the bunbury geographe magazine
s p r i n g /s u m m e r
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FREE Take me home
STARRING ROLE Retrace The Naked Wanderer's steps around the BunGeo
SPLASH PADS Discover the perfect place to take a dip in the region's hotel pools as the weather warms up
GET GNARLY Experience a brand new way to surf as Airwave opens in Bunbury
Editor’s Letter
the bunbury geographe magazine
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Published by PREMIUM PUBLISHERS 26 John Street Northbridge Perth WA 6003 (08) 9273 8933 EDITOR Gabi Mills gabi@premiumpublishers.com.au DESIGNER Cally Browning
Discover your perfect vaycay Spring and summer in the BunGeo region is a special time of year. Think adventures in the great outdoors, innovative chefs creating memorable dishes, family-owned wineries welcoming visitors with open arms (and well-stocked cellars), beautifully crafted wares from talented locals and the chance to kick back beachside and relax in one of the south west's most beautiful regions. We think you'll find plenty to inspire in these pages of Found magazine. Here's just a taste of what you could get up to over the next few months. Hollywood came calling to the BunGeo recently when the cast and crew of The Naked Wanderer used the region as its set. Find out what the stars loved most about their stay in Bunbury and beyond - and follow the naked wanderer's path to true love. There are plenty of ways to explore the region -but how about doing it in style, in a mustang to be more exact? You can also get behind the controls of a Warbird, ride your mountain bike on some pristine trails, dive deep off the coast and discover sunken wrecks and make a splash in some pretty cool pools. If an adventurous palate is more your thing, you'll find extra special steaks and burgers in the region, thanks to some amazing locally produced meat, and for those of you with a sweet tooth or two, make sure you try our local taffy, fruit leather and gingerbread. There are some exciting new openings winning lots of new fans around the region too, and if you're keen to pull on an apron, the chance to learn how to create a truly authentic paella is not to be missed. The whole region is excited too about the imminent opening of Bunbury's very own artificial surf attraction. Airwave is set to literally make waves in November. Our region is all about an authentic experience and we hope that you enjoy your visit, making new friends and plenty of memories. Happy reading,
Gabi
SALES MANAGER Natalie du Preez (0426 752 352) natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cassandra Charlick, Danielle Costley, Tom de Souza, Fergal Gleeson, Mia Lacy, Joanne Marriott, Jennifer Morton, Lizzy Pepper, Gail Williams. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Frances Andrijich, Bianca Turri COVER IMAGE By Bianca Turri Photography. Model: Nathan Hale (@_nathan_hale) wearing Good Earth Surf Shop wetsuit (33 Wellington Street, Bunbury, visit goodearthsurfshop.com.au) ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES gabi@premiumpublishers.com.au Printed by VANGUARD PRESS All rights reserved. No material published in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written authority. Every endeavour is made to ensure information contained is correct at time of going to print. ©2019 FOUND is published bi-annually by Premium Publishers on behalf of the Bunbury Geographe Tourism Partnership. Printed by Vanguard Press.
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DID YOU KNOW? Just two hours from Perth, you will find the Bunbury Geographe region or BunGeo as we call it. Lose yourself within a vibrant seaside city and discover a captivating wine region, amazing produce, beautiful scenery, a banging arts scene and quaint towns. #BunGeo #VisitBunburyGeographe @VisitbunburyGeographe
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the bunbury geographe magazine
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Welcome Events 48 hours in . . . the Harvey Region
ART & CULTURE
20 The Naked Wanderer 22 Meet the makers 24 BRAG’s biennial exhibition
ACCOMMODATION & TOURS
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Vroom with a view Laid back summer vibes Make a splash
ADVENTURE & NATURE
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Boys will be boys Surf’s up
FOOD & DRINK SHIRES
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Foodie news Top tucker Keeping it in the family Sweet sensations The thrill of the grill Top brekkie spots
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Bunbury Donnybrook-Balingup Ferguson Valley Capel region Collie River Valley Boyup Brook region Harvey region
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DIRECTORY Bunbury Geographe map
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events
SPRING/SUMMER
/ OCTOBER / Saddle up It’s time for the Stage 3 Trail Race at Linga Longa, Balingup. This is the Queen Stage of DIRT, and the most compelling stage ever. At 77.5km and nearly 2,000 metres of climbing, this is a very tough stage, but also the most beautiful. Dirt Tour MTB 2019, Linga Longa, October 5. Visit tourofmargaretriver.com Game on More than 1,500 leading hockey players from across Australia will head to the south west to compete in the tournaments of this fastmoving game. Australian Men’s Masters Hockey Championship, until October 12, Hay Park Hockey Stadium, Bunbury. Visit australianmastershockey.com
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Visionary work Now in its 29th year, Iluka Visions is an annual exhibition that highlights the quality and imagination of students from south west high schools. A great chance to see artists of the future in their first major exhibition. Iluka Visions 2019, from October 12, BRAG, Bunbury. Visit brag.org.au
Adventure time Witness an epic adventure race through the Collie River Valley. The multi-discipline event is back in 2010 and remains in the beautiful river valley with the entire event starting and finishing around the picturesque Minninup Pool on the Collie River on the edge of the Collie township. It’s a multistaged relay race consisting Stormie Mills
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of a canoe leg, mountain bike ride, swim, road bike ride and a run. The race can be done as a team or by individuals. Collie Adventure Race, Collie, October 12. Visit collieadventurerace.com Get your legs prepared to move through this hilly course, full of grasslands, forested valley floors and multiple water bodies. WA True Grit is a highly anticipated WA event is held near Donnybrook and isn’t for the fainthearted. True Grit, Donnybrook, October 26 and 27. Visit truegrit.com.au In a coup for WA, the City of Bunbury is playing host to the 2019 WA State Road Cycling Championships
during the last weekend in October. Organisers, sponsors and spectators will have the rare opportunity to witness the best cyclists in WA battle head to head to be crowned State Road Champion. Expect to see several of Western Australia’s European based pro riders as well as Tour de France level and Giro d’Italia experienced riders battle it out for the top honours. 2019 WA State Road Cycling Championships, October 26 and 27. Visit westcycle.org.au Fun and games The Bull & Barrel Festival is guaranteed to fire your imagination. Celebrate the arts, enjoy the tastes of the .../Contd p8
Images by Leesa Sutherland
CELEBRATING THE LAND There are several country harvest festivals and agriculture shows to enjoy throughout spring and summer. The 88th Brunswick Agriculture Show is the largest in Western Australia and will take place on October 26 from 8.30am until late with fireworks from 8pm. The first Show was held in 1932 and now attracts exhibitors and judges from across Australia. Don’t miss the Tom Pearson Pavilion, Recreation Centre, Alan Evans Selling Complex, livestock yards and holding pens, Ridley Poultry Pavilion, Lions Animal Nursery, food block area and Peters Park in recognition of the support from Peters’ Creameries. The Harvey Harvest Festival is a lovely, family-friendly annual event, showcasing products like locallyproducded food and wine, as well as entertainment, rides, street theatre, fairy workshops, the Live Lighter Grape Stomp and an animal petting farm, arts, culture, food, wine and markets. Head to Harvey on March 15.
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events SPRING/SUMMER
Curtain Up BREC has a number of must-see shows in spring and summer. Here’s just a small selection - to book, visit bunburyentertainment.com: • The Glenn Miller Orchestra, October 4 • DadBods, October 26 • Comedy Hypnotist Matt Hale’s Feelgood Factory, November 2 • Hans: Like a German, November 21 • BREC Shared Christmas Party, December 13
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Ferguson Valley in the big marquee on the oval, dance to non-stop music on the Cristal stage, and for a bit of fun, you can cheer on your goat in the goat races. And don't miss the thrill of the burning of the bull in the evening. Dardanup Bull & Barrel Festival, Dardanup, October 12. Visit bullandbarrel.net.au Run for fun The City of Bunbury SLSC proudly presents the 42nd annual all-ages Surf to Surf Fun Run. With a course that takes in the amazing views of the Bunbury Back Beach, Wyalup-Rocky Point and the Bunbury Lighthouse, this year’s event includes something for everyone - 5km Walk, 2, 5 and 10km Runs and a 21.1km Half Marathon Run. Hit FM Surf to Surf Fun Run, October 13, Back Beach. Visit bunburyslsc.com.au
fun. Get in early for tickets to the Friday night shindig, Saturday full points rodeo and camping for the whole weekend. It’s a family-friendly event and a highlight for rodeoloving visitors. Harvey Dickson Rodeo, Harvey Dickson Country Music Centre, Arthur Road, Boyup Brook, October 25 to 26. Visit doublebarrelentertainment. com.au
Buck up It’s time to put on your cowboy boots and hat, stock up on supplies and load up the family for a top weekend of wild west
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/ NOVEMBER / Celebrating a centenary Zonta Club Bunbury is holding a Cinematic Celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Zonta International. As a part of this celebration we will be hosting an amateur short film competition. There are two categories - Youth and Open - with a $1,000 award on offer to the winner of each category. Just submit a short film that is no longer than five minutes, and reflects Zonta’s centennial theme - stories that honour and empower women. Fast facts: What’s Zonta? 100 years ago, a small group of pioneering women came together in Buffalo, New York with a vision to help all women realise greater equality while using their individual and collective expertise in service to their community. Their vision became Zonta International, an organisation that has grown to more than 29,000 members in 63 countries, working together to make gender equality a reality for women and girls worldwide. November 8 marks Zonta International’s centennial anniversary. Zonta’s 100 Year Cinematic Celebration, BREC, Bunbury,
Sunday 8 December 3pm - 8.30pm Bicentennial Square Bunbury FREE ENTRY Free activities and entertainment RAC Street Parade
November 2. Visit zontabunbury.org.
The Apprentice and Traineeship Company Carols Concert
Blooming beautiful It’s springtime so why not discover seven beautiful and diverse gardens of the Ferguson Valley. Ferguson Valley Open Garden Trail, Crooked Brook, November 19 and 20. Visit fergusonvalleyopengardens.com.au
Sunday 26 January 4pm - 9pm Bicentennial Square Bunbury FREE ENTRY Fireworks display Live music Kids stage Free activities and entertainment
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events SPRING/SUMMER
Feast for all Fancy celebrating the region’s vibrant food and wine culture? Sip and savour your way through award-winning wines and gourmet food, while enjoying live entertainment and cooking demonstrations throughout the day all set on the banks of the Preston River in the Geographe Wine Region. Plus, with lots of fun activities for the kids and local products to discover from local specialty stalls, it’s a fun day out for the whole family, and best of all, entry is free. Donnybrook Food and Wine Festival, Donnybrook Amphitheatre, November 30. Visit donnybrookfoodandwinefest. com.au All aboard, foodies Join the Harvey Region Paddock to Plate Bus Tour and Lunch and learn about local food production including cheese and wine, all made in
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the region. For tickets, head to the Harvey Visitor Centre who will be happy to oblige. Harvey Region Paddock to Plate Bus Tour and Lunch, November 23, lunch only $55, tour and lunch $95. Visit facebook.com/ events/2337849409665699/ Hands across the oceans Straight from Bunbury’s sister city in Japan, the Setagaya Citizens Chorus and the Setagaya Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing for the first time in Bunbury since 2004. The groups will perform songs in Japanese and in English as well as delight audiences with
well-known classical favourites. Setagaya will be joined on stage by local groups the Bel Canto Singers and the Philharmonic South West. Setagaya Friendship Concert, BREC, Bunbury, November 15. Visit bunburyentertainment. com/whats-on/setagayafriendship-concert/
/ DECEMBER / Festive fun - where and when you can get into the Christmas spirit in the BunGeo Victoria Street Artisan Fayre, December 7.
Christmas in the City - The annual Christmas celebration combines the street parade, festival and carols concert. Held on the second Sunday in December each year, Christmas in the City invites the Bunbury Geographe community to
celebrate the festive season. It features free activities and entertainment for the whole family. Participants line the streets of the CBD to watch the parade of colourful floats pass by, then make their way to Graham Bricknell Music Shell to sing along to Christmas carols on December 8.
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events SPRING/SUMMER
Collie Christmas Pageant, December 21 Donnybrook Christmas Twilight Markets, Ayers Garden, Donnybrook, 3 to 8pm, December 13 Harvey Indoor Christmas Markets, December 7 Stock up on goodies for Chrissy at the annual Harvey Indoor Christmas markets. Find art, craft, Harvey fresh produce, plus new and pre-loved items for sale. Entry by gold coin. 9am to 1pm. Harvey Recreation Centre, Young Street. On December 13, continue the festivities at the Harvey Gala Night. Back by popular demand, this family-friendly event celebrates all things Christmas and the community. The main street of Harvey will be bursting with stalls, entertainment, celebrities, a Santa Paws dress-up competition, float parade and, Santa, of course. Entry is free. Welcoming 2020 in style Join the crowds at Donaldson Park to celebrate the beginning of 2020, with action-packed harness racing, food, bars, live entertainment and fireworks after the last race. The first race is scheduled to run at 6.15pm, gates open 5pm, cans only bar with drinks ticket system of sales. There's Harness Racing and a New Year's Eve Fireworks display. Donaldson Park, Bunbury Trotting Club, December 31. Visit donaldsonpark.com.au/ new-years-eve/
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Street Pole Vault, Bunbury, January 11. Visit facebook.com/ streetpolevault/
/ JANUARY /
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie The annual Sky Fest Australia Day Celebrations is a mustattend event, with the BunGeo community and visitors sharing in a nation-wide celebration of pride. The event is held at Bicentennial Square and the Graham Bricknell Music Shell. Sky Fest hosts an entertaining day out for the whole community, with live music, free activities, rides, and much more. City of Bunbury SkyFest, Bicentennial Square, January 26.
Make the leap Don’t miss the unique opportunity to learn more about pole vaulting with a Street Pole Vault event in the heart of Bunbury.
Fringe benefits A cultural event of the year, the Bunbury Fringe Festival showcases local talent, entertains you with visiting
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acts and opens your mind to the quirky side of the city. Spread over several days, audiences will experience everything Fringe including comedy, burlesque, new works by regional artists, drag, street parties, jazz and more. Housed this year at the Bunbury Powerboat Club, overlooking the city, Bunbury Fringe will also include a relaxed Fringe Garden where you can enjoy tasty food and an open bar, while grooving away to some of the state’s best DJ’s. Bunbury Fringe Festival, Bunbury Power Boat Club, January 31 to February 8. Visit bunburyfringe.com
Country Music Awards. Take our advice - you have to do this event at least once in your life. Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Boyup Brook, February 13 to 16. Visit countrymusic. wa.com.au Rise to the challenge The 2019/20 season will see a return of the highly regarded Bunbury City Classic Triathlon with this year’s event to be held in the protected waters of Bunbury’s Koombana Bay. An inaugural Club Perpetual Shield will be presented to the club that has the fastest average time for its first five competitors
/ FEBRUARY / Country road Grab your boots and hat, WA’s iconic Country Music is a celebration of country music on the banks of the beautiful Blackwood River. A stellar lineup of leading Australia and sometimes leading international acts will be on offer. Activities include the famous Street Carnival, Boyup Brook Ute and Truck Muster and, a highlight of the festival, West Australian
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(three male and two female) in the Standard Distance Triathlon. The LGM Industries Bunbury City Classic Triathlon swim course incorporates the pristine and protected beach area of Koombana Bay. The bike course leaves Koombana Bay and travels through the city centre, out along the coastline of Back Beach before returning to Koombana Bay. Pick your spot along the way and cheer the competitiors along. LGM Industries Bunbury City Classic Triathlon, Koombana Bay, Bunbury, February 16. Visit triwa.com.au/events-listings/ bunbury-classic-triathlon
Legends play on the beach Join Daryl Braithwaite and Ash Grunwald for a concert on the beach at Vat 2. Known for its ability to attract top music acts to play, Vat 2 continues this tradition with a summer concert featuring two legends of the Aussie music scene. Vat 2 Beach Concert, February 21. Visit vat2.com.au or call 08 9791 7733 for tickets.
IMAGE Dixon and Smith
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/ MARCH /
Tuck in The south west’s premier charity food and wine event, The Chefs Long Table Lunch, now entering its 17th year, is Bunbury’s annual food and wine extravaganza. The event, run by community volunteers, has raised and distributed almost $1million to the south west community. Five hundred people will enjoy a stunning afternoon on the Pat Usher Foreshore with exquisite food, delicious local wine, fabulous entertainment, an exciting auction and a great day out with friends. One of the highlights of the Chefs Long Table Lunch is the outstanding menu, which includes a large range of delicious fresh south west produce and delicious local wine. Chef’s Long Table Lunch, Bunbury, February 23. Visit chefslongtable.com
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Giddy up In one of the most important pre-Bunbury Cup races of the year, join fans of the turf at the Bunbury Stakes Day. And then it’s the star attraction – XXXXGold Bunbury Cup – one of the highlights of Bunbury’s social calendar. Bunbury Stakes Day, March 4, XXXXGold Bunbury Cup, March 8, Bunbury Turf Club. Visit bunburyturfclub.com.au
IMAGE Elysian Photography and Design
Big reward on offer Don’t miss your chance to chase the Bunbury Gift's $78,000 prize pool. Modelled on the famous Stawell Gift, there is massive $20,000 up for grabs each for the male and female winners of the elite 120m handicap event. For non-runners, there are grazing tables to enjoy all day. Bunbury Geographe Gift, Bunbury Recreation Ground, February 29 to March 1. Visit bunburygeographegift.com.au Engines ready On the last day of February, all eyes of the speedway
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community will be on Bunbury when arguably the biggest Speedway event in WA comes to life for the twenty third running of the Krikke Boys Shootout. James McFadden and Monte Motorsport were the Krikke Boys champions for 2019 after winning an epic 35-lap feature race at Bunbury Speedway March. Who will scoop the trophy this year? Don’t miss this high-octane event to find out. Krikke Boys Shootout, Bunbury City Speedway, February 29. Visit speedwayaustralia.org/tracs/ wa/bunbury-speedway
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EXPERIENCE MORE AT BUNBURY HOTEL KOOMBANA BAY.
