Category: Western Australia

North Dandalup is located an hour’s drive south of Perth in the picturesque Shire of Murray.

Dongara and Port Denison are located on the coast 4 hours’ drive north of Perth. With their friendly, relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined main street, historic buildings and excellent beaches, the twin towns make a perfect all year round holiday destination. The beautiful beaches and warm weather provide perfect conditions for all sorts of water sports, from swimming and relaxing on the beach to sailing and windsurfing. The Fisherman’s Lookout at Port Denison has a panoramic view of Port Denison and one of the largest fishing boat harbours in the state. The area offers the fishermen plenty of sport with an abundance of fish including tailor, snapper, whiting and dhufish. Dongara and Port Denison are also often referred to as the “Rock Lobster Capital”, for the many magnificent crustaceans caught in season. During spring Dongara and Port Denison are ideal as a base from which to tour the magnificent wildflower country in the surrounding area. A variety of accommodation is available, ranging from full service motels, holiday flats, caravan parks, campers’ parks and nearby farm stays.

Wellington Mill is a short drive from the small town of Dardanup, 188km from Perth, and 15 minutes from Bunbury. Situated at the top of the Ferguson Valley, it is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. This historic area was once a busy mill town with two working mills and a large population. This history is now documented on an information board and site markers make up a marked trail. The King Jarrah Tree is a local icon, at 36 metres tall (over 100 feet) it is one of the oldest jarrah trees in the world. Following the river path from this tree, Wellington Dam is only a scenic 11 kilometre drive away. Uncover the secrets of the jarrah forest via the ‘Living Window’ of the Wellington Discovery Forest, where different sites reveal how the forest areas are managed. You can also view the unique forest, flora and fauna on a guided horse ride through the tall timbers. Tourists who are young at heart will delight in the whimsical ‘Gnomesville’ a gnome hamlet at the Wellington Mill roundabout. Enjoy the humour of this attraction from the picnic table in the glen. A number of local fruit growing and wine tasting outlets are operating at weekends, giving visitors a taste of the wonderful fresh fruits of the valley. There is a range of accommodation styles on offer, including luxury guest houses, country farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and budget-style self contained cottages.

Tambellup is located an hour and a half’s drive north of Albany, in the southwest of Western Australia. It is also known as the ‘town of friendship’ because of the locals’ community pride. The town was settled by a European named Joseph Norrish in 1872 when he used the area to begin a sandalwood industry. It was not until the Great Southern Railway was built in 1889 that a large number of settlers were attracted to the site. The town was officially established in 1899. The town’s main income today is generated by serving the surrounding sheep and wheat farms.

Harvey is located about an hour and a half’s drive south west of Perth within an area of beautiful scenery. The thriving town of Harvey, which is situated on the river, enjoys a unique Italian heritage. This cosmopolitan influence has resulted in a vibrant community with a relaxed and friendly lifestyle. Harvey is nestled on fertile, irrigated plains beneath the rolling foothills of the Darling Range and is approximately 20 kilometres from the coast. Nearby natural features include tranquil jarrah forest, Harvey Weir, Stirling Dam, the Bibbulmun Track (a world class 1000 kilometre walking trail) and the evergreen pastures Harvey is famous for. Harvey farms some of the best beef and has some of the best citrus growing, dairy farming and viticulture areas in Australia. While you’re here try the local produce including; wines, cheeses and the famous Harvey orange juice.

Leonora, three hours’ drive north of Kalgoorlie, is a very clean and well kept, busy little outback town. It was discovered and named by John Forrest in 1869. The main thoroughfare of Tower Street is well laid out and attractive. The town has kerosene lamp lights; the footpaths are gravelled and kerbed. There are iron roofed, wooden buildings typical to mining settlements and the hotels and business establishments are impressive brick buildings. A double decker steam train runs between the busy towns of Leonora and Gwalia. Established in 1897, the Sons of Gwalia mine closed in 1963. Many pieces of this historic period remain in the Gwalia Historical Museum and complement the little precinct of 20 original old miners’ camps, lovingly restored by the local community. The mine reopened in 1983 and a year later began operations as an opencut pit. The company reverted back to underground workings in 1999. Mining now operates adjacent to the museum and gives tourists an insight into both historic and modern mining methods. Leonora is a fully serviced town with a motel, caravan park, two hotels, and two roadhouses. Bus and air transport regularly service the area. Many tourists use Leonora as a stop off enroute to Alice Springs or the northern parts of Western Australia.