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Balingup is a picturesque town in the south west of Western Australia, three hours’ drive south of Perth. The town is famous for its wonderful shops which include a famous craft centre boasting one of the largest ranges of arts and crafts in Western Australia, and another favourite selling locally grown and produced herbal remedies. In addition to these there are fascinating antiques and collectibles shops and a op (charity) shop. Also well worth a visit is the fruit winery boasting a range of 20 different fruit wines and ports grown and produced in Balingup. There are the majestic jarrah forests, which surround the town, and easy access to the world famous Bibbulmun Track (a world class, 1000km walking trail) which runs through the township. There are several wonderful bushwalks which can be taken from Balingup, ranging from a gentle walk to a full-scale hike. The town has three venues for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as well as having a home-baked pie shop bakery which has won prizes for its pies at the Perth Royal Show and the Australian National Pie Competition. The town and surrounding areas boast six bed and breakfast providers and many self-contained chalets. These stopovers all maintain high standards of service and offer a full range of styles and prices. Ideal for family holidays or couples seeking a romantic getaway. Backpacker facilities are also available in town. Balingup has a unique Jalbrook Alpaca Knitwear gallery that produces a range of product from alpacas raised in Balingup. Visitors can hand feed the alpacas, with photo opportunties. The Golden Valley Tree Park has a collection of beautiful and interesting trees from all over the world. The aim of the park is to create an inspirational place for all who enjoy the beauty of nature. With walk trails throughout the park and barbeque facilities with a gazebo with information it is a great place to picnic.

Dardanup, the centre of the Ferguson Valley, is located two and a half hours’ drive south of Perth, or just 15 minutes from Bunbury. The name Dardanup is a derivative of the Indigenous name ‘Dudingup’. Set in traditionally dairy country, Dardanup is becoming known for its burgeoning wine industry. A drive through the rolling hills of this picturesque area will reveal row upon row of grapes. Several wineries are open for tastings, and many sell bags of fresh, succulent grapes at very reasonable prices during the season. The strong Irish Catholic background of the early settlers still lingers in the Thomas Little Hall, commemorating Dardanup’s earliest settler and beneficiary. This hall was originally the church of Immaculate Conception, which was built in the early 1850s and functioned as a church until 1938. It was the first Catholic Church in Western Australia, outside the metropolitan area. Dardanup also has a connection with the Irish Fenian convict, John Boyle O’Reilly. Convicted of high treason and assigned to a road building party in Bunbury, O’Reilly was able to escape and hide in Dardanup, with the assistance of connections in the strong Irish Catholic community. He eventually made his way to America, where he became a writer, lecturer, editor and part-owner of the Boston ‘Pilot’. Bed and breakfast and farm stay accommodation is available in Dardanup with a wider range available in nearby Bunbury.