FAST FACTS Celebrate the Year of the Rat Welcome in the Year of the Rat with the region’s Chinese community. Now in its fourth year, Bunbury’s Chinese New Year Festival takes place in on Victoria Street.
THE HISTORY OF THE BUNBURY CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Supported by the City of Bunbury, private businesses and hosted by the Yip family, this free community event began with the first Chinese restaurant in Bunbury in 1967. Located at 66 Victoria St, Walter Yip and his partner Raymond Seeto arrived from Sydney to open the Oriental Terrace Chinese Restaurant in the then small town of 17,000 people. News of this exotic new cuisine quickly made its way across the south west with busloads of people arriving to sample sweet and sour pork, fried rice and chicken chow mein. Eventually Raymond left but Walter stayed and made a life in Bunbury with his wife and together raised two daughters. Over the years they have involved
themselves in the world of horse racing and the performing arts and enjoyed a full life. As a gift to the community, the family have organised this Festival which highlights many great facets of Chinese culture and with the time and energy of many people in Bunbury, many of whom ate at the Oriental Terrace as children, the Bunbury Chinese New Year Festival came to fruition in 2015. In Australia, Chinese culture is familiar to many people in so many ways yet still unexperienced. This Festival is about having a go, trying something new and experiencing Chinese culture with your hands, your eyes and your heart. Bunbury Chinese New Year Festival, Victoria Street, March 7. Visit bunburychinesenewyear festival.com.au
We are the home to some of Bunbury’s finest hotel and accommodation options, located in a charming seaside city famous for its food, wine, culture and entertainment. • Superb location • Stylish living in studio rooms • Indoor Heated pool • Tennis Court
Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay 1 Holman Street, Bunbury 6230 Ph +61 8 9721 0100 |
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48 hours in ...
48 hours in the . . .
HARVEY REGION The Harvey Region is a stunning slice of the BunGeo, from the foothills of the Darling Range, enviable beaches of Myalup and Binningup to the estuary foreshore of Australind. Get on the road to experience it all and bring an empty stomach, people . . . you’ll need it. IMAGE Bianca Turri @ Clem & Tines Vintage Beach House, Binningup)
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DAY ONE Perth to Harvey Pack your bags and take the road less travelled, the picturesque South West Highway from Perth to Harvey. Allow two hours for your journey. Surrounded by fertile, irrigated plains on the banks of the Harvey River, Harvey is one of Australia’s prime producing regions with a rich Italian heritage. Paddocks are filled with orange trees, dairy cows and vines, with Insta-perfect rustic barns, wishlist residences and white fenced studs. As you head east, the region changes from farm land to ruggedly beautiful jarrah forest and natural waterways just waiting to be explored. Start your getaway at the gourmet wine store, GeoVino and devour wine, cheese, pate, pastes, coffee , olives and giftware by talented local artists. Where to Stay Fancy a farm experience? Perched above the Harvey Dam, Bluehills Farmstay offers three stylish rammed earth chalets and rolling views of the Darling Range and Harvey Weir. Kids will love getting to know the farm animals and the chance to get involved with feeding time, egg collecting and pony rides. There’s also a stunning central pool, bbq, and play area. Imagine driving up a tree-lined driveway through a beautiful garden to step inside to music playing, the log fire set and a breakfast table laden with food. You’ll find this at the romantic retreat, Chalbury Park
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B&B. Set among Harvey’s green pastures, Chalbury Park is a historic home featuring two beautifully-appointed queen size bedrooms with ensuites. Only five minutes south of Harvey, The Wokalup is a surprising accommodation find. A truly unique country pub, The ‘Woky” has a rich history and a lot of character. DAY TWO Perth to Harvey Story Time Wander through the buildings, and beautiful gardens and the mini orchard of the Harvey Tourist Precinct. View the replica Stirling Cottage, owned by Governor Stirling and the childhood home of May Gibbs, the creator of Australia’s most iconic characters Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie. Enjoy a home baked morning tea on the balcony overlooking the Harvey River. Next
SO MUCH TO DISCOVER The Harvey region is one of the BunGeo's most diverse destinations, with beautiful lakes, welcoming cellar doors and family-run farms. Opposite bottom, Clem n' Tines Vintage Beach House is the perfect place to use as a base to explore the region.
door is the Harvey Visitor Centre with a May Gibbs Gumnut Baby display. Nearby is Harvey’s Internment Camp Memorial Shrine; the only roadside shrine of its type in the world, built by prisoners of war in the 1940s. Afterwards, continue on the Harvey Heritage Trail Walk or seek their mosaic and mural collection created by local artist, Anthea Ward. (note: the collection continues through Binningup, Clifton Park, Cookernup, Myalup, Australind and Yarloop). Wine Time The Italian spirit and a desire for a treechange combine to create the Geographe’s Harvey wine sub-region. Along the
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48 hours in ...
coastal plains, producers are excelling with full-bodied table wines. Start your wine tour at Vineyard 28 and experience the ‘little Italy’ of the Geographe region through Italian varieties of arneis, dolcetto freddo and rare nebbiolo At Skipworth Wine Company and Moojelup Farm Wines enjoy a casual and informative tastings of the region’s most awarded estate-grown wines with owner Kim, in a rustic cellar door surrounded by jarrah and karri trees. Savour the influence of one of WA’s most prominent Italian families and climb The Big Orange at Harvey River Estate. In 1928, the Sorgiovanni family arrived from Italy and settled on the banks of the Harvey River. The next generation now tends 20-hectares of vineyards, with Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy winner Stuart Pierce at the helm. After wine, it’s time for cheese and great larder provisions from HaVe Cheese. Indulge in a cheese cellar tasting to help you decide. They have delicious milkshakes for the kids to sip and slurp too. 18
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IMAGE Christina Denton Photography
Dam Goodtime With crystal-clear water, Lake Brockman/Logue Brook Dam is a water-activity haven: think water skiing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. The Munda Biddi MTB Trail also passes through the site. Harvey and Stirling Dams are well worth a visit too. Take a picnic bbq and spend the day in their beautiful landscaped surroundings.
Cream of the South West Brunswick Junction is a little cow-mad and is colloquially known as the Cream of the South West. Meet the Cow on the Corner (aka Daisy) and her friends in the street. Created by artist Elsie Manning, the life-size replicas are a fitting tribute to the local dairy industry and the historic Peter’s Creameries. Don’t forget your camera for a cow-fie. Nearby Brunswick Pool is a picturesque visitbunburygeographe.com.au
section of the Brunswick River perfect for an invigorating dip on hot summer days
DAY THREE Homeward Bound
Road Trip Near Brunswick, the Beela Valley Scenic Drive will take you through steep hills with beautiful flora and lush farming country and open paddocks. If you have a 4WD, find Australia’s largest jarrah tree hidden deep in the Mornington State Forest. The Jarrah Hadfield is more than 10 metres in circumference – try wrapping your arms around that – and more than 260 years old.
Rise and shine for a morning swim or surf. Fuel up prior with breakfast at the famous Crooked Carrot Café. As local farmers, the Castro family knows about good food and their ‘paddock to plate’ ethos means they only serve the best. Try vanilla and coconut buckwheat porridge or a hearty breaky wrap while your kids run wild in the nature playground.
Vitamin Sea Next, venture to Australind, one of the first settled areas in the region, founded by the British India Company to breed horses. Virtually surrounded by water, with 14kms of estuary at its door, the Collie and Brunswick Rivers running through it, and untouched beaches only minutes away, there’s no better place for hunters and gathers on water. The Leschenault Estuary is the best place to scoop up a delectable feed of crabs. (Note: fishing
Surfs Up The seaside hamlets of Binningup and Myalup are carefree destinations where children can explore their heart’s content, and low-key adventures and heartfelt hospitality combine to make it a holiday many repeat, year after year. A reef runs parallel to the shore offering great fishing particular from December to April and even in summer, you’ll often have the beach to yourself. In many places, you can drive along the beach too. Grab a surf at Binningup.
COASTAL VIBES There are some pretty special seaside spots in the Harvey region, including Binningup and Myalup. Opposite, make sure you stock up on some locally produced cheese from HaVe and say hello to the cows at Brunswick Junction- the Cream of the South West.
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.
regulations apply). While you’re there, take a walk along the Leschenault Waterways Discovery Centre & Jetty Walk. Further around the estuary, via the picturesque Paperbark Tourism drive, is the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park. History and woodwork buffs should check out Featured Wood Gallery & Museum and WA’s smallest church, St Nicholas. Afterwards, reward yourself with lunch at Benesse Australind.
Brewing Good Times If you need a reviver, head to Old Coast Road Brewery with 20 taps of beer and cider all made on site, plus exceptional whisky and gin. On entering, visitors will drive up through their one-thousandtree olive grove to reach the brewery and restaurant, which is located on the top of a hill overlooking a lush, family-friendly lawn. Sip a Bellwether Single Malt Whisky while devouring a wood-fired pizza and more.
Tel: 08 9725 1234 Email: info@riversidecp.com.au Website: www.riversidecp.com.au |
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Art & Culture
Once upon a time in the (south) west The Naked Wanderer made its world premier at a star-studded red-carpet event at this year’s CinefestOZ in September. But that’s only half the story, says Gabi Mills. The feel-good movie also gave the BunGeo a starring role. By
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t’s the WA-made film about a man who traverses the WA coastline - mostly in the buff - in a ploy to win back his ex-girlfriend, raising money for charity along the way. The Naked Wanderer enchanted audiences at its premier in Bunbury as part of CinefestOZ’s launch, particularly perhaps because the scenery would be very familiar to many of those in the darkened cinema. At the premier, Bunburybased director Alan Lindsay said The Naked Wanderer
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GABI MILLS.
combined romance, comedy and amazing scenery along the Western Australian coast. “We can’t wait for audiences to see these magnificent landscapes brought to life on the silver screen,” Lindsay said. Since then, the movie has garnered warm reviews and support from local Aussie movie-goers, keen to see a homegrown story with a heart. Angus McLaren and Natasha Liu Bordizzo led the star-studded cast on the red carpet. Angus, best known
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for his roles in popular Aussie series Packed to the Rafters and H20: Just Add Water, was keen to extoll the virtues of the BunGeo region. “It was an absolute delight to film along the south west coast. The personnel we got to work with, the scenery, the story, it’s a dream come true. WA is incredible and the locations we got to explore were just the tip of the iceberg.” His co-star Liu Bordizzo, who stars in the hit Netflix show, The Society, and upcoming animated movie Wish Dragon, was a fan too. She was particularly keen to stock up on Bunbury’s delicious food during filming. “We cooked everyday while filming, using all the amazing farmers markets produce.” Production of The Naked Wanderer first began in 2017, with British Comedy icon John Cleese shooting his scenes in the UK. Filming continued in 20188
FAST FACTS
• Jamie Timony taught everyone the Floss in the Dardanup Pub. • The cast did a day trip to the Ferguson Valley to discover Gnomesville. • For Jake’s first night on the road he shelters on the window ledge of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and has a tin of sardines for his dinner. • Jake is welcomed to a rural village by the local community before spending time with Valerie, Nikki, Keith and Cameron at the local pub (the Dardy Tavern).
in locations along WA’s south west coast, including Bunbury, Dardanup, Harvey and Capel, before moving up the coast to Lancelin, Sandy Cape and Karratha. Written by Margaret River-born Callan Durlik, who also plays Cameron in the movie, it was an important moment when he learned that the movie would launch the visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Stars in their eyes
ALL THE FEELS Opposite, Angus McLaren (Jake) takes love to new heights in The Naked Wanderer. This page, left, Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Valerie)..
prestigious film festival. “Premiering The Naked Wanderer in Bunbury has brought the film full circle, with CinefestOZ and the south west region having played essential roles in getting the feature to the big screen,” said Callan. Along with the cast, he would regularly head to the coast to let off steam. “Growing up in Margaret River, I never spent a huge amount of time in Bunbury, but coming up here as an
adult was amazing. The weather was beautiful, and we swam pretty much every day at the beautiful beaches. The people were so friendly.” It’s hoped that the film may create the ‘Drift’ effect, a surfing movie filmed in Margaret River which spawned tours for visitors keen to see where scenes were filmed. Visit thenakedwanderer. com.au for more information and umbrellaentfilms.com.au for screening details.
CALLAN DURLIK (Writer / Cameron): “There is so much to down here in the Bunbury Geographe area, so I would say do everything. You can go swimming with dolphins, you can go to wineries, you can hang out and eat lots of food, and even walking up and down the main street of Bunbury and popping into all the different shops. Favourite thing to do: swim at Peppermint Grove Beach ANGUS MCLAREN (Jake): I loved hanging out with the cast and heading out to the Bunbury Farmers Markets. Favourite thing to do: I’m a romantic at heart, I think seeing the sun going down into the water will never get old, it’s amazing. NATASHA LIU BORDIZZO (Valerie): We cooked everyday while filming, using all the amazing
farmer’s markets produce. Favourite thing to do: Buy too many groceries at the Bunbury Farmer’s markets ALAN LITTLE (Eli): I’d highly recommend going out for a bush walk and into the beautiful country, or try one of the awesome bushtucker tours. I feel a real connection and peaceful when I go out into the bush, and know you’ll feel cleansed. I also love Bunbury’s cafes. I love food and there is so much good food here. Favourite thing to do: Bush walks MEGAN HAJJAR (Jasmine): If you’re up for something a bit wacky, you can’t go past Gnomesville! This part of Australia will always have a special place in my heart. Favourite thing to do: Black Diamond Lake – it’s absolutely stunning..
Getting there is half the fun Kick back, relax and discover Australia’s Bunbury and Geographe region on our iconic Australind train or one of our luxury road coaches. We operate five-star road coach services to destinations including Bunbury, Boyup Brook, Capel, Collie, Dardanup, Donnybrook and Harvey. Or, why not catch our Australind train to Bunbury. All services are fully accessible and equipped with on-board entertainment, air conditioning, charging ports and toilet facilities. With 50% discount for Seniors and WA Pensioners and up to 75% for families when you travel with between two and four children*, there has never been a better time to travel with us. Don’t forget, WA Pensioner Concession cardholders and Veterans’ Gold cardholders receive four free trips on Transwa services every two years. To book your next holiday, or to see where Transwa can take you, call 1300 662 205 or visit transwa.wa.gov.au. *Terms and conditions apply.
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Art & Culture
Meet the Makers Plan your creative journey through the region to discover the unique products, lovingly crafted right here, and the sources of inspiration for our talented local makers and artists. By
Bronwyn Ryan
JOANNE MARRIOTT.
Renee Evans
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he rolling hills, tranquil forests and majestic coastline of the Bunbury Geographe region provide inspiration to some of the state’s most talented artists and makers. Why not take a creative journey through the studios, galleries and markets to discover the range of the unique handcrafted products on offer? We meet with some local artisans and makers to get a sense of what inspires their work. Bronwyn Ryan Candlemaker Ryan & Co Candlemakers Bronwyn Ryan has long been fascinated by art, homewares and fragrances so it was no surprise when these converged with the launch of her candle company. The 100% soy candles are hand crafted with the environment in mind. The glass jars are made from recycled wine and beer bottles while the lids are crafted from reclaimed timber. Choose from a range of botanical scents such as lemon-scented gum or wild lavender, or savour the fragrance of your favourite south west destination with the Geographe Breeze or
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Yallingup Hills. The simple and natural designs can be found in stores around Australia and Singapore but you can pick them up locally at The Pottery Boutique, Acquire Home Living, Good Earth Surf Shop and The Foodey Collective in Bunbury, as well as Lady Marmalade in Kirup and White Stones Gift and Homeware in Collie.
widely and lived in four different countries, Fliss’s bags are inspired by different cities around the world. Her range of cuffs, clutches, slouchy totes and oversized shoulder totes can be found at the Emporium of Eshe in Bunbury.
