Bunbury

Just over two hours drive south of Perth is the State's second city, Bunbury. One