Donnybrook-Balingup

Busselton

BUNBURY

Australind

Gelorup

Stratham

Capel Boyanup Yabberup & Mumballup ➛

Lowden

DONNYBROOK

Brookhampton

Kirup

Mullalyup

BALINGUP

You’ll find the Donnybrook-Balingup region among the picturesque Preston and Blackwood River valleys is bursting with fresh produce, historic towns and hamlets.

Donnybrook Balingup region

COLLOQUIALLY KNOWN AS the apple capital of Western Australia, Italian and Irish settlers brought their love of great food to Donnybrook in the 1900s. Today, you can eat your way through the region with quaint roadside stalls selling seasonal local produce, like the summer stone fruits the area is now known for. Modern-day fossicking - this was originally a gold town - is also encouraged in the many local shops, antique stores and more.

A little further down the South Western Highway is Balingup. It would have to be one of the prettiest towns in Western Australia, surrounded by rolling hills, forests and orchards. Laidback, a little bohemian and creative, Balingup’s super-cute shops fill the main street, and there is always a quirky event on offer, with the Balingup Medieval Carnivale, the Small Farm Field Day and Telling Tales in Balingup festivals among the perennial favourites. The Donnybrook Balingup region also includes the quaint historic towns and hamlets of Brookhampton, Kirup, and Mullalyup, plus Yabberup, Mumballup and Lowden in the Preston Valley.

Must-dos

1 Core values - Munch an apple or two in WA’s apple capital. During summer, stop by a farmgate stall to stock up on local peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries.

2 Play time - Australia’s biggest free-entry playground, the Apple Fun Park is undergoing an exciting renovation. There's much anticipation around what the new look park will bring after generations of children have enjoyed spending happy hours exploring this impressively large playpark. So watch this space as a new version of this popular day out destination begins its new lease of life in the heart of Donnybrook - it's due to re-open in September.

3 River walks - The Preston River Loop Walk Trail traverses a lush wetland river ecosystem encompassing a suspension bridge and weir crossing, incorporating the Preston River Indigenous Walk Trail and the Waugyl Sculpture Park – all in the town centre of Donnybrook. In Donnybrook, you also find beautiful Donnybrook Stone buildings and fences including the Soldiers Memorial Hall (1919) and All Saints Church (1906). Venture down to Balingup to follow alongside the Blackwood River and search out secluded swimming holes at the Wrights Bridge Walk Trail.

4 Grape expectations and cold brews - Donnybrook boasts some of the best up-and-coming wineries in the Geographe Wine Region. James Halliday four and above rated wineries offer noble and alternative varieties to satisfy the most discerning palates. Make a day of it and explore wineries like Barrecas, Barton Jones/ Coughlan Estate, Mandalay Road, Oakway Estate, Smallwater Estate and Thompson Brook Wines which all offer tastings and sales. Experience some incredible alternatives like barbera, zinfandel, durif, malbec, vermentino, nero d’avola and moscato. Ned’s Brew Club, Donnybrook’s first beer brewery is conveniently situated inside Oakway Estate Wines and offers a range of craft beers on tap that change throughout the seasons. Custard Cider, although not open to the public, offer their ciders in local licensed premises, wineries and eateries.

5 Star Gazing - Stay a few nights in one of the region’s beautiful boutique and farm stay accommodation properties,

many high in the hills. At night, clear skies give stargazers an awe-inspiring view of the constellations.

6 Shop til you drop - Stock up on handmade herbal products at the TinderBox, find pottery and timber products at the largest art and craft centre in WA – the Old Cheese Factory Craft Centre, or rummage through Donnybrook’s superb new and secondhand book collection - head to DonnyBooks for insightful and friendly service. Visit Donnybrook Artisans in Central Arcade for some locally created treasures and must-haves, open seven days a week and staffed by the artists themselves. Invest in alpaca knitwear from Jalbrook or stunning handcrafted jewelry at Balingup’s Goldsmith.

7 Tree huggers welcome - Wander through the Golden Valley Tree Park, Western Australia’s largest arboretum. There are 60ha of exotic and native trees and it’s famed for being one of the top five locations in Australia to see autumn colours. On the way, take a quick detour to Balingup’s beautiful Avenue of Honour, with its majestic oaks that honour the 154 local men and women of the region who enlisted for service during WW1. Immerse yourself in nature in the local National Parks and State Forests that are brimming with native flora and fauna.

8 Go for a drive - The Balingup-Nannup Road is one of many scenic drives, native kangaroo and emu sightings are common so keep your eyes peeled. Just as you leave Balingup make sure you stop at Balingup Heights Scenic Lookout for stunning views of the town and orchards. Tip - go early on a foggy morning to capture the sunrise. Take the scenic Donnybrook-Goodwood Road to Capel, especially after some rain, to check out Ironstone Gully Falls. There’s even a winery/brewery nearby for a pit stop.

9 Filling station - Try the scrumptious cakes from one of the many bakeries in this foodie hotspot, including gourmet tasting plates and pizza at Oakway Estate, cheese platters and lighter fare from Barton Jones, or authentic flavours at the Donnybrook Indian Restaurant and Asian fusion at the Village Harvest Restaurant. For an Italian influence try the Riverside Restaurant. The main street of Donnybrook abounds with great cafes and coffee. The Donnybrook Bakery is also open 24hrs Monday to Friday and Midnight to 2pm Saturday and Sunday, so you can eat no matter the time of day. In Balingup, grab a great Aussie pie on the terrace at the Old Shed Café or across the road at The Mushroom at No 61 Balingup, and why not indulge in a tipple from the Balingup Fruit Winery while you are there. If picking your own seems too much like hard work, Newy’s Vegie Patch in Kirup has the best selection of fresh fruit, veg and local produce in regional WA, including Tasty Edibles amazing sourdough bread. The South Western Highway has an amazing selection of trendy places for a caffeine fix. Don’t miss Donnybrook’s funky Crazy Cow Coffee or the gourmet delights of Blackwood Daily Grind in Mullalyup.

10 On the right track - Walkers can tackle a section of the Bibbulmun Track that

FIND A LOCAL

DONNYBROOK VISITOR CENTRE A Old Railway Station, South Western Hwy, Donnybrook, WA 6239 T +61 8 9731 1720 E donnybrookwa@westnet. com.au

BALINGUP VISITOR CENTRE A South Western Hwy, Balingup, WA 6253 T +61 8 9764 1818 E balinguptourism@westnet. com.au

passes through the region near Balingup. Mumballup is another great rest point, surrounded by Preston Virgin Forest, a walkers and cyclists paradise. Mountain biking enthusiasts can hit the world-class Munda Biddi Trail that passes through Donnybrook and heads west toward Ironstone Gully Falls before turning south. Alternatively, stay at MTB meccas CycleTrek Lowden or Linga Longa near Balingup. Most local accommodation properties offer a pickup and drop-off service for cyclists and walkers.