Fliss Brophy Accessories Designer Bahru Leather Bags
Neil Turner grew up in a farming family, experiencing the forces of nature firsthand while working the land. He found refuge in his woodturning workshop and took inspiration from those
Fliss Brophy lives with her family on a farm near Peppermint Grove Beach, designing luxury leather bags and accessories. Her grandfather moved to the area in 1936 to farm cattle and Fliss grew up here. These days, the Bahru office is housed in the Old Stables, a beautiful old limestone building dating back to 1850 which Fliss has lovingly renovated into her studio and creative space. Here she designs the Bahru range of stylish and functional bags and delights in perfecting just the right design that works with all the right zips, clips compartments and straps. Having travelled
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Neil Turner Woodturner & Artisan Turner & Turner
elements to create natural forms representing the ripples in the soil, the eddies of the river and the swirling flames of fire. After moving to the BunGeo, Neil’s work has taken inspiration from the ocean, and his delicate, perforated sculptures have been influenced by the corals and sponges found washed up along our shorelines. Neil holds a deep respect for the timber and the forces that have shaped it. He is passionate about showcasing the beauty of the Western Australian hardwoods and works in a sympathetic way with the timber, allowing the natural features to inform
Fliss Brophy
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
the finished piece. Neil’s work includes a range of beautiful sculptures as well as unique, functional pieces such as spoons and spatulas, bowls and dishes, chopping boards and more. Explore the selection available at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery. Renee Evans Jewellery Maker Bowerbird Jewellery Renee Evans designs delicate jewellery, inspired by both the fragility and strength of nature. She grew up along the BunGeo coast and from an early age has been creating keepsakes and treasures for her family and friends. “My jewellery is inspired by the natural world, wanderings in my garden, exploring and respecting the intricate role each and every part of the natural world have and how they interlace and connect to each other,” says Renee. Her pieces include earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in 14ct gold and rhodium plated sterling silver, and the designs feature little bees, eucalyptus blossoms and feathers. Get a closer look at the Emporium of Eshe in Bunbury.
allowing ink to be cured and printed on almost any surface. Contact Alto Imagery directly for the birds eye view range or check out the Eden Grove Art Exhibition in Harvey in early 2020. Colleen Martin Jewellery Maker Colleeni Natural Elements Colleen Martin captures her love of nature and inspiring landscapes in the form of
Cass Roesner
Colleen Martin
Cass Roesner Photographer and Printer Alto Imagery Harvey's Cass Roesner prints her aerial photography of the south west coast on birchwood panels. Inspired by a bird’s eye perspective of the landscape on one of her husband’s helicopter flights, she developed her images capturing the textures and patterns of the coastline into a stunning collection of memorable prints on circular timber panels. Her UV printing business also works with other artists and photographers across the region to digitally print their images using ultraviolet light,
Neil Turner
bespoke jewellery crafted from wood and resin. The colours and contrasts reflect the natural elements of the environment, ranging from the aquamarines and crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef to the deep greens and dappled light of rainforests. Colleen hopes her unique handcrafted designs will provide people with a
connection to their favourite Australian landscapes. Find her jewellery at the Harvey Visitor Centre, HaVe Harvey Cheese or at the Bunbury Markets. Genevieve Daley Artist and Seamstress Unsunk Funk Genevieve Daley who lives in Bunbury creates quirky, |
individual items of clothing out of recycled fabrics. She breathes new life into old fabrics by combining together different patterns and textures into fun and original designs. Garments include A-line skirts, bomber jackets, shorts, dresses, playsuits and kids clothing. Find them at Maker & Co in Bunbury.
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Art & Culture
BRAGging rights The south west’s most important exhibition will ignite the BunGeo scene in February, so expect fireworks says Mia Lacy. Images BUNBURY REGIONAL ART GALLERY.
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Philip Berry
ithin the interiors of a former convent in Bunbury, a buzz of excitement is steadily building. The pink walls of the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, owned and operated by the City of Bunbury, are enclosing a growing collection of works, each contributed to complete the south west region’s most important exhibition; The South Western Times Art 2020 (15 February to - April 19). BRAG director Joanne
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Baitz said the exhibition charts the movement of artistic influences, forms and people as they move through the area. “The year 2020 is a moment in which we can assess the past and consider future issues affecting us and the region. This important biennial exhibition focuses on artists who reside in the south west. It is a celebration of creative output and its significance to our regional culture cannot be underestimated.” Pieces are drawn from all mediums such as digital virtual reality, sound, 3D and traditional two-dimensional art. A future solo exhibition plus a cash award is on offer to the winning artist. There will also be an Emerging Artist Award, a Packer’s Prize and a People’s Choice Award. The opening event on February 14 will be part of a
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large street party celebrating both the exhibition and the 33rd anniversary of BRAG. Before the year ends, three other significant exhibitions will grace the walls of the popular regional gallery. Presented by the Mossenson Art Foundation, Ovals for Dreams (September 14 - November 3) features works by indigenous
artists Dinni Kunoth Kemarre, Josie Kunoth Petyarre and Jody Broun depicting significant sporting events in both remote communities and the City of Melbourne. Dinni and his wife Josie are Aboriginal artists of the Anmatyerre people of Australia’s Central Desert. They live with their family
Carol Farmer
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Dinni Kunoth Kemare
at the remote outstation Apungalindum in the isolated desert region known as Utopia. Jody Broun, of Yindjindbardi heritage, developed a close affinity for the Pilbara during her frequent visits to family. These artists’ immense talent, sense of humour and well-honed powers of observation have created valuable historical visual records via the medium of their works. Iluka Visions 2019 (October 12 – November 24) showcases the work of students in years seven to 12 from high schools across the south west. This year, 18 schools are participating and the resulting exhibition is a celebration of the student’s hard work and the teachers who have supported the development of their creative processes. Joanne Baitz said while the chosen artworks are outstanding examples of the
Anne Zahalka
creativity of the students the overall standard was extremely high. “These works are a credit to the curiosity, compassion and drive of the students who created them. They highlight the creativity and dedication young people in our region and the importance of the arts in developing a deep and complex understanding of the world in which they are growing up.” The prestigious Iluka Prize awarded on opening night will
see one Year 11 or 12 student undertake a week long internship at Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Studio 2019 (October 25 – December 8) is this year’s Printmakers exhibition. It will showcase seven individual member artists, showing what they are doing in their own studios and celebrate the studio as a central part of the creative process. The artists exhibiting Christine Latham, Lianne Jay, Carol Farmer, Yvonne Dorricott, Helen Hulme-
Gerrard, Janette Trainer and Sue Dennis – are passionate about expressing their concerns through the medium of printmaking. “This exhibition has allowed individual artists to really take a look at their studio practice both critically and emotionally, enquiring how they feel about the space they work in and the studio as a safe place to explore, play and manifest ideas,” said Joanne. Visit brag.org.au
City of Bunbury Wildlife Park
Open 10am to 5pm daily Cafe open for breakfast from 9am Saturdays
www.bunburywildlifepark.com.au (08) 9721 8380 Prince Philip Drive, Bunbury |
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FOODIE NEWS
Fill your boots
There are some new places to try in the region - from fresh takes on pizza to a new tour that takes you to places other tours don’t reach.
DISCOVERING HARVEY A new operator has joined the fray, offering tours for visitors keen to learn more about the diverse Harvey region. “Specialising in small tours, we leave from Bunbury most days,” says owner Tania Jackson. “We can offer half day tours from Harvey Visitor Centre to many local attractions for you to explore as well, including Geographe wine region cellar doors, and other points of interest.” Visit facebook.com/BGTour/ or bunburygeographetours. com.au
SLICE AS NICE
Casey Teede and Jeremy Doble are the brains behind a new venture - Last Slice Pizza - which offers New York-style pizzas to hungry customers. “We use quality, classic ingredients and create a lowgrease thin and crispy pizza,” says Jeremy. “Our pizzas are never over-topped.” Their 22-inch pizzas are set to become instant classics because you can order by the slice. “Our bases are handstretched and stone-baked, another point of difference to other pizzas served in the area,” says Jeremy. Believing Bunbury was crying out for a really good pizza joint - and one that caters to a later crowd on weekends who may only want a slice or two to mop up the evening’s cocktails, Last Slice Pizza may very well be onto the
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Next Big Thing. They’re looking at expanding into delivering their slices in the next few weeks but in the meantime, there’s room for about 30 people to eat at their venue, which is BYO. “We cook everything to order. Whether it’s a casual dine in, take away or delivery, our goal is to give our customers the best stone-baked pizza experience possible.” Visit lastslice.com.au
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visitbunburygeographe.com.au
BEANS AND BREAD
A new store has replaced the old Passionate Bakery shop. The delicious aromas only a bakery can produce are evident from the moment you walk in and we’re sure this is going to be a great addition to Bunbury’s already high bar when it comes to places to watch the world go by. “We’re passionate about three things in particular - coffee, flour and making your day brighter,” they say. “We were born out of baker’s hands and, like our traditional sourdough (created by a 20 year-old sour ferment), we know that there will always be a special place in our hearts for classic, beautiful breads. You’ll find ciabatta loaves and apricot, fig and date loaves, just made for picking up early in the morning, warm from the oven, to be taken home, toasted and slathered with butter. “We have a deep, abiding and truly Australian love of pies and pasties, to be followed (of course) with something sweet - there’s a whole cabinet full of patisserie treats to tempt you.” Coffee has a starring role too of course, and the venue aims to be the kind of place that’ll remember your order - and your name - offering old-school service with a smile. Coffee & Flour, 30 Spencer Street, Bunbury. Visit facebook.com/coffeeandflour/
A TASTE OF SPAIN
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f you’ve always wanted to learn how to make an authentic paella, here’s your chance, courtesy of the ladies at Food With Passion SW. You’ll be in safe hands with Mon and Laura, who make the whole experience fun, informative and most importantly, delicious. “The cooking course starts with a welcome from the owner of the winery and then we introduce all the ingredients that we will use for the recipes. Everybody then gets to work putting their paella together,” says Mon. Everybody receives a recipe book to take notes during the class, and it’s very hands-on. “The guests prepare all the ingredients for the paella and also the sangria, which we prepare first because it needs at least two hours to mix the flavours of the wine and the fruits.” Cooking the paella with chicken and chorizo from scratch allows students to understand the fundamentals of putting together this iconic dish. “We use traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to
generation,” says Mon. “When the paella is ready, we start to taste the sangria and to have lunch.” While the paella is being prepared, Laura and Mon have an extra treat in store. “ Laura and I cook churros and some decadent chocolate sauce in front of the students, so the idea is that when they finish their lunch, they can finish off the meal with churros and chocolate sauce.” Mon and Laura invariably share insights into their Spanish culture during the session, making this much more than just a cooking course. “Food is a cultural expression of our country,” says Mon. “We make sure that the three hours go past in a very fun and relaxing atmosphere where everyone can feel special and take a break from their busy lives.” There are two A Taste of Spain cooking classes coming up: Green Door Wines, November 17, 11.15am to 2.15pm, and Barton Jones Wines, December 1, 11am to 2pm. Email foodwithpassionsw@ gmail.com to book your place.
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Food & Drink
Make sure you come with a hearty appetite next time you’re in the BunGeo; it’s a hot spot for creative culinary fireworks. By DANIELLE COSTLEY.
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visit to the BunGeo is no longer simply about dolphin encounters and incredible west coast sunsets. Nowadays, it has a lot more to offer as a food and wine destination with its growing number of small bars and restaurants popping up around the place. Begin your foodie experience in the centre of town at a small bar with a
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TOP TUCKER dedicated following, Yours or Mine. It’s been a busy year for this charming bar, with its recent move to bigger premises at Symmons Street, as well as taking away the Regional Small Bar of the Year award. Brazilian chef Leo Nakamura and his team harness authentic South American fusion flavours in the menu, with favourites such as Brazilian fried rice, Taco Tuesdays and the incredible Brazilian flan with chocolate soil and strawberry sorbet. From the moment you step inside, you will feel right at home as venue manager, Dennis Rutten, gets creative with his cocktails. Or move outdoors and soak up the sun in the expansive courtyard. Things here are just a little bit different, whether it’s
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the Latin-influenced menu, innovative cocktail list, or the ever-expanding bar selection. Not far from here is Mojo’s, a tavern with a new chef, Lee Collins, who is putting his brew food expertise to great use here with dishes such as Beef brisket braised with Rocky Ridge beer, or a Chocolate Stout Mousse. “I see what beers we have in our bottleshop and look at how I can incorporate those flavours in our menu,” Lee says. While there are traditional pub food staples such as steak sandwiches and burgers, Lee is all about creating robust dishes that are full of flavour and made from quality, local produce. The all-day menu now includes a good range of share food dishes such
as jalapeno and cheddar croquettes, Allington Farm lamb koftas, and scallops with crumbed leek and bacon. The wines are predominantly from the surrounding Geographe wine region, as is the craft beer selection. Other places to dine include The Bayview Bar at the Marlston Waterfront, with unparalleled ocean views and a great choice of drinks with an ever-changing food menu. If you’re lucky, you may even see some dolphins swim past. Or you can venture further north to Smalls Bar in Eaton. Hats off to this bar and restaurant that showcases the south west produce in its vast food and drinks list. The dishes are bursting with local flavours visitbunburygeographe.com.au
THIS IS THE GEOGRAPHE REGION BUT NOT AS YOU KNEW IT, AND THAT'S ALRIGHT WITH ME.
and even the most discerning drink tastes are catered to here with an extensive list that includes locally crafted beers, wines and spirits. You can even track the food miles on your dishes – it’s that local. Start with lamb koftas, pulled pork bao or spiced cauliflower with peri peri dip. Then move onto crispy calamari, crumbed shark, roasted chicken, pork dippers, charred lettuce with sriracha mayo and miso croutons, or slow cooked lamb shanks in a spicy Spanish sauce. Or simply share a pizza. The kids are also well-catered for with popcorn chicken, burgers, calamari and pizzas. Kids eat free on Sundays too. Drive inland to the tiny township of Mullalyup
Mojo’s new chef Lee Collins
and take a break at the Blackwood Daily Grind. This local cafe and drive thru in Mullalyup is a few minutes from the arts and crafts hub in Balingup. Apart from a friendly welcome, there is also a good coffee, juice and smoothie selection, as well as teas from The Herbal
Emporium in Margaret River. Freshly baked muffins, cakes and sweet treats such as Snickers Cups can be found here. If you’re after something more substantial, there are brunch stacks, breakfast wraps and bowls, frittatas, soups, salads and seafood baskets,
with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. The foodie scene has certainly changed in recent years and with all the incredible produce available here, it is no wonder. This is the Geographe region but not as you knew it, and that’s alright with me.
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Food & Drink
KEEPING IT in the
FAMILY
Fergal Gleeson spoke to five family-owned wineries in Geographe to find out what wines they are recommending this season.
Barrecas Wines
Just outside of Donnybrook lies a winery that offers a little taste of Italy, run by Fil and Kelly Barrecas. Kelly explains their inspiration. “Fil has a connection to a lifestyle based around that of his ancestors in Italy, where growing, producing and consuming wine is a part of everyday culture,” she says. “Barrecas was born of wanting to create a space for everyone to come together over family, friendship and a glass of wine- a simple and yet opulent pleasure of life. I guess that is really the true inspiration, to connect and create.” 30
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Barrecas have an interesting range of Italian varietals such as barbera, nebbiolo and sangiovese as well as other alternatives such as pinotage, zinfandel, malbec, viognier and Port wine. There are also some of the more familiar faces like shiraz, a cabernet merlot blend, chardonnay and a semillon sauvignon blend. As one of the pioneering viticulturists in the region, they’ve learned over 25 years what grapes excel and “what our wine list does not require”, as Kelly puts it. “Geographe producers are creating unique yet world-
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renowned wines,” she says. “It’s an exciting time to be in Geographe making wine.” Barrecas also make a cold pressed extra virgin olive oil onsite at their own mill from four different olive varietals. Their cellar door is an intimate space which Kelly and Fil have fashioned to create a feeling of home and history. “There is a mural painting by local artist Linda Skrolys which is full of symbolism and history of the family,” Kelly says. With spring and summer on the way, it’s the perfect time to crack open a bottle
from this unique winery. “The semillon sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are great wines for entertaining,” she tells me. “It's great with a wide range of foods and show bright beautiful fruit which is balanced with nice acidity.” The cellar door offers tea and coffee, with grazing boxes and cheese platters available on the weekend. “Expect to be treated like a long lost family member when you visit,” says Fil. More at barrecas.com.au
Ferguson Falls Wines
Italy’s la dolce vita also influenced Peter and visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Margaret Giumelli when they opened Ferguson Falls Wines. Peter tells me that his motivation to plant grapes took root long before Geographe became an officially designated wine region. “My introduction to grape growing came from my grandfather,” he says. “Consistent with the Italian culture, which existed in the local area, he had his own vineyard and produced his own wine. As a child, I absorbed some of this culture and eventually I was able to pursue my love of wine by planting my own vineyard.” That was in 1982, making it the earliest vineyard planted in the Ferguson Valley. “We started in a very small way with cabernet sauvignon and later shiraz, merlot, verdelho and tempranillo. Some see the vineyard as my therapeutic hobby!” he jokes. The cellar door is combined with an awardwinning café (2017 Gold Plate Award) which specialises in gourmet pizzas, crafted cheeses from their dairy herd alongside their award-winning wines. Laura, their daughter-in-law who
manages the café, comes from Minnesota, and she’s brought some American influence to the menu. Peter’s favourite is the Reuben pizza, the main ingredients being pulled corned beef combined with sauerkraut and a Russian dressing. They also do a Reuben sandwich, New Yorkstyle. However, the artichoke gourmet, buffalo garlic prawn and four flavours of pork pizzas are most popular with regulars. The Giumellis are also dairy farmers and they hand over their milk to be made into cheese by a local cheesemaker. Chilli and chive feta, herb and garlic feta, along with Romano pepper and a four-year old Parmesan are some of the best you’ll find in the region.
