(374km round trip from Bunbury)

Trip duration: Two days or longer

On the road
Head south from Bunbury along the South-western Highway via Donnybrook, Bridgetown and Manjimup. Drive on to Pemberton then northwards to the timber town of Nannup. Head towards Balingup through some of the state's most beautiful forests. From Balingup return via the main highway to Bunbury and return to Perth on the Old Coast Road.

BUNBURY

Bunbury, ‘Harbour City’, is the second largest urban area in WA and serves as the major port and commercial centre for the south-west region. Situated 180km, south of Perth on the Leschenault Estuary, at the junction of the Preston and Collie Rivers, it is one of the State’s most popular tourist resorts.

Visitors can drive along the breakwater, which extends into Koombana Bay, to view the modern harbour facilities. Also, King Cottage, built in 1880 on Forest Avenue has a fascinating historical museum.

Must see

Donnybrook was first settled in 1842 by the Irish, and is now the centre of the oldest apple-growing area in the state. The Big Apple is an extensive orchard where you can pick your own fruit, enjoy barbecue facilities and a large deer and wildlife park.

Around Balingup are fruit orchards, dairy and sheep farms, while the town itself is developing into an arts and craft centre.

Bridgetown is situated on the beautiful Blackwood River where rolling hills and forest make this a delight for artists and photographers. The river is well stocked with marron ( large local freshwater crayfish) and trout.

Manjimup is known as the Hardwood Capital of Australia, and is at the centre of the region best known of the karri forests. These trees are hundreds of years old and reach 75m in height.

Four giant karri trees, known as the Four Aces, are more than 400 years old.

The town of Pemberton, 335 km south of Perth, is nestled in a quiet valley, surrounded by towering karri forests. This lush forest area has some of the tallest hardwood trees in the world, and in spring, brilliant flowering bush plants. Visit the trout and marron hatchery and browse through galleries and craft shops containing high-quality local woodcraft.

Since settlement by graziers in the 1850s, Nannup has grown into an important town for the district’s many farming and fruit-growing activities. Try the local Nannup Nectar, a smooth-tasting alternative to port. During late spring, the area bursts into bloom with wildflowers.

Since its settlement in 1832, the town of Busselton has grown into one the state’s most popular holiday destinations. The sheltered waters of Geographic Bay are an ideal setting for all forms of water sports and the area's fishing grounds yield crayfish and salmon.

For further information, contact:

Donnybrook Information Centre
"Old Railway Station", South Western Highway
DONNYBROOK WA 6239
Phone: (097) 31 1720

Bridgetown Tourist Centre
Hampton Street
BRIDGETOWN WA 6255
Phone: (097) 61 1740
Fax: (097) 61 2023

Manjimup Tourist Bureau
Rose Street
MANJIMUP WA 6258
Phone: (097) 71 1831
Fax: (097) 77 1001

Acknowledgement

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

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