Ferguson Valley

HARVEY

The Ferguson Valley produces some of Australia’s best alternative wine varieties intermingled with stunning vistas over the lower coastal plains to the Indian Ocean.

Busselton

BUNBURY

Australind

Gelorup Eaton Burekup Wellington National Park

FERGUSON VALLEY

Dardanup

Stratham Boyanup

Capel Donnybrook

Dardanup Ferguson Valley

AN INFLUX OF tree-changers has helped transform this region from agricultural towns into a go-to for wine producers, artists, musicians and small creative businesses. Dairy farming is still prominent, but lifestylers have moved in for the bucolic simplicity of country life and, as you move up the mountain to the Ferguson Valley, the land is peppered with vines, wineries, and the odd brewery too. Eating and drinking isn’t all that there is to do here – a large section of the region is covered in dense, ruggedly beautiful jarrah forest and includes part of the very popular Wellington National Park. The area also packs a mighty punch in the festival and event stakes.

Must-dos

1 Plenty of choice - Wine tasting is a must in the Fergie Valley with its vineyards and wineries producing awesome small batch wines. Perhaps the most impressive winery in the region is Willow Bridge Estate - a 5-red star James Halliday award-winning operation. However, don’t discount the small guys. Boutique producers like Green Door Wines making a splash with their ancient winemaking techniques, and many others are hot on their heels. On your wine journey, don’t expect to drink and dash; our winemakers are passionate souls who love sharing their time with you. For beer lovers, Bush Shack Brewery and Wild Bull Brewery will tantalise your tastebuds, providing a tempting menu. Evedon Lakeside Retreat also offers a new menu, with fresh flavours including breakfast.

2 Name a gnome - You must pay a visit to the very quirky Gnomesville, a community driven-gnome village with over 7,000 little inhabitants. Bring along a gnome and add it to the collection. Before you go, pick up a copy of the recently released, super-cute children’s illustrated book, Gnomesville – The Real Story by Lesley Geers.

3 On your bike - Get the cogs turning at the Mount Lennard Mountain Bike Network, near Pile Road in the Wellington National Park. Mount Lennard, or Pile Road as it’s known to most mountain bikers, is a fun area of trails that are for the most part built on a very gentle slope. The single-track Grizzly Trail is one of the more popular and technical trails of the collection; it weaves through the jarrah forest providing more than enough obstacles, jumps and berms to keep even the most experienced riders on their toes.

4 Tall timbers - Be awed by nature with a visit to the King Jarrah Tree – it is the most accessible, largest tree in the BunGeo. This majestic jarrah tree is estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old. Standing about 36 metres tall, it has survived bushfires, storms, lightning and insect attack.

5 Creative country - Go in search of artists hiding in the hills. If you have an appointment, head south to visit local artist studios and galleries including 5th Element Glass Art Studio & Gallery and Elliot Smith Sculptures & Glass Studio.

6 History lives - The Dardanup Heritage Park houses one of Australia’s finest collections of historic agricultural and industrial items with more than 20 sheds full of beautifully restored gems. Make time to wander through the 15 heritage sites on the 2.5km Dardanup Heritage Trail, including the first Catholic church in Western Australia outside the metropolitan area. Stop for lunch along the way at the historic Dardanup (aka The Dardy) Tavern built in 1905; it has bags of character. 7 Let’s eat! - Here are a few foodie options to get you started: for an indulgent menu head to Hackersley Estate. Low key and a little arty, Hackersley overlooks a lake with cows grazing in the background. Down the road is Saint Aidan Wines - their chef has a resume that will blow your mind. If you’re after something simple, visit Ferguson Falls Wine Cafe, home to WA’s Best Pizza. For lakeside views try Evedon Lakeside Retreat. Or, if you’re a pie lover, Dardanup Bakery is one of the best. A short drive to Eaton you will find a talented team at Small's Bar who have scoured the region for the best of the best local produce.

8 Get lost - Eaton Foreshore Walk meanders for 5km along the picture-perfect Collie River. You’ll quickly forget you are so close to urban influences. Between Dardanup and Boyanup are the ever-popular and dog-friendly Crooked Brook Trails. The Forest Path is a hidden jewel for those with limited mobility, providing easy access to an area of natural bushland with interpretive signage about the flora and fauna. The wildflowers are awesome in spring.

9 Starry film night - Over summer, join St Aidan Wines for a night under the moon and stars at their ever-popular Film on the Ferguson outdoor cinema evenings. Order a light

FIND A LOCAL

FERGUSON VALLEY VISITOR CENTRE (DARDANUP)

A 5 Ferguson Road, Dardanup WA 6236 T +61 8 9728 1551 W www.fergusonvalley.net.au

meal from the winery, find a spot on the grass and relax under the stars while enjoying a glass or two of Saint Aidan’s finest.

10 Take a drive – Pick up a copy of the Drive Trails of the Ferguson Valley and Surrounds booklet, and hit the road. You’ll find jam-packed itinerary inspiration for art lovers, adventure enthusiasts, those young at heart and much more.

11 Get lost . . . and found - Get lost in Bunbury and the Ferguson Valley this spring. From September 9 to 12, the bustling port city and its wineloving neighbour come alive, with special events for fans of great food, incredible wine and live music.