Ferguson Hart Estate is another long-established estate in the Ferguson Valley. Jan and Merv Hart were passionate about wine and wanted to escape the hustle of Perth and retire to the country. As a result they purchased a property in the valley and planted the vines nearly 25 years ago. Jan and Merv can offer a trifecta of fine things at their cellar door: fine wine,
fine art and fine coffee. In the typical tradition of a boutique, family-owned wineru in Geographe, visitors can expect a warm friendly greeting from the owners themselves, not from paid staff. There’s more evidence of the owners’ fingerprint all around; Jan’s art work features prominently on the walls currently. The artworks on show vary from those painted by professionals to some supplied by local artists. “Our six wines all have something to offer for spring and summer,” says Merv. “A lovely fresh, crisp SBS for a drink on the balcony, a very serious gold medal-winning chardonnay for that special meal, and a sensational canecut semillon to share with cheese, biscuits and fresh fruit.” I asked him to talk me
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For the warmer months, Peter recommends Primavera Rosso, an effervescent red wine served chilled, and Autunno Bianco, made from the verdelho grape which is slightly sweet. Both are highly recommended with pizza, says Peter with a smile. More at fergusonfalls.com.au
Ferguson Hart Estate
The good life There's a strong Italian influence in many of the winemakers, with family-owned businesses making award-winning wines. Opposite, Barton Jones Wines cellar door and Ferguson Hart wines. This page, Ferguson Valley Estate and Barrecas Wines.
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Barton Jones Wines
Preeti and Brad Coughlin are the new kids on the block of Geographe winemaking. They had been living in the area since 2012 and were on the look-out for a farm. The Barton Jones property came up for sale and after snapping it up, they’ve followed their passions and become an important part of the local wine-making community. They have inherited some of the oldest vines (over 40 years old) in the Geographe region and a distinctive cellar door.
The building is made of straw bales with integrated solar panels in the roof, all part of a solar-passive design which is in keeping with their eco-friendly principles. The space lends itself to live music, art and dining. There have been upgrades both inside and out since they’ve taken over and a lively events calendar is in place throughout the year. “We have had some great collaborations with Market Eating House, Jo’s Curry House, and also Maker and
RUFUS AND ROSIE THE CELLAR DOOR DOGS LOVE OUR VISITORS AND POSING FOR THE CAMERA, PREETI SAYS.
through the reds. “There’s the double gold medal grenache shiraz touriga to go with chilli and spice, a voluptuous mouthfilling reserve shiraz for that special steak and finally a magnificent fortified shiraz which perfectly enhances desserts and chocolate.” Gold medal wines, an excellent range of fine art, freshly baked homemade cakes and superb barista coffee. Plenty of good reasons, then, to visit Ferguson Hart Estate. More at fergusonhartestate. com.au 32
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visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Ho
in
Worth a visit . . . Whicher Ridge is a small family-owned Geographe winery that has caught the eye of wine critics. Choose from a number of wine-tasting experiences including self-guided or guided tastings and garden tours, and a tasting with the winemaker. More at whicherridge.com.au
Co,” Preeti says “They’re all Bunbury-based, brilliant eateries, as well as musicians for Sunday sessions and artists exhibiting in the space.” They promise “warmth and hospitality and good vibes” at the cellar door, and visitors invariably find plenty of all three. “Rufus and Rosie the cellar door dogs love our visitors and posing for the camera,” Preeti says. “We serve light meals at the cellar door, as well as coffee and cakes which are made in-house. Our platters showcase the local producers we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.”
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They intend to continue to make small batch, premium quality, boutique wines from their dry-grown vineyards. Preeti’s picks from their current releases are the cellar series rosé and chenin blanc as “fruit forward, easy drinking styles, perfect for days in the sun.” The new sauvignon blanc is proving to be popular as well, she says. “Our production is limited by the size of our vineyard (just six acres). So remember once it’s gone, it’s gone!” More at bartonjoneswines.com.au
in WA
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To book your holiday with Quality Tourism Accredited Businesses, visit |www.holidayinwa.com.au FOUND | spring • summer 2019/20 33
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Food & Drink
THE SWEET LIFE
Crunch, chew and gnaw your way through a decadent selection of sweets as you delve into a confectionery tour that will tantalise your tastebuds. By
DANIELLE COSTLEY
Images by
B
BIANCA TURRI
egin your journey in Boyanup at Gingerbread House with all things sweet, where giant lollipops and candies prevail. Step inside and indulge your inner child at this Willy Wonkaesque candy store. There are lollies, chocolates, cakes and gingerbread men adorning the shelves – and that’s just for starters. Homemade pies, sausage rolls and toasties are also available, as well as a good selection of hot and cold beverages. There are themed rooms, an outdoor garden for the kids, or simply relax and watch the world go
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by on the deck. Whilst here, you can decorate your own gingerbread house too. Not far from here is the charming township of Donnybrook, which is nestled between undulating hills, lush forest and fruit-laden
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orchards. You are now in the apple capital of the state, where fruit production is plentiful and sun-drying fruit is an art. One such producer who is making the most of the abundant fresh
produce is Solarfruit. This family business is run by a health-conscious couple who developed a recipe for sun-dried fruit bars. What started as a cottage business selling fruits dried naturally by the sun has evolved to a production line that includes coconut and chocolatecoated fruits, sugar-coated fruit pastilles, jams and fruit sauces. The drying process, which takes around 10 days, ensures the fruit bars are virtually preservative-free. There’s plum, apricot, peach, ginger, cherry and nectarine flavoured products. Warning – must love fruit. Return to Bunbury along the picturesque winding roads and bask in the scenic countryside. Stroll down the main strip and you will find Bean & Cone, where your toughest choice is deciding whether you’re a cone or visitbunburygeographe.com.au
a cup person. This familyrun ice creamery produces homemade gelati, sorbets and frozen yoghurts, as well as some interesting flavours such as Ferrero Rocher and a sugar-free chocolate sorbet. There are the traditional flavours of vanilla bean, mint choc chip and strawberry, which you can enjoy in a double cup or sundae. If your sweet tooth needs a break,
opt for a caffeine fix with an Italian Lavazza coffee, an affogato, or a hot waffle plate. Head down to the Marlston Waterfront and experience a small slice of history as you watch a 100year old taffy machine shape, cut and wrap 120 pieces of this traditional American sweet per minute. This
machine, which has produced more than 16 billion pieces of taffy in its lifetime, takes about two hours to make a batch, with the recipe coming from New Jersey taffy producers. Sate your sweet tooth and savour the temptingly rich aromas in this wickedly indulgent world of chocolates and candies at Taffy’s. There are close to 80 candies to choose from and, on weekends, you can watch Salt Water Taffy being pulled and wrapped the old-fashioned way from a copper kettle. Taste some peanut brittle, cashew brittle, chili macadamia brittle, fudge, caramel, honeycomb, butter snap, white chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate-drenched almonds. Another favourite here is Buckeyes, soft-centred chocolate-dipped delights that are made in peanut butter, peppermint, and rum and raisin flavours. These family recipes have been perfected over 60 years and the Mum’s Fudge, which is marshmallow-based and melts in your mouth, certainly has developed a following over the years. Uncover some of the region’s sweetest hidden gems as you feast on edible slime, oldfashioned lollies, swirls of rich gelato and design a gingerbread man. Indulge in this slice of heaven as you taste your way through some of the finest desserts and delicacies this small part of the world has to offer.
LOTS OF LOLLIES Taffy's is home to a 100-year old taffy machine which churns out 120 pieces of taffy per minute. Oppostie, Gingerbread House is e a delight.
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Food & Drink
Thrill of the
GRILL Is there anything better than a perfectly grilled steak or burger? We’ve taken the tongs to the best in the BunGeo. By MIA LACY. Main image by
BIANCA TURRI.
O
h, the satisfaction of a succulent steak! The beauty of a BBQ’d burger! For those who worship at the altar of the grill, goodness is found in the details: a great char, the crispy coat of a steak. What’s not to love about a good grilling? Here’s where to head if you want to earn your stripes (on your meat). LoneStar RibHouse Bunbury
Victoria Square, 16 Victoria St, Bunbury
Yee-haw, folks, they do up-size your vittles in the Good Ole USA! This eatery promises – and delivers – the united tastes of America. The Sheriff’s Rib Tower for Two showcases their star ribs cooked Texas style real, real slow. LoneStar also does burgers to write home about, including a nice tribute burger to the original inventor of the two-fisted 36
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food; one Fletcher Davis from Athens, Texas. The highly commended California Green & Gold Schnitzel is a mixed marriage of chicken breast schnitzel, guacamole, grilled smoky bacon, three cheeses and sweet chilli sauce and fresh lemon. They look after tiny Texans with a children’s menu and if you can handle the heat, go for the Chilli Dog. The Dardy
9 Charlotte Street, Dardanup The menu on this country pub at Dardanup leads out with a fetching steak burger, the hero of which is grilled MSA Scotch fillet steak. For the record, MSA (Meat Standards Australia) is a grading system and all products identified with the MSA symbol have met strict criteria to ensure they achieve consumer
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expectations for tenderness, juiciness and flavour. Fun fact: The Dardy recently had a starring role in The Naked Wanderer movie. Their branded Southwest Tender Ridge Beef steaks are sized to suit (350g rump, 350g and 500g Scotch fillet ribeye on the bone) and arrive at the table on plates piled high with golden fries, garden salad and a choice of mushroom, pepper or creamy garlic sauce. The Mumby Pub
come out dressed up with caramelised onions and Swiss cheese flanked by huge cut Vienna toast we tend to agree. Probably best enjoyed in the lovely beer garden with a coldie of course. But if you fancy a burger try the Mumballup Rumbelup; an awesome pattie, homemade tomato relish, grilled bacon, matched with a side salad and crisp chips. The Mumby’s meals are massive and beautiful – beware plate envy of your dining companions.
2751 Boyup Brook Road, Mumballup
The Parade Hotel
This quaint, beautifully restored 100-year old Aussie pub has a reputation for its ‘Mumbilicious’ grilled steaks. Diehard Mumby fans rave about the steak sandwich here (one dubbed it ‘the best steak sandwich I’ve ever had in 58 years’) and seeing the Scotch fillet
This iconic waterfront venue has a menu which not only ticks your grill boxes but hits the mark on dietaries such as gluten free and vegan. My pick was the big Turkish lamb skewer with grilled vegies and mint dressing. Nice! But if you want to go with your burger
1 Austral Parade, Bunbury
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
cravings, Parade’s Classic Beef Burger is guaranteed to satisfy. You’ll be wrapping your fists around a 180gm juicy beef pattie, crispy bacon, caramelized onion, creamy cheese, fresh sliced tomato, dill pickle, mayo, American mustard and crunchy lettuce on a toasted Turkish bun. Those buns reappear on the Parade’s steak sandwich, which teams up grilled Porterhouse steak with tomato relish, cheese, lettuce and mayo. Note to beer lovers: beer + grill = good - a sister company of Parade owns the Old Coast Road Brewery near Myalup and their beers and ciders are all available from the Parade Taphouse. Buck’s Diner
44 Victoria Street, Bunbury If you love huge portions, you are going to be a very happy diner at Buck’s. The burgers here are excellent value, and most are in the $13 price range. That includes gourmet garden salads and crispy fries plus a soft drink of your choice or a coffee which impressed us. A menu fave is Buck’s Calypso burger with pineapple and grilled bacon – it’s always fresh and piping hot. Note to self – there isn’t a great deal of seating and the place fills up quickly, so get in early. Right on Burgers
Victoria Street, Bunbury The owners really put a lot of thought into Right On Burgers and it shows. Firstly, there’s its terrific CBD main street location. Next, you simply can’t go past their well crafted menu (your mind eats before your mouth). Best of all, Right On Burgers will deliver to your door via the Town Around app. But, let’s discuss the food. I loved the
range here – vegans can order the Ethical Burger (100% plant-based pattie, vegan cheddar, lettuce, tomato, vegan Right On sauce and house pickles) and there’s the rather worldly chicken Katsu burger featuring panko crumbed chicken, red onion and Tonkatsu sauce. I opted for the Naughty Piglet ($15.50) – a char grilled beef pattie, double smoked glazed bacon, American cheddar, onion jam, smokey BBQ sauce and mayo. If that isn’t saying ‘bite me!’ then I don’t know what is. Menu extras include gluten free buns, house pickles and kimchi.
iceberg lettuce, Swiss cheese, tropical chutney and Bayview yoghurt on woodfired toasted Turkish bread served with Manjimup steak-cut chips and bayoli. Are you there yet? The Bayview overlooks Koombana Bay as its name suggests and while you’re waiting for your grill, it’s a great place to chill. If you can find your way past the steak sandwich and the Bayview’s Classic Burger, there are ribs (Boyup Brook farmed pork lion back ribs, to be precise) chicken wings and skewers which have all been caressed by flames.
Paddy’s Patties
2 Blackwood River Drive, Balingup
98 Stirling Street, Bunbury Purists will love Paddy’s. We were impressed by a burger bar with both a lunch and dinner menu and that’s typical of the attention to detail here. This is a joint de-voted to hamburgers (pictured, left) and they let you order from their extensive menu online and skip the queue. There’s no less than four different types of chicken burgers on their dinner menu - ‘The Smash’ styles grilled free range chicken with bacon, feta, mayo, mixed lettuce and guacamole. Paddy’s offers rice burgers, vegetarian and pescatarian and even a special combo of chicken and beef called The Clucky Cow. And when Paddy’s say ‘gluten free’, they mean it – their fryer is even GF.
Balingup RIB & Steak House
Housed in a beautiful rammed earth building in Balingup, this eatery is renowned for atmosphere and its generous grills. Select your steak (300g rump, sirloin or Scotch fillet), upsize it to a surf’n’turf or add a half rack of pork riblets, choose two options from salad, chips, mash or steamed vegetables and pick your sauce from garlic, mushroom, pepper or gravy. There’s also very respectable steak sangas, beef,
pork, chicken and vege burgers. The pork and beef ribs were beautifully cooked, falling off the bone and full of flavour – just take my money! Nicola’s Ristorante
62 Victoria Street, Bunbury Hubby – who tests steak sangas everywhere we go in Australia – described Nicola’s as ‘an explosion of flavours cooked to perfection’ and, for a bloke with a mouthful, I was much impressed by that. It was indeed prime Scotch fillet and, matched with toasted garlic bread, crisp prosciutto, caramelized onion, garden greens and thick cut beer battered chips. It satisfied the man-beast 100%. This eatery showcases Stirling Ranges brand beef and their thick steaks grill up beautifully. Do yourself a flavor and order the 400g prime rump with Greek roast potatoes, garlic braised broccolini and rosemary green peppercorn sauce. Lunch specials Mon to Sat include the outstanding Wagyu beef burger with sourdough bun, beetroot relish, Swiss cheese . . . yum, yum, YUM!
MEAT DONE RIGHT The Parade Hotel serves up a delectable range of burgers, steaks and other tasty morsels.Opposite, wrap yer smackers around a Paddy's Patty.
The Bayview Bar & Grill
15 Bonnefoi Boulevard, Bunbury The back-to-back winners of Regional WA’s best steak sandwich sure can handle a pair of tongs. Your eyes will mist up on its description – WA Black Angus Scotch fillet, |
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Food & Drink
reakfast is everything. The beginning, the first thing. It is the mouthful that is the commitment to a new day, a continuing life. So said the late, great food writer AA Gill. And he knew a thing or two about enjoying the most important meal of the day. He certainly wasn’t the first – and he won’t be the last – to discover the joys of luxuriating over perfectly poached eggs drizzling with hollandaise
sauce or huevas rancheros piled into heavenly smooth tortillas. The zing of freshly squeezed orange juice. The fix of caffeine, the decadence of bubbles and toast, beautiful sourdough toast. Once you have had your fill everything seems right for the rest of the day. And, as AA Gill found when he ventured south you definitely don’t have to look far to get that in the Bunbury Geographe region. All you need is a full tank of petrol, a big appetite and a lust for wallowing. Oh, and plenty of time. Here’s a few gems I discovered from Balingup to Bunbury.
