fishing. Trout, delicious when cooked over a fire and helped along by a few herbs and marron is also around in

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Opposite, Balinga Cottages, and this page, Linga Longa Bike Park.

season. Cabins are available too but remember to bring your own bedding and towels. Visit lakebrockman.com.au - email lakebrockman@gmail.com

Linga Longa Bike Park

Bikers rejoice. The Lingalonga Bike Park is created precisely for you. Serious bikers with serious bikes are the main customers, but you could be seven years old, you could be 70 and you’ll be equally welcome in this home from home for the biking community. Cottages do exist, but it’s really a camping spot with some of the most technical and challenging trails in the state.

Gravity Days for tough biking challenges are made sweeter by tasty, healthy food on offer in the café. Only on Gravity days, the rest of the time you’re self catering. Tough, exacting, testing but isn’t that what you bikers are looking for? Visit lingalongabikepark. com.au - admin@ lingalongabikepark.com.au

The Bunbury Wildlife Park is the City of Bunbury’s nature hub. Here, children and adults alike can learn, engage and connect with the animals of our great South West. Come join us for fun and awareness.

Winter opening times: Thursday to Sunday Summer opening times: Wednesday to Sunday Open 7 days a week during school holidays.

Email: wildlifepark@bunbury.wa.gov.au Open The Bunbury Wildlife Park offers a range of educational activities: Thursday to Monday Keeper Talks Our dedicated and knowledgeable keepers offer talks on a variety of our animals at the park. Learn about our 10am to 5pm Open dingoes, tawny frogmouths, snakes, and what to do if you find sick or injured wildlife in your own backyard. Animal interaction Our birds and our kangaroos are very friendly, for the optimal sensory experience we offer feed bags to encourage Thursday to Monday 10am to 5pm interaction between our animal friends and you. And Guess What! www.bunburywildlifepark.com.au (08) 9721 8380 Prince Philip Drive, Bunbury The Wildlife Park is situated directly across from the Big Swamp wetlands, the perfect chance to embark on a boardwalk journey and maybe see the Western Long Neck Turtle or a variety of wetland birds and frogs in the wild or encounter sensory play on the toddler’s accessible playground right next door.

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