CORNERS ON KING Leschenault Quays, 2 Austral Parade, Shop 3, Bunbury This bright and breezy spot with near the Leschanault Inlet is known by locals as sweet tooth heaven. The sugar highs from housemade Nutella donuts, ginger, carrot and coconut cakes, and cinnamon scrolls last all day and many diners can’t resist a naughty afternoon waffle. There’s nothing like fresh strawberries and warm chocolate sauce at 4pm. It’s part New York diner and part Hamptons. And for
those without a sweet tooth there are savoury muffins and top-notch bangers and bacon. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Feel free to bring your pooch. He might just make it onto their Facebook page. Stop press: as we go to print Corners is opening a new sister store in Marlston Waterfront, overlooking Koombana Bay called Corners on the Bay. CAFE 140 140 Victoria Street, Bunbury Don’t you just love the smell of pulled pork and Mexican burritos in the morning?
Top of the morning
Brekkie is having a bit of a moment - and in the BunGeo region, you can start your day in the best way possible. By
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GAIL WILLIAMS.
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visitbunburygeographe.com.au
BREAKING THE FAST Oppostite, The Happy Wife offers up delicious fare. This page, Cafe 140's inventive approach to pancakes and Corners on King ticks all the right boxes. Below, Lady Marmalade's perfectly runny poached eggs..
Bunbury punters are getting regular highs on such earthy aromas as they bask in the warmth of exposed brick and timber floors with the morning sun streaming through tall windows. Sipping turmeric lattes from a jar adds effortless cool as does an indoor swing for those wanting to unleash the inner child (or actual child). Cafe 140 doesn’t disappoint on the conventional side either. There’s your regular sunny side up options involving free range Boyanup eggs and a toast menu with five choices of bread baked next door. That’s very adult. THE HAPPY WIFE 4/98 Stirling Street, East Bunbury It’s not just the wife who will be beaming all day after ham and eggs Benedict on the snappy al fresco deck here, right on Leschenault Inlet. There are feel good vibes all the way too thanks to the cheesy Boston Beans, one of
the most popular menu items for a blokey breakfast. They come with spicy chorizo, spinach and poached eggs on Turkish bread. Health fiends are smiling too with lashings of raw granola with fresh apple, dates, almonds and coconut yoghurt.
of this picturesque region. Keeping things all in the family, if you visit on a day when husband Gary is in the kitchen, you’ll get to sample one of his legendary beef pies.
LADY MARMALADE 51 South Western Highway, Kirup
Smashed avo on toast doesn’t come much fresher than this. The creamy avos, along with crisp Donnybrook apples
are grown in the owners’ orchard which has been in the Sheehan family for 36 years. Just one year ago they decided to open up a cafe next door to their Fruit Barn outlet. Since then not only have punters been hoeing into big, hearty country style breakfasts, but there has been a constant stream of traffic gliding through the drive thru to pick up a cheese and ham toastie or a bacon and egg wrap on the run.
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The love is palpable in this place as self-taught cook Lynlee Rutter and her daughter, Georgia churn out sweet treats to warm the cockles of the heart. People cross country towns to pluck from their cake table which is constantly groaning under the weight of lemon meringue cake – their most popular staple – along with brownies, muffins and towers of melting moments oozing with homemade lemon curd. These are the edible jewels in the crown of rolling hills, fruit orchards and vineyards
THE ORCHARD 7 South Western Highway, Donnybrook
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Food & Drink THE CROOKED CARROT Cnr Rigg Rd and Forrest Highway, Myalup Don’t be put off by the quirky name which comes from the family farm owned by the Castros. There is a serious paddock-to-plate ethos involving a vegie garden, a team of chefs who are devoted to sourcing the
the old Melbourne tram, the centrepiece of the outdoor cafe. Perching on a tractor seat at the bar just adds to the fun. DARDANUP BAKERY 13 Charlotte Street, Dardanup Artisan might be an overused word. But here in an unprepossessing tin shed it’s
BRING A BIG APPETITE From above, The Crooked Carrot does gorgeous pies as well as fresh juices. Right, Lady Marmalade's shabby chic style is a delight. Opposite, The Happy Wife.
best local produce finding its way into cakes and pies that make this place a bucket-list stop off on the road to anywhere. Vintage lovers are just as taken with the chia-spiced granola and buttermilk pancakes as they are with 40
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as natural as a sourdough starter to describe the flavoursome loaves coming out of the stone oven. It’s not so much a place to while away the morning reading the Financial Review, but more of an aromatic stop off to pick up some of John visitbunburygeographe.com.au
and Laine Obermeyer’s handiwork – cinnamon donuts, perky beef pies and wholesome sausage rolls. Then sit under the tree out front or on a park bench. And swoon. It might be known as the place that sells the best pies this side of the black stump – but the influence is all Germanic, especially in the baked ricotta cheesecake. That’s John’s heritage coming through.
Yallingup coffee – are their break-the-journey pick me up and the homemade quiches hit the right spot. Throw in a touch of bootscooting during the annual country music festival and a bottle of your BYO champagne with no corkage and you’re smiling from ear to ear. Yeehah!
CAPELBERRY 20B Forrest Road Capel
Uplifting is the word to describe this light-filled space which, despite its shopping centre location, is every bit as classy as it’s big sister in Bunbury’s CBD. It’s all about exposed beams and green thumbs nurturing potted plants with a healthy nod to sustainability in the form of reusable coffee cups and water bottles. An expert professionallyminded team of staff welcome dogs and families as enthusiastically as the punters who gather here to down a mid morning ale or two. Try the baked field mushrooms with Turkish bread.
Capel locals wish it was Tuesday every day. That’s the day they get to breakfast on homemade pie and chips for $10. Or then there’s Wednesday where a tenner gets them scones, jam and cream and coffee. They all come with a side serve of emotional health as the cafe holds regular talks on essential oils, which gives you some idea of the holistic approach to life in this charming venue. The food looks after the body, the interaction with others, the soul. Seasonal freshly squeezed juice and gluten free and vegan options pad things out while Margaret River coffee provides the caffeine fix.
BENESSE AUSTRALIND Shop 7/1 Mardo Avenue, Australind
It's beer at it's finest. Fun, thrills, adventure and refreshing alcoholic beverages await you at our Breweries. CHEEKY MONKEY
Brewery and Restuarant 4259 Caves Road, Wilyabrup Cheeky Bar 44 Commerce Road, Vasse
THE TREE HOUSE COFFEE LOUNGE 66 Abel St, Boyup Brook If you want to experience a community that bonds through food and old fashioned hospitality take a drive into wildflower territory and stop at The Tree House. No, it’s not actually a tree house but there are enough green vibes and country spirit to make you feel mellow. Almond milk and soy milk lattes – along with
cheekymonkey.com.au |
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Accommodation & Tours
VROOM
with a view.
Fancy exploring the Bunbury Geographe region in true retro style? Get revved up as Cassandra Charlick explores all things food and wine from the comfort of a 1965 Mustang.
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oday’s adventures are all down to husband and wife team, Vince and Karen Civello. The pair have been firm favourites with car lovers for the last 12 months thanks to newly founded chauffeured Mustang service, Mr Mustang Hire. It’s their newly developed Tour, Taste and Tapas day trip which is proving to be most popular with vintage car aficionados and wine lovers who like to do something a bit different when visiting the region. “We love meeting people and creating memories and experiences that will last a
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lifetime,” says Karen Civello. It was her husband’s passion for classic muscle cars which started over sixty years ago that set them on the journey to where they are now. “Seven years ago a gentleman from Greenbushes was selling his pride and joy, a 1965 Mustang. I suggested to Vince that he should take it for a drive, and so he did. Needless to say he returned looking very much like a child in a candy shop, with a smile from ear to ear. At the time we loosely toyed with the idea of buying it. The intention was two fold - buy it for Vince and to use it
within our retreat business taking guests on tours.” After some discussions and careful considerations, the pair decided it simply was not the right time. “My husband is my world. It was at that time I decided that I needed to somehow find a way to get that car,” says Karen. “The next day I rang up and made an offer. You only live once and what’s the point of buying it ‘someday’? When someday does come, you are too old, too grey and too bloody forgetful. So why not now? It was a surprise birthday gift for Vince. Fast-forward six years and we thought about a semiretirement plan: hence Mr Mustang Hire was conceived. Now Vince can drive his pride and joy and everyone in the south west has an opportunity to experience this classic beauty.” While bespoke tours, transfers, weddings and commercial endeavours are always on offer, the pair love teaming up with others who are just as passionate as they are when it comes to unique customer experiences. “Collaborating with local businesses who also share our love of food, wine, Mustangs and the Bunbury Geographe region is one of the things we love best about our business.” That is precisely how this latest tour came about. You’ll be treated to a full day’s joyride in the turquoisecoloured Mustang ‘Sal’, with five perfectly timed stops. First up is Barrecas Wines, where palates are warmed up and senses awakened with a morning coffee followed by an olive oil and wine tasting. If there’s time you might also have the chance to pop into Lady Marmalade in Kirup. Their chocolate and pistachio croissants are the pick of the bunch according to Karen and Vince. Jumping back into Sal’s comfortable leather visitbunburygeographe.com.au
seats, relax and gaze out the window at Donnybrook’s rolling hills and picturesque views. You’ll have just enough time to recline before Vince opens that door again on another winery, this time it’s Barton Jones Wines. With some of the oldest vines in the region, you’ll also be sampling a piece of living history in that wine glass. It’s most definitely time for some lunch, so it’s time for the third stop of the day: Oakway Estate and Ned’s Brew Club. Take your pick from wine or craft beer here at Donnybrook’s only nanno brewery and start filling those rumbling tummies up with some freshly baked pizza and well stocked cheese boards. To finish filling up, it’s onto the final stop for the tapas element of the tour. Smallwater Estate has long flown the culinary flag for the region, and with chef Jonny at the helm of their Smallwater Kitchen and Deck
DREAM DRIVE MrMustang will take you on a foodie tour of the region in comfort.
you’ll be certain of a tapas feast before heading home for the day. Their wines pack a serious punch too; the winery is the most awarded boutique winery in the Geographe region. Thank goodness there is a spacious boot on top of those wheels to pack the day’s purchases in. Rolling on home, it’s not unusual to fit in a nap in that backseat, dreaming of one day owning your very own Mustang Sal. A girl can dream…but this is pretty darn close to enjoying a stylish ride without the space in the garage (or the bank) for another set of wheels.
Accommodation & Tours
Laid Back Summer Vibes Unplug on a quintessential old school beach holiday. Rediscover the coastal towns and hinterland hamlets of your childhood, where summer days are spent building sandcastles, canoeing the dam, feasting on fish 'n chips and snoozing in the hammock. By LIZZY PEPPER. Blissful Binningup This sleepy little beach town takes me straight back to the hazy days of summer holidays in the 80s. Hilly streets lined with weatherboard cottages, all a short walk to the beach. A General Store like a Mary
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Poppins handbag sells everything you need; fuel, groceries, liquor, fishing and surfing equipment. Kids laugh and galah about, carrying surfboards to the beach, sliding down dunes, climbing trees and hunting for tadpoles in the nearby swamp.
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The parallel reef provides a gentle surf break. It also provides protection for our young swimmers, and summer Vac Swim classes are perfect for city kids to experience beach swimming. We booked Binningup Tree House, a hilltop eco home with incredible sunrise views, and spent a weekend cycling between the beach, the pirate ship playground and Binningup Beach Café. Things to do: bring your bikes and explore on two wheels. Catch fish from the beach. Play a round of ninehole golf with ocean views. Walk the course and you may see kangaroos or turtles, and bandicoots at dusk. Beachcomb for treasures; sea urchins, shells and sea glass. Places to eat: Burgers, wraps and smoothies in the lush Binningup Beach Café courtyard. Order
takeaway fish and chips from Binningup General Store by 6pm. Dine at Binningup Surf Club on Friday night with an ocean view. The Country Club serves dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, with a fantastic roast on Saturdays. Stay: set high on a hill in the canopy of peppermint trees, the upstairs livingdining-relaxing space of Binningup Tree House is surrounded by 360-degrees of glass and louvers to let the sea breeze in. My kids raided the passionfruit vine and created a cubby nook under the stairs. Visit binninguptreehouse.com
Magic Myalup Myalup is a tiny town nestled between steep sand dunes, with a general store and caravan park right by the beach and a handful of visitbunburygeographe.com.au
residential streets backing onto Lake Josephine and Lake Preston. Things to do: Discover the walking trails around Lake Preston and Yalgorup National Park. Try your luck fishing. 4WD along the beach to The Cut, a popular fishing spot near Bunbury. In summer you can also beach drive north 60km to Tim’s Thicket, Dawesville. Places to eat: the famous Miami Bakehouse has a new store on the highway; their pies are among the best in the west. The Old Coast Brewery is a magic spot for lunch overlooking farmland as black cockatoos fly over. Dine and explore the new playground at The Crooked Carrot Café.
Amazing Australind to Bustling Bunbury I have fond memories of holidays at my grandparent’s home in Australind. We’d go
crabbing in the estuary then cook them up in the back yard, served with mayonnaise and home-grown avocadoes. The estuary is a natural playground; perfect for canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding or wading through with nets, searching for blue swimmer crabs. Get to Bunbury’s Koombana Bay early for a chance to see the wild dolphins. They visit the beach opposite the Dolphin Discovery Centre around 8am in summer, swimming in the shallows.
Perfect Peppermint Grove Beach Between Bunbury and Busselton is the whisperquiet beach town, where you can catch a small wave on your paddle board, or kayak up the river mouth. Stretch out at the Peppy Beach Yoga Studio, or go bushwalking in the world’s last tuart forest. Peppermint Grove Beach
Holiday Park has woodfired pizza every Friday night, and a store selling local wine and beer, bait, tackle, ice creams and yummy Bread and Butter Woodfired Bakery sourdough. Nearby you’ll find the Capel Vale Winery, Capelberry café and scrumptious Capel Bakery.
Hinterland Adventures Camping by a beautiful river, cruising wine trails or meeting the animals at a farm stay. We love Balingup Heights’ award-winning hospitality, feeding their friendly farm animals, picking persimmons and eating farm fresh eggs. Make Collie River Tourist Park your base for finding shady riverside picnic spots, bushwalking tracks or picking your own blueberries. Ferguson Valley is home to boutique wineries, Gnomesville, cycling and mountain bike tracks.
STAY Binningup Binningup Tree House Clem and Tines Vintage Beach House Binningup Beach Caravan Park Luxury Beach House Escape Lovely on Iluka
Myalup • Myalup Beach Caravan Park • Indian Ocean Retreat
Australind and Bunbury • Riverside Cabins, Caravan and Camping • Australind Tourist Park • Discovery Parks Koombana Foreshore and Bunbury Village
Peppermint Grove Beach • Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park • Oceans 8, Cowrie Cove, Banyandah (PrivateProperties.com.au)
Australia’s Premier Wild Dolphin Experience
Your Dolphin Destination Whether you want to swim with the dolphins in their own environment, interact with them from the beach, educate yourself on the marine environment in our brand-new interactive Interpretive Centre or enjoy a meal with spectacular ocean views, the Dolphin Discovery Centre has something to engage and delight visitors of all ages and capabilities.
dolphindiscovery.com.au A Lot 556 Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA E info@dolphindiscovery.com.au | T +618 9791 3088 lateralaspect.DDC3160
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Accommodation & Tours
Make a
splash I
Stay cool in the region’s most welcoming pools. By JENNIFER MORTON. Images by BIANCA TURRI. 46
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t’s official. Bunbury is getting a brand-new splash park, and we couldn’t be more excited. When news first broke that the City of Bunbury and Discovery Parks were teaming up to build a community water park at Sykes Foreshore, there was hope the $1.7million splash pad project would be
finished for summer. This mega concept, which includes a City of Bunburyfunded playground, new amenities and improved parking, is now slated for completion in 2020. In the meantime, there are plenty of hotels, holiday accommodation and community parks to cool off when the temperatures soar in the Bunbury Geographe region. visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Discovery Parks The new waterpark, which will be managed by Discovery Parks, will neighbour Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore location. But until the free water park is complete, guests of the family-friendly holiday park can stay cool in the summer in the spacious ovalshaped swimming pool. If you’re travelling with young children or non-swimmers, there’s even a small shallow pool for wading or keeping your feet fresh. Just a little further south is Discovery Parks Bunbury Village, another familyfocussed park by this leading national holiday park brand. Like the foreshore location,
Bunbury Village offers a swimming pool, as well as many kid-centric things to do including, a jumping pillow, playground, mini-golf, and a seasonal kids’ club. Although the pools at Discovery Parks are not heated, they are open yearround. Visit discoveryholidayparks. com.au
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Mercure Sanctuary Golf Resort For a swish stay and play, consider the Mercure Sanctuary Golf Resort. Their outdoor lagoon-style deck features a large pool for swimming and a heated, jetted spa pool for relaxing. The leisure area is open 47
Accommodation & Tours
from 6.30am year-round with closing hours varying with the seasons. Unwind and relax with some regional wine or craft beer (no glass, please) while overlooking 56 hectares of vibrant countryside, gardens, and fairways. Children are most welcome at the pool, but under 13s must be supervised by an adult. The resort offers 38 apartment-style rooms for a semi self-catered holiday and is ideal for golfers, families and couples. Visit accorhotels.com Bunbury Seaview Apartments Self-contained accommodation is great for summer holidays. Bunbury Seaview Apartments offer choices of semi-selfcontained studios (good for singles and couples) or fully self-contained one, two, or three-bedroom units with stocked kitchens and laundry facilities. Don’t feel like cooking? Ocean 205 48
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Cafe offers a varied menu with stunning ocean views to boot. With the beach so close, naturally the ocean is an option for swimming, but Seaview also has an in-ground outdoor pool surrounded by deck chairs and lounges for those times when you don’t want to leave the hotel. Keep watch for extended hours in the restaurant and live music on weekends throughout the summer. Visit bunburyseaview.com.au Quest Bunbury Located a mere 300m walk to Koombana Beach, Quest Bunbury is your go-to hotel for a central city beach stay. This stylish serviced apartment accommodation option has studios and multi-bedroom units - 52 in all - to suit single travellers, couples, families and groups. After a day of exploring the Bunbury Geographe region, cool off in the renovated outdoor swimming pool or get fired-up with a round
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of tennis at the onsite courts. Afterwards, enjoy the evening with a pool-side barbecue. Visit questapartments.com.au The Clifton Motel The Clifton Motel has a lovely outdoor entertainment area for guests to play, relax and dine in the open air. Set in a sheltered, secluded area near the reception, this guest-only space includes
a kidney-shaped swimming pool, lounge chairs, tables, and a barbecue. The pool is open during daylight hours, and pool towels can be collected from the front desk. The hotel boasts 48 rooms in various shapes, sizes, and styles for all kinds of travellers. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with a stay at the heritagelisted Grittleton Lodge, a Victorian-styled guesthouse visitbunburygeographe.com.au
featuring four period-themed suites. Standard motel rooms are more modern and better suited for families. One thing that all visitors will love is the location – it's just metres from the beach. Visit theclifton.com.au Collie Splash Pad Can’t wait for Bunbury’s water park? Take a road trip to Collie where you’ll find a cute little splash pad
and playground on Forrest Street in the town centre. The Central Park and Water Playground is a colourful, well-designed area that will keep little ones cool in the summer and entertained for hours all year-round. There are plenty of trees and shade sails to protect skin from the beating sun, and a nearby Gazebo for parents to keep watch from. Visit collierivervalley.com.au
More Places with a Pool Bunbury Quality Hotel Lighthouse Hotel Lord Forrest by Best Western Plus Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay Bunbury Apartment Hotel
Geographe Region Banksia Motel, Collie Peppermint Lane Lodge, Ferguson Valley Chalbury Park B&B, Harvey Blue Hills Farmstay, Harvey Donnybrook Motel, Donnybrook
Accommodation with Natural Swimming Pools Lake Brockman Tourist Park, Harvey Evedon Lakeside Retreat, Ferguson Valley Flaxmill Caravan Park, Boyup Brook Lewana Cottages, Balingup Glen Mervyn Lodge, Glen Mervyn Kiosk at the Dam Glamping, Wellington Dam
Find yourself in
Image: Matt Blakers
Award-winning restaurants World-class street art Wild MTB adventures Critically acclaimed festivals Pristine beaches Rich maritime history Dolphin experiences Fresh produce 49 | FOUND | spring • summer 2019/20
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Adventure & Nature
BOYS WILL BE
BOYS Pack your sense of adventure and a healthy dose of adrenaline - Tom de Souza has got some suggestions about some Boys Own BunGeo getaways.
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ou could say that the BunGeo region is the ultimate destination for an adventure trip with the lads. The state’s second capital - Bunbury - has got all the services of a small city without sacrificing the space and freedom of the country, and whatever thrill you seek, you’re sure to find it here. From whisky tasting to waterskiing, mountain biking to snorkelling, this region has got it all. Adrenaline junkies, take note! Go 4WDriving There are plenty of places to put your rig through its paces in the BunGeo. Belvidere is
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one of the locals’ favourites, with some soft sand beaches, plenty of fishing spots, including an estuary, and a gazetted campsite. Binningup and Buffalo are good bets too, and if you haven’t got your own four-wheel drive, try one of the local hire car companies. Go Diving on the Lena The Lena was a pirate ship that met a sticky end when it was detected fishing illegally for Patagonian toothfish by the Australian navy in 2002. Eventually apprehended by the HMAS Canberra and towed to Fremantle, it was sunk in 17 metres of water, three nautical miles off the
Bunbury coast, which in turn made it a must-visit for keen wreck divers. Now a world-class dive site, The Lena provides a unique experience for divers of all levels. If you’re brave enough, you can swim right through the engine room, where both the main engine and generators are still in place. Take a charter out there with local dive operator, Octopus Garden Dive Charter. (octopusgardendivecharters.com) Book a MTB weekend at Linga Longa or Cycle Trek Linga Longa is a mountain bike park among the ‘steep rugged hills and oceans of
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
please put old coast brewery pic back in here. Sorry sorry.
ADVENTURE TIME Whether it's hopping on a mountain bike and going hard at Linga Longa, diving around The Lena or getting in the cockpit of a Warbird, the BunGeo has an experience to suit all.
water’ (as the original ad for the land sale read) near Balingup. Most of the trails are designed and hand-built by the Bike Park Trail Crew, and boast a huge diversity from the rocky and raw ‘point it down’ type trails of Huggies, Rake ‘n’ Ride, and Edge of the World, to the fun and flowy trails of the Valley of Dreams. If endure is your thing, try the Mr Enduro, which features all the elements of the Gravity Enduro in one trail. Oh, and it’s also where this year’s Wild Campout, WA’s newest boutique music and camping festival, will be hosted this New Year’s Eve. Visit lingalongabikepark.com and thewildcampout.com.au
Cycletrek in the Preston Valley is a great place where you stay too and hit private trails. (visit cycletrek.com.au) Hire bikes or buy up big at Crank n Cycle before hitting the trails (visit crankncycles. com.au). Hire a Fat Bike from Melo Velo Bunbury (visit facebook.com/ MeloVeloAu) Go glamping and hire bikes at Kiosk by Wellington Dam (visit kioskatthedam.com.au). Fly a Warbird with Bunbury Flight School Ever dreamed of flying a plane but don’t have time for the lengthy training courses? Well, dream no more, because you can take your first introductory flight with |
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Adventure & Nature
MORE INSPO >>
And after all that . . . A drink to toast your achievements Looking for a wild night? Then look no further than Lost Bills, a small bar where the cocktails are craft, the beers are chilly, and the wine is long. They’ve got whisky tasting nights that are sure to put hairs on your chest and a huge range of craft beers. It’s a cosy place to sip mulled wine on those cold winter nights, and a haven from the hot sun in summer. Lost Bills, 41 Victoria Street, Bunbury. Visit lostbills.com
an experienced instructor from the Bunbury Flying School. And, after being briefed on the controls, you can have a go at flying the aircraft yourself. If that’s not exhilarating enough, take a half-hour flight in the Nanchang. Also known as the Warbird, you’ll fly over Bunbury and roll, loop, stall turn, spin, experiencing positive and negative G-forces that compete against gravity. Definitely not for the faint of heart, this one. Visit bunburyflyingschool.com Collie River Tourist Park To do all of the above, you’ll need somewhere to stay, of course. The Collie River Valley Tourist Park 52
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is the perfect base for any adventurer, with all kinds of facilities, from those keen to get back to nature around the fire at the campsite, caravan sites, to a more comfy family ensuite cabin. Set a short way out of town in the Collie River Valley, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the surrounding National Parks. There is also a huge camp kitchen with a pool table, dart board, and café booths. If you get some downtime, check out the nearby huge coal super-pit, swim in the Collie River, or walk, cycle, paddle the local area. Collie River Tourist Park, 1 Porter Street, Collie. Visit colliecaravanpark.com.au
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Hit the breweries Seek out the ultimate coldie at Old Coast Road Brewery, Mash Bunbury, Wild Bull Ferguson Valley and Bush Shack Ferguson Valley. Be smart - don't drink and drive, so to make sure everybody can join in, hire a tour bus or chauffeur. Or if you want to go big, hire a Hummer from the team with the only stretch Hummer based in the south west. Visit downsouthlimos.com Go on safari Forget the Big 5 – how about a safari of a different kind in the heart of Kirup? Join John ‘Staino’ Staines and the team at West Coast Trail Bike Safaris for a brilliant day out on two wheels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a tour that’ll suit. You’ll follow trails through natural bush, pine plantations and encounter creeks and gullies. Full day tours include a stop-off for lunch – and all the gear is provided. Visit westcoastsafaris.com.au Paint the town Go nuts in a colourful way with Paintball Pursuits in Stratham. You’ll roam the south west’s premier paintball fields in this action-packed, high adrenaline afternoon of fun. Visit paintballpursuit.com.au Have fun-ski If you’ve brought along a ski boat and are looking for the top spots to make some waves, you’re in the right place. BunGeo is home to the largest seectiono ski sites in WA. 1. Bunbury’s Koombana Bay has three official ski zones. 2. Lake Brockman/Louge Brook Dam, Harvey Region. 3. Wellington Dam – Potters Gorge, Collie River Valley. 4. Glen Mervyn, Donnybrook-Balingup Region. 5. Stockton Dam, Collie River Valley. Need for speed If you’re lucky, there might be a live speedway event in full swing at the Bunbury Speedway or Collie Motorplex. Head to bunburyspeedway.com.au or motoringsouthwest.org.au to check out the program. Tee time If you’ve brought along your clubs, then the region is home to nine courses , three of which are international standard, including The Sanctuary, Capel Golf Course and Bunbury Golf Course. If you don’t have a full set, you can hire clubs and buggies at the courses; just be sure to make the 19th hole.
Watersports Bunbury is haven for watersports too, and there are plenty of spots to fish, sail, dive, snorkel, or surf. Join a crew at the Koombana Bay Sailing Club, go crabbing in the Leschenault Estuary, fish off the rocks at Koombana Bay, surf the new Airwave at Bunbury Back
Beach (from November), or just go for a swim. There are plenty of places to snorkel too - ask local dive shops for their recommendations, pack the fins and go discover an underwater paradise. Visitbunburygeographe.com.au for more info and inspo. visitbunburygeographe.com.au
A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY ocrb.com.au • 1300 792 106 • 20min north of Bunbury
FP Old Coast brewery
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Adventure & Nature
Surf’s up
All eyes will be on Bunbury in November as it becomes the focus of the surfing world. Dianne Bortoletto chats to the founder of Airwave to find out more.
B
unbury has rarely been associated with surfing but that’s all about to change. Soon, it will be home to the world’s first inflatable reef that could fundamentally transform the region. The inflatable reef is called ‘Airwave’, and is the brainchild of keen surfer Troy Bottegal, 53, who has spent the last decade developing the product that is set to be a game changer in the surfing world. Airwave is a selfanchoring inflatable dome, shaped to mimic a surf reef’s shallow leading edge to create barrelling A-frame waves as swell mass is raised. Airwave takes up to four days to install, one day to move and is made of a super strong, environmentally safe compound, designed to have minimal adverse effects on the surrounding environment. It’ll blend in with the environment too being sand coloured with just the Airwave logo and Bunbury printed on it. It’s the first concept of its kind in the world. “With installation so close, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety at the moment, the fear of failure is there, but you can’t let that rule your life or you’ll never do anything,” Troy said. He certainly has surfers excited and you can bet
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they’ll all be watching. While Airwave has the potential to turn any stretch of coastline into a fun park for surfers, Troy is taking a sensible slow-and-steady approach. “Installation will take up to four days this time, it’s our first so we’ll be doing it slowly, properly, studying it, taking notes and documenting it all, but it is designed to be installed much quicker than that,” Troy said. “After installation, there’ll be a 12-month testing period and Bunbury has exclusive rights of Airwave for those twelve months; in fact we’re just negotiating an extension at the moment. “The benefit of that is that all eyes will be on Bunbury. Bunbury could become a centre of wave and surfing excellence. “We’ve had a lot of interest from around Australia and around the
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world and we expect people will travel to Bunbury to see how Airwave works. “There are opportunities for learn-to-surf programs, tertiary education in tourism as well as opportunities to attract prospective customers who are likely to be representatives of cities or councils. We could invite researchers and international organisations to work with us on the testing: the potential is huge. “Airwave is good for the people and good for Bunbury too, for it to become known as a city that’s at the
forefront of innovation and fun – Airwave is designed to be fun.” The idea of Airwave came to Troy while he was in the bath after a lacklustre surfing session in Perth. “I was working long hours at the time and I just wanted to have a great surf, and of course I didn’t because the waves weren’t good. I was taking a bath, trying to relax and I stared up at the ceiling to the oyster light fitting and the idea just came into my head. Next minute, I’ve taken down the domed light fitting and put it in the
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bath and started pushing water over it. I knew there was something in it. You could say it was a light bulb moment!” said Troy, who has been surfing for 40 years. “I’ve done a lot of research, interviewed numerous professors, coastal engineers, read many artificial reef case studies and constantly analysed optimum wave characteristics. I’ve driven everyone around me crazy with this idea – my wife, colleagues, friends, anyone who’d listen.” Troy, who grew up in Bunbury and now lives in Dunsborough, said that Bunbury was a natural choice after finding some investors who were based in Bunbury and gaining funding and support from the City of Bunbury. “Bunbury has some beautiful beaches and could benefit greatly by having surf,” Troy said.
“The beauty about Airwave is that it provides a natural experience in the ocean that has variables of tide, swell and swell direction. The waves produced by Airwave will be affected by those variables, and that means each wave will be different. It’ll be much like surfing on a reef, and nothing like surfing the same predictable waves found in wave pools, which is not a natural experience at all. “Down south is known for great surf and it’s no secret that it’s getting busy on the waves. If you can surf great waves and knock an hour off your trip from Perth, it’s a winner; just a right turn at the round about,” Troy said. “Plus, Bunbury is a beautiful part of the world.” For more information on Airwave, visit waveco. com.au and you can follow them on facebook.com/ airwavesurfreef/
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Destination
Australind
BUNBURY
Gelorup Stratham
Boyanup
Capel
Donnybrook
Busselton
Bunbury Must-dos 1
Bunbury offers some of the best dining in the state coupled with a vibrant arts and culture scene – and friendly dolphins too. In short, it’s the ultimate combination. 56
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BUNBURY, THE CITY of 3 Waters, is a vibrant seaside port city undergoing an energetic renaissance. Surrounded by beautiful waterways and stunning beaches, the city’s rhythm is laid-back yet at the same time it’s edgy with a banging arts scene and an ever-growing collection of independent boutiques, small bars and cafes with an obsession with providence and seasonal produce. Spring kicks off in Bunbury with a jampacked events calendar.
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Art-astic - Take a walk in the sunshine to track down inspirational urban art and whimsical characters painted by leading WA artists on 20 electrical boxes scattered through the CBD. The city is also home to the striking Wardandi Boodja at Koombana Bay, Bunbury’s latest piece of public art. The 5.5m steel bust reflects the resilience and spirit of a proud Noongar man and stands as a reminder to visitors and locals alike that Noongar culture is vibrant and strong. Fin fun - Be one of the first to experience Airwave; The World’s First Inflatable Surf Reef. Launching along Bunbury’s Back Beach in November, Airwave will create an easily accessible surf break only minutes from Bunbury’s CBD. Find fins of 2
the natural variety at Australia’s premier dolphin centre, the Dolphin Discovery Centre. It’s the perfect place to learn more about these incredible creatures. Or, get up close and personal on a dolphin swim tour or Dolphin Eco Cruise within the bay. 3 Work up an appetite Visit Victoria Street for a feed and a shopping spree. One of Bunbury’s most-loved streets, it’s known for cute, independent shops, restaurants and small bars and is the perfect place to take refuge from the weather for a cosy feed. Check out the Small Regional Bar of the Year 2019, Yours or Mine. Foodies should head to the Market Eating House, Mojo’s Kitchen & Bar or Gold Plate finalist, Nicolas Ristorante. Enjoy heart-warming favourites at Rose Hotel or chow down on a gourmet burger at Right On
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
FIND A LOCAL BUNBURY VISITOR CENTRE Freecall 1800BUNBURY A Old Railway Station, Haley Street, Bunbury, WA 6230 T +61 8 9792 7205 E welcome@bunbury.wa.gov.au
5 Find spring in your step - The city has a plethora of bike and walk trails. Get fit and find Bunbury’s unique natural attractions, including the Mangrove Boardwalk, on the Leschenault Inlet Walk (5kms). If you’re in the mood to explore on foot, enjoy a bushwalking adventure in Manea Park and Maidens Reserve which come alive in spring with wildflowers. For an epic ride, take a Fat Bike Beach Tour with Melo Velo.
Burgers. We also suggest you venture to the Marlston Hill Waterfront or Austral Parade dining precinct near the iconic Parade Taphouse. Bunbury is the epicentre of the restaurant scene in the BunGeo, and for a good reason. You'll find brilliant burgers and award-winning fine dining. Time travel - Soak up Bunbury’s past on a Heritage Building Trail. The streets of Bunbury’s CBD are filled with history and mystery, with plenty of stories to discover. Make sure you stop at the Bunbury Museum & Heritage Centre (home of locally-filmed The Naked Wanderer film display) and King Cottage too. Finish up at the Marlston Waterfront Precinct – see the bust of French explorer Nicolas Baudin and read about the city’s rich maritime history. 4
Waters Edge. For the best views of the ocean you can’t go past The Back Beach Café, Vat 2 or Hello Summer Beach Kiosk.
fashion action at the Bunbury Cup. 8 Selfie snaps - Take a pic in front of the much loved chequered lighthouse at Wyalup-Rocky Point and near basalt rocks (they’re awesome at sunset) or within the mysterious paperbarks at the Big Swamp Wetlands. Head over to the nearby Bunbury Wildlife Park for a selfie with a kangaroo or feeding the birds. You may get to meet their dingoes and quokka too.
10 Pantry fillers - Stock up on fresh produce at Bunbury Farmers Market. This place is legendary; so much so, many Perth ‘golden-triangle’ residents travel the two-hour drive to shop. The produce here – much of it sourced from surrounding farms – is mostly organic and explodes with flavour. Grab gourmet pies, the most amazing local and French cheeses, handpressed juices to go, and so much more. Alternatively, whet your appetite at a wonderful weekly celebration of all things fresh and artisanal at The Bunbury Markets and Produce in the Park Markets in Queens Gardens.
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Short and sharp - Head up the steep path to the Marlston Hill Lookout. It gives you a 360-degree view of the City of 3 Waters. Connected to Victoria Street by a timber stairway, it sits on the site of Bunbury’s first lighthouse. For a rigorous climb, Boulters Heights between Wittenoom Street and Haig Crescent also offers fabulous city views.
Sip and savour outdoorsIt’s time to brunch al fresco at one of Bunbury’s gorgeous outdoor eateries. Check out the white and green planter boxes at Benesse’s new outdoor seating area, or take in the Leschenault Inlet vista at Happy Wife, Corners on King and 9
7 Event fever - As the temperature heats up, so does Bunbury’s event calendar. Culture vultures rejoice at Bunbury Fringe 2020, the South West Multicultural Festival and BREC’s Summer Film Festival. Celebrate Australia Day with a bang at Skyfest and the biggest fireworks display outside of Perth. Finish the season, with racing and
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Destination Australind BUNBURY
Gelorup Stratham
Boyanup
Yabberup & Mumballup ➛ Lowden
Capel DONNYBROOK Busselton
Brookhampton Kirup
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 58
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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.
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Must-dos 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. 1
2 Play time - Australia’s biggest free-entry playground, the Apple Fun Park in the heart of Donnybrook is a great place to take the kids. There are toddler and preschooler areas with many low ride-on animals, kiddie swings, climbing and slide areas. Older kids will love the four-level towers with slides, rope bridges
and flying foxes, log rock climbing walls, swings and space net, and two 9.5m towers. Older kids (aka teens or parents) have some fitness areas and a lap track to keep occupied as well. There are free gas barbecues and shade areas to make a day of it. 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.
Grape expectations and cold brews - Donnybrook boasts 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. Donnybrook Cellar Door Journey wineries Barrecas, Barton Jones, Mandalay Road, Oakway Estate, Smallwater Estate and Thompson Brook Wines 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. 4
5 Screen time - Pack a picnic and settle under the stars for a free outdoor movie screening at the picturesque Balingup Village Green or nestled along
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FIND A LOCAL
at Balingup’s Goldsmith and lavender products from the Balingup Lavender Farm. 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. 7
the bank of the Preston River at Donnybrook Amphitheatre. Afterwards, stay the night in one 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. 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. Visit Donnybrook Artisans in Central Arcade for some locally created treasures and must-haves, open 7 days a week and staffed by the artists themselves. There is always something unique at The Treasure Fox or Hidden Treasures just out of town. You can’t miss Ginger Gold’s Vintage for antiques, or Rumble through my Jumble for that rustic rarity. Invest in alpaca knitwear from Jalbrook or stunning hand-crafted jewelry 6
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 sun rise. Take the scenic Donnybrook-Goodwood Road to Capel, especially after some rain, to check out Ironstone Gully Falls.
DONNYBROOK VISITOR CENTRE A Old Railway Station, South Western Hwy, Donnybrook, WA 6239 T +61 8 9731 1720 E donnybrookwa@westnet. com.au
There’s even a winery/brewery nearby for a pit stop. 9 Filling station - Try the scrumptious cakes from Lady Marmalade, tapas and marron from Smallwater Estate, 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 Birdwood Park 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
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BALINGUP VISITOR CENTRE A South Western Hwy, Balingup, WA 6251 T +61 8 9764 1818 E balinguptourism@westnet. com.au
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 at Mullalyup. 10 On the right track Walkers can tackle a section of the Bibbulmun Track that 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.
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Destination
Australind BUNBURY
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.
Eaton
Burekup
FERGUSON VALLEY Dardanup
Gelorup Stratham
Boyanup
Capel
Donnybrook
Busselton
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, with the likes of the Dardanup Art Spectacular and Trail, Dardanup Bull & Barrel, St Aidan’s Shakespeare Among the Vines, and Ferguson Valley Open Gardens, pulling in crowds of thousands annually.
IMAGE Johanna Resta
Must-dos 1 Plenty of choice - Wine tasting is a must in the Fergie Valley with more than 20 vineyards and wineries producing awesome smallbatch wines. Perhaps the most impressive winery in the region is Willow Bridge Estate - a 5-red star James Halliday awardwinning operation. However, don’t discount the small guys. Boutique producer Ferguson Hart is taking the award-scene by storm, 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 breakfast menu on weekends.
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 2
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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. 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 the majority of 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. 3
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
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
FIND A LOCAL FERGUSON VALLEY (DARDANUP) VISITOR CENTRE A 5 Ferguson Road, Dardanup WA 6236 T +61 8 9728 1551 • W www. fergusonvalley.net.au
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. Visit one of the local galleries for unique artwork, ceramics, glassware, and jewellery. Visit Lyndendale Gallery showcasing unique local artwork and maybe even meet an artist-in-resident, or during the Dardanup Art Spectacular.
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 6
The Dardy) Tavern built in 1905; it has bags of character. Let’s eat! - Here are a few foodie options to get you started: for a fab five-course degustation head to Hackersley Estate. Low key and a little arty, Hackersley overlooks a lake with cows grazing in the background. Down the road is St Aidan’s Winery - their European trained chef has a resume that will blow your mind. If you’re after something simple, visit Ferguson Falls Wine Cafe, 7
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home to WA’s Best Pizza Gold Plate Award. Or, if you’re a pielover, Dardanup Bakery is one of the best. A short drive to Eaton you will find a talented team at Smalls 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 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.
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Destination
Australind BUNBURY
Dalyellup
Gelorup
Stratham
Capel region
Peppermint Grove Beach
CAPEL
Boyanup
Donnybrook
Busselton
Get ready to find the world’s last remaining tuart forest, quiet seaside hamlets, and bucolic country towns in the Capel region. NESTLED ON THE Capel River, you’ll find Capel, a town with a quirky sense of humour. Where else in Australia would they send you to hunt for the troll under a historic bridge? The creative journey continues down the main street, with walls of murals reflecting the stories of the town, and into the newly redeveloped Erle Scott Reserve, which boasts skateable elements, nature playground, BBQs and picnic tables. Nearby, Boyanup is a quintessential dairy and cattle town with lots of tree-changers thrown in for good measure. Its farmers market, held every fourth Sunday of the month, is one of the best in the region. Many locals are history buffs with a passion for trains, and the driving force behind the South West Rail & Heritage Centre. Alternatively, pay a visit to the ultra-modest contender for the title of WA’s most alluring coastal town, Peppermint Grove Beach. Peppy Beach (as the locals call it) is home to white sandy beaches and fabulous holiday houses; it’s your ultimate hammock and chill destination. A little further north, Dalyellup is a new, outer coastal suburb adjoining Bunbury with awesome beaches, 50ha of parks and gardens, 25km of cycleways and walking trails and its own piece of preserved tuart forest. Get ready to find the world’s last remaining tuart forest, quiet seaside hamlets, and bucolic country towns in the Capel region.
Must-dos 1 Tree change - Uncover the world’s only remaining tall tuart forest in the Tuart Forest National Park. It’s also home to the rare western ringtail possum. Go bushwalking, have a picnic or check out the Tuart Discovery Trail. 2 Wine time - Visit the beautiful Capel Vale Winery.
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James Halliday agrees with the Australian Wine Companion, nominating Capel Vale as among the top 100 wineries in Australia. Enjoy a late lunch at Match Restaurant where it’s all about ‘matching’ food perfectly with wine. The view is pretty special too. Finish with a cheese platter and a glass of their delicious Geographe merlot. If you have a sweet tooth, we suggest you
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book a high tea. It’s a delicious and decadent tradition that never disappoints. Sunset feels - Watch a sunset at Peppermint Grove Beach. Fallen in love with the place? Stay locally and call into Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park –their shop is stocked with handmade gifts – or pop into the bottle shop for a 3
nice drop of local white to toast the day. And don't forget to preorder a woodfired oven pizza for a Friday night feast. 4 Push yourself - Have some super-awesome paintball fun at Paintball Pursuit near Stratham, where groups and individuals can fight it out. Entertain the kids and those young at heart at Gravity Etc in Dalyellup. Bounce, tumble, balance, flip, party and fly your way around 1,800sqm of indoor high-energy trampoline excitement. Boyanup also connects to the world-leading Munda Biddi Mountain Bike Trail. Play a challenging round of golf at the Capel Golf Course under the gaze of the grazing kangaroos. Check out the newly developed skateable links at Capel’s Erle Scott Reserve, as well as the skate bowl in Boyanup. 5 Sweetie pies - Indulge
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your sweet tooth with the most scrumptious cheesecakes and cake (gluten free) from The Fat Birdie, served with Margaret River Yahava coffee, while Capelberry do a great breakfast bruschetta designed to fill up the hungriest of travellers. They also have a massive selection of herbal teas, Rubra coffee and chutneys by Peppy Beach producer The Fat Hippo. Stock up on homemade pies and sourdough bread from the Capel
season, this is a magical spot. 7
Sweet tooth - Go in search of the Gingerbread House. Let your kids decorate gingerbread men and explore the wall-to-wall shelves of lollies, while you sit back and relax with a coffee and a tasty home-baked treat. 8 All aboard - The South West Rail & Heritage Centre in Boyanup opens its doors with a special theme every fourth
Where else in Australia would they send you to hunt for the troll under a historic bridge?
Bakery, where you can also pick up some great in-season local farmgate produce and a range of handmade and natural olive oil soaps and skincare balms. Let’s pack a picnic Dine al fresco at Ironstone Gully Falls and discover the wildflowers. Following winter, the stream, having tumbled through one of the region’s many fine jarrah forests, crosses under the road and gently rambles over a series of rapids. The falls drop over a ledge of nine metres. In spring, the surrounding countryside bursts into colour with a stunning display of wildflowers. So whatever the 6
Sunday of the month. View the historic trains and carriages, and the blacksmiths working. Charm and craft Hunt down curiosities and collectables. Visit the Quirky Den, a cute little shop on the main street, Tree Memories Gallery, which hosts fine wood craft, and the Jalinda Orchard and Art Gallery. During your wander there are plenty of refreshment stops including the Boyanup Bakery as well as the French brocade store, Rustic French Living, which is housed in a beautiful old church in Boyanup. Enjoy morning tea as you search through its unique
French finds and, if you are looking for a lunch spot with oldworld charm, try The Bull and Bush Tavern.
lake, and takes walkers through a mix of re-vegetated woodland and pleasant open grassy spaces.
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10 Trail blazing - The Capel region offers the space to discover yourself and explore nature and cultural history on urban walk trails. The Preston River Ramble in Boyanup is a delightful 1,300 metre stroll which showcases significant aspects of both the natural and cultural history. The Boyanup Heritage Trail interprets the major sites and stories from the early settlement history of the town. The nearby Joshua Lake Walk trail circumnavigates the
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FIND A LOCAL CAPEL REGION VISITOR INFORMATION A c/o BUNBURY VISITOR CENTRE T +61 9792 7205 E welcome@bunbury.wa.gov.au OR Capel Library T +61 8 9727 0290 W library.capel.wa.gov.au
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Destination
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY Allanson Collie
Australind
Climb the mountain to the top of the Darling Scarp and discover the beautiful Collie River Valley, which is quickly becoming Western Australia’s mountain biking capital.
BUNBURY
Gelorup Stratham
Boyanup
Capel
Donnybrook
Busselton
Collie River Valley region ONCE THE LURE OF THE mountain has brought you here, there are endless outdoor experiences waiting for you. Tracks and trails are in abundance, so whether it is a kayaking trip down the Collie River, a hike on the Bibbulmun Track, casting your line in rivers and lakes or an afternoon bike ride through beautiful jarrah forests, you are sure to leave with a new-found appreciation for the beauty of this region. The area was originally considered ideal for timber production and as pasturelands. However, the discovery of coal along the Collie River in 1883 changed its fortunes. Nowadays, Collie has a rich emerging diversity, including arts and culture with a fabulous little gallery that punches way above its weight.
Must-dos 1 Off-road adventures Get on a MTB track and crisscross through the beautiful Collie River Valley. With more than 25 trails for beginner and pro, there’s plenty of opportunities to get your cogs turning. New trails are popping up too including the Collie Wagyl Biddi trail named after the mythical rainbow serpent;
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a fun and easy flow trail on the edge of the town centre. For the ultimate challenge, attempt to Beat the Biddi – the worldclass Munda Biddi Trail diverts through Collie. Don’t have gear? Hire a bike from the Kiosk at the Dam in the Wellington National Park and tackle the nearby Mount Lennard Tracks or pick up a bike at Collie’s Crank’n Cycles where the guys know everything there is to know
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about MTB. Walkers aren’t forgotten either with the famous Bibbulmun Track traversing the region. 2 Refuel on the road Cyclists and other caffeine addicts should pay a visit to Wagon 537 - a pop-up cafe, located in a heritage train wagon. Another local coffee haunt is the historic Colliefields Hotel – its purple exterior makes it hard to miss. If you fancy some good honest pub grub then you’re spoilt for choice – the Feddy (Federal Hotel) and The Vic are among our favourites. Don’t miss 8 Thai Ladies. Their authentic cuisine and bulletproof coffee have a cult following. 3 Stay a while - Head to the Harris River Estate Winery and eat to your heart’s content from the tapas menu. You can stay here too, overlooking the
vines, a beautiful dam and jarrah forest. This amazing, family-run property includes a 24-hectare vineyard and winery, cider-making operation, microbrewery, equestrian agistment centre, restaurant and selfcontained chalets. If that’s not visitbunburygeographe.com.au
enough Harris River Estate, is currently infusing its first batch of gin, working with a local traditional custodian. You can be amongst the first to taste it. 4 Best in show - The Collie Art Gallery opened in 2015 and was the first fit-for-purpose A-class gallery to be built in Western Australia since the Art Gallery of WA was opened in 1979. It showcases a diverse and impressive exhibition program – think Arthur Boyd, Howard Taylor and Guy Grey- Smith. Oh, and by the way, it has one of the biggest art prizes in regional Australia – the $50,000 Collie Art Prize (CAP).
Top gear - Get your adrenaline fix by zooming around a top class Motorplex track. The recently expanded Collie Motorplex circuit hosts weekend events; with regular Champion’s Ride Days and V8 Supercar hot laps and events all year round it’s sure to get the heart pumping. 5
6 Water, water, water - You may be inland, but there’s no shortage of aquatic adventure playgrounds in the Collie River Valley. Start at the picturesque and culturally significant Minninup Pool, where the Collie River is at its widest, ideal for swimming, canoeing or picnicking. Follow the Collie River in Wellington National Park to uncover an array of natural swimming pools and, if the water’s course is high, it’s an ideal place to kayak. Or try the intense blue waters of Stockton Lake. 7 Secret sanctuary - The beautiful, serene Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park is an Instagram hot spot for good reason. It’s a wide natural pool surrounded by graceful peppermints and jarrah and marri forest along the Collie River. Find your inner child and try out the swinging rope. Be prepared to be invigorated - the water is always cool and refreshing, even on a hot summer day. Not far away is another Instagrammable favourite - Black Diamond Lake - with vibrant, blue waters just begging for a selfie. 8 Black gold - Step back in time and gain an insight into the lives of Collie’s rugged underground miners. The Replica Coal Mine at the Collie Visitor Centre was constructed in 1983 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of coal discovery. Immerse yourself in a tour with a past miner (by appointment) and check out the restored locomotives while you are there. Pop across the road and pay a visit to the Coalfields Museum – it’s a real local history treasure trove.
FIND A LOCAL COLLIE VISITOR CENTRE A 156 Throssell Street, Collie WA 6225 T +61 8 9734 2051 E info@collierivervalley.com.au
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Australind BUNBURY
Destination
Collie
Gelorup Stratham
Boyanup
Capel
Donnybrook
Busselton
Balingup
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
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, a record and music memorabilia that will blow your mind, to one of Australia’s largest collection 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 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-
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wall and floor-to-rafter with memorabilia spanning 100 years. 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 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 Kradal s Doll Collection, the Little Art Gallery, and locally-made produce with Boyup Brook olive oil a must-buy. 3 Paddles up - Hire a canoe from the Flax Mill Recreation Complex 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. 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. 4
5 Historic stories - One of Boyup’s first settlers was Sir James Lee Steere, a prominent politician and a member of the WA’s powerful Six Hungry
visitbunburygeographe.com.au
Families. At the Pioneers’ Museum, see displays of historic agricultural, commercial and domestic equipment such as the first clover-seed harvester, developed by Boyup Brook local, the late PD Forrest, in 1910. Afterwards, take the Heritage Walk following 23 plaques around the town centre. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to visit one of the district’s first farms and the heritage-listed Norlup Homestead, built for Commander Scott with convict labour.
FIND A LOCAL BOYUP BROOK VISITOR CENTRE A Cnr Abel and Bridge Sts, Boyup Brook 6244 T +61 8 9765 1444 E bbvisitor@wn.com.au
6 Award-winning wines - Boyup Brook is probably not where you’d expect to find a James Halliday 5-star rated winery with a clutch of international medals, but that's what it's got. Located in the Blackwood Valley, Dickinson Estate (by appointment only) first planted vines over 40 years ago and have been producing quality fruit and wine ever since. Beulah Wines is a small, family wine producer sourcing premium fruit and dedicated to making wines that express the unique qualities of the Nield family’s Boyup Brook vineyard (by appointment only).
Wild things - Surrounded by the 56,000 hectare TonePerup Nature Reserve, Perup Nature’s Guesthouse is one of the best places in the south west to see native wildlife, including rare numbats, ringtail and brushtail possums, quenda, woylies and chuditch. From a family weekend away to large scale-group event, a stay at Perup is an awesome natureimmersion experience. 7
8 Horsing around - Since the first campdraft in 1991, the Mayanup Campdraft association has been showcasing Western Australian talent and successfully holding campdrafts every year since. The spectacle of this unique Australian sport involving a horse and rider working cattle is held annually. Competitors test
their skills and vie for prizes in several different categories, including juniors. It is a great family event celebrating country culture, held in Mayanup, a short 15 minute drive from the Boyup Brook town centre on the second weekend in March annually. 9 Unique view of the Blackwood -The LiveLighter Blackwood Marathon is a relay race held annually in October. The Marathon is a unique
event where competitors enter in teams of five, or as a single ironman and ironwoman. Starting in Boyup Brook and finishing in Bridgetown, the competitors run, canoe, swim, horse ride and a cycle across 60km of picturesque Blackwood River Valley countryside. Get involved or soak up the atmosphere and watch from the sidelines, it is great time to visit the Boyup Brook area. |
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Destination
Yarloop
Harvey region
HARVEY
Myalup Binningup
Brunswick Junction
Australind BUNBURY
The largest and most diverse area in the BunGeo, the Harvey region benefits from multiple visits to see all that it offers.
Roelands
Gelorup Stratham
Capel
Boyanup
Donnybrook
Busselton
FERTILE COASTAL IRRIGATED plains and gently rolling meadows are adorned with the occasional charmingly dilapidated barn, a white fenced equestrian stud, or an impressive heritage property. Many of the big guys in food are based here – from Harvey Beef to Harvey Fresh; the list is impressive. As you head east, the region changes from farming land to ruggedly beautiful jarrah forest and natural waterways for outdoor fans to explore. Toedippers, seaside lovers, anglers and skippers find themselves in water heaven in Australind and the seaside hamlets of Myalup and Binningup.
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Must-dos Wonderful waterways - Delve into the Leschenault Waterways Discovery Centre in Australind and take the Jetty Walk to view the 14km-long waterway or grab a kayak and view the ecologically-diverse estuary from the water. Just a little further along the estuary in Australind is the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park, a nature-lovers paradise encased by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Leschenault Estuary on the other. Get back to nature and camp the night at the Belvidere Camp Grounds.. 2 Say cheese - A visit to the Harvey Region wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the iconic Ha Ve Cheese. HaVe produces award winning cultured butters and cheeses and offers free tastings every day. Call in and treat the family 1
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to a delicious ice-cream or a decadent blue vein for your cheese platter. 3 Climb the big orange The 10 metre high look-out tower in the shape of a massive orange is yours to explore at Harvey River Estate Winery located on the beautiful banks of the Harvey River. 4 Saddle up - Walk or ride the new trail through the Myalup Pines Forrest and retread the exact path taken by the Tenth Light Horse Brigade stretching from Mandurah through to Bunbury. 5 Take a Hike - Spring has sprung in the Harvey Region with stunning wildflowers and unique orchids flowering from August through to December. Take a walk through the stunning local bush to spot varieties such as forest mantis orchid, leopard orchid, donkey orchid and the curiously named
rusty spider orchid. 6 Meet May - The Harvey Tourist Precinct is home to a replica of Stirling Cottage, owned by Governor Stirling and the childhood home of renowned Australian children’s author and artist May Gibbs. She’s the creator of Australia’s iconic characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Be sure to call in to the Harvey Visitor Centre to learn more about May and view the Gumnut Baby Display. 7 Wine escapades - Explore Harvey’s wineries including Vineyard 28, Moojelup Estate, Skipworth Wine Company, and Harvey River Estate. Set on beautiful grounds, these unique wineries love visitors and are passionate about the timeless processes behind high quality wine production. Vineyard 28 offers a Taste of Italy Tour (bookings are essential). After a day of exploring and sampling visitbunburygeographe.com.au
the state’s finest drops, call into Geovino in Harvey’s main street to enjoy local wines paired with delicious cheese and great company. 8 Boating fun - Enjoy the crystal clear, freshwater Logue Brook Dam in Cookernup. Surrounded by jarrah forest, the lake is a haven for water skiing, canoeing, fishing, swimming, windsurfing and sailing which are all allowed. Stay the night at the Lake Brockman Tourist Park or the Logue Brook Campground. 9 Say ‘I do’ - For out-ofthis-world views, say ‘I do’ at Edith Valley in the Roeland Hills. The oldest farm in the district - Alverstoke - from circa 1841 offers the ultimate barn wedding experience. Get creative at Mornington Springs, a very private property nestled on 160 acres with the panorama of the forest. Achieve a fun
and casual ambience at the Old Coast Road Brewery. For a small, intimate gathering of up to 60, put yourself in the hands of the creative team at Happy Days Country Retreat. If you’ve always dreamed of a wedding among stunning flowers and an orchard try the Stirling Cottage Gardens, or if you have grand aspirations to marry upon a stone stage, head to the Gibbs Pool Amphitheatre. 10 Cast a line - Just a halfhour drive from Bunbury you’ll find the beautiful beaches of Binningup and Myalup. Ideal swimming beaches for the whole family and excellent fishing, snorkelling, surfing opportunities abound. On your visit keep your eyes open for visiting dolphins. 11 Road trip - The Beela Valley Scenic Drive will take you through steep hills with beautiful flora and lush farming
Trails. Follow the map to uncover the interesting history buildings of the Harvey and Australind areas. While on the trail, visit the smallest church in Australia, St Nicholas’s Church in Australind. Another very special site is the Harvey Internment Shrine, a beautiful tribute to the thousands of men interned and the mateship they created in the midst of war time. Open to the public seven days a week. Collect the key from the Harvey Visitor Centre before heading to the site. Nestled in Treendale’s industrial area, John’s Featured Wood Gallery is an oasis of stunning quality timber artworks, furniture, showroom pieces, gallery and museum.
country and open paddocks. Start from Beela Rd opposite the Brunswick Tavern. If you have a 4WD, venture a little further to find Australia’s largest jarrah tree hidden deep in the Mornington State Forest. The Jarrah Hadfield is more than 10m in circumference and over 260 years old. Closer to the coast, Cathedral Ave, just north of Australind, is a beautiful drive through paperbarks along the Leschenault Estuary. 12 Follow the Heritage Trail -Step back in Time on the Harvey and Australind Heritage |
FIND A LOCAL HARVEY VISITOR CENTRE A Cnr James Stirling Place and South Western Hwy Harvey 6220 T +61 8 9729 1122 E info@harveytourism.com AUSTRALIND INFORMATION CENTRE Australind Community Hall, 5 Mulgara Street, Australind T +61 8 9729 1122 E australindinformationcentre@ gmail.com
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Advertising Directory
Welcome to
24 X STUDIO UNITS
(queen, king single or bunk)
Features Include: 60 x Powered and 14 x Unpowered Camp Sites 60 with x Powered Studios Ensuites and 14 for x Cooking Facilities studios in large Unpowered kitchen/dining area Camp Sites Catering Options available to groups in -Studios studios with Ensuites Laundry with Cooking Camp kitchen and BBQs Facilities Mini Golf and Tennis Playground -Laundry Shop with coffee, homewareskitchen and -Camp clothing
PEPPERMINT LANE LODGE
and BBQs
...relax in the heart of the Ferguson Valley
LIQUOR -MiniSTORE Golf, with local wines, Tennis and beers and spirits
GOOD playground RANGE, GOOD PRICES
-On-site shop and Liquor store
Family owned, Capel Vale has established mature vineyards, and produces wines that reflect the distinct climate and soils of the region. Let our friendly staff guide you through our award winning wines from estate planted and grown vineyards in Margaret River, Geographe, Pemberton and Mount Barker.
www.peppybeach.com.au
peppermint lane lodge
Bookings: 0439 737 791 or 0439PEPPYI 48 Peppermint Grove Rd, Peppermint Grove Beach WA 6271 holiday@peppybeach.com.au
M 0447266885 ...relax in the heart of the Ferguson Valley E info@peppermintlanelodge.com.au Peppermintlanelodge.com.au
www.peppybeach.com.au
19.WRS.4058282.10/6
48 Peppermint Grove Rd, Peppermint Grove Beach WA 6271 | PO Box 639 Busselton WA 6280. Email: holiday@peppybeach.com.au | Bookings: 0439 737 791 or 0439PEPPYI
PPL_BusinessCard.indd 1
29/09/2016 8:16 AM
BUNBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.
Match Restaurant will take you on a journey with each Match plate specifically matched to our award winning wines. Each specially selected item will highlight a different character in the wine. Match restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Monday. Cellar Door open 7 days from 10am to 4:30pm.
To advertise in the Autumn/Winter issue of
The Bunbury Geographe Magazine
Contact Natalie
0426 752 352 natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au
Experience what life was like for the King family during the late 1800s to early 1900s. King Cottage Museum in Bunbury is a living piece of our heritage. Come and discover what it was to be a pioneer in our city over 100 years ago. Open 10.30am ~ 12.30pm daily New members welcome ✆ 08 9721 7546 77 Forrest Avenue, South Bunbury email: bunburyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com www.bunburyhistoricalsociety.org.au
Capel Vale Wines & Match Restaurant Phone: (08) 9727 1986 118 Mallokup Road, Capel W.A. cellardoor@capelvale.com www.capelvale.com
LAKE BROCKMAN TOURIST PARK Lake Brockman Tourist Park overlooking Logue Brook Dam is the perfect weekend getaway! We have cabins, powered and unpowered sites. We are dog-friendly (except for our cabins) and our café is open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, coffees, Devonshire teas and homemade cakes. Logue Brook Dam is a water-lover’s paradise ... where you can waterski, fish, canoe, kayak or go for a swim in the fresh water (shark-free).
(08) 9733 5402 | lakebrockman@gmail.com Book online today
www.lakebrockman.com.au
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bunburygeographe.com.au
The venue to be when the sun goes down overlooking the water. Great view, whilst you relax and unwind. SANDRA
Just had drinks, staff so happy and bubbly plus great to see dogs enjoying the day too. ANNE
A variety of entertainment makes the Parade a regular place to be. LIZ
GOOD TIMES BY THE WATER
1 AUSTRAL PARADE BUNBURY
paradehotel.com.au
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ST AIDAN’S WINES
Sample and purchase awardwinning wines at our Cellar Door Restaurant located on the grassy banks of the Ferguson River. Our new membership wine club is now available with some enticing deals. Open every day from 11.00am 754 Ferguson road, Ferguson WA cellardoor@saintaidan.com.au Ph 9728 3007
Eden Grove Community Precinct 25 James Stirling place, Harvey (08) 9782 4000 www.edengrovefunctions.com
Conferences - Weddings - Retreats Exhibitions - Accommodation
Offering specialised tours in the Bunbury Geographe and Harvey region.
Explore the Ferguson Valley and Geographe Wine Region cruising with “Pop A Cork Tours” in a ‘68 Convertible Mustang. Also available for Weddings and other special occasions. PH: 0400525511 / 0417920749 Email: popacork@outlook.com
Experience unique attractions and picturesque scenery, along with gourmet food and boutique wines. Full-day tours from Bunbury. Half-day tours from Harvey. Charters available.
ROYAL GALA TOURS
The South West offers many unique experiences found absolutely nowhere else in the world. Join us at Royal Gala Tours to explore Busselton, Margaret River, Harvey, Collie, Boyup Brook, Balingup, Greenbushes and Bridgetown. Bunbury Day Tours to outlying regions Day Tours – Extended Tours – Private Charters
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✆ 1300 233 556 royalgalatours@bigpond.com www.royalgalatours.com.au
bunburygeographe.com.au
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Accredited BMW Bodyshop | 1 Adrian St, Welshpool WA 6106 ✆ 08 9362 5622 MARQUE AUTUMN
26 John St, Northbridge WA 6003 | Phone: (08) 9273 8933
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PREMIUM PUBLISHERS
FOUND | spring • summer 2019/20
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Yarloop
Lake Preston
Cookernup
Louge Brook Dam
Perth
Yalgorup National Park
Perth via Pinjarra
Myalup State Forest
Harris River Forest
Harvey
Forestr y Rd
Harvey Dam
Myalup
Munda Biddi Trail
Wokalup Stirling Dam
Fo r rest Hwy
Binningup
Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park
Harris Dam
Clifton Rd
re Rd
Picton Rd Preston Bridge
y Rd Railwa
Peppermint Grove Beach
Capel
Honeymoon Pool Potters Gorge
n Rd
Wellington National Park
Collie River Valley
Muja
Collie
Wellington Dam
Ferguson Valley
Stockton Lake
Wellington Discovery Forest
Rd Gnomesville
Crooked Brook Forest
Glen Mervyn Dam
Boyanup State Forest
Preston Valley
i
Black Diamond Lake
Pile Rd
Bo yan up
Boyanup
Boyanup Rd West
Allanson
Dardanup i
Moo
sse
Bu
Tuart Forest National Park
Hwy stern th We Sou Picton
y Hw rn este th W
Stirling Beach
Stratham
Burekup
wy st H
Fergu so
lds Hw y
d ty R H en
ll H wy
e Forr
Gelorup
C oalfie
Roelands
Eaton
Sou
Dalyellup
Harris River State Forest
Australind
Leschenault Estuary
Bunbury
Brunswick
ie P res ton
i
Co ll
GEOGRAPHE BAY
Koombana Bay
Bibbulmun Track
Mornington
Benger
Yabberup Donnybrook Boyup Brook Rd Lowden
Donnybrook
Mumballup McAlinden Noggerup
Go o
Brookhampton dw oo d
Rd
Busselton
Grimwade
Ironstone Gully Falls
Kirup
Wilga State Forest
Mullalyup Jarrahwood State Forest
To Nannup scenic drive Golden Valley Tree Park
Balingup i Bridgetown
i Boyup Brook
Southampton Bridgetown
Albany
STRIP AD - UNSOLD
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www.bartonjoneswines.com.au Cellar door: Thur - Sun 11am - 4.30pm Phone: 0409 831 926
www.greendoorwines.com.au Cellar door: Thur - Sun 11am - 4.30pm Phone: 9728 0907
www.harveyriverestate.com.au Cellar door: Daily 10am – 4pm Phone: 9729 2588
www.smallwaterestate.com Cellar door: Fri - Sun 10am - 4pm Phone: 9731 6036
Travel to Europe in a Day www.geographewine.com.au
S A I N TA I DA N . C O M . AU
www.oakwayestate.com.au Cellar door: Sat/Sun 11am - 5pm and most public holidays Phone: 9731 7141
www.staidan.com.au Cellar door: Mon - Fri 11am - 4pm Sat & Sun 11am - 5pm Phone: 9728 3007
www.moojelup.com.au Cellar door: By Appointment Phone: 9733 5166
www.willowbridge.com.au Cellar door: Daily 11am - 5pm Phone: 9728 0055
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www.vineyard28.com.au Cellar door: Daily 10am - 5pm. Phone: 9733 5605
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arts & culture
history & heritage
BRAG
| brag.org.au Open 7 days, 10am-4pm 64 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury
BM+HC | bunburymuseum.com.au Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm | FOUND | spring • summer 2019/20 76 1 Arthur Street, Bunbury
Proudly owned and operated by the City of Bunbury
bunburygeographe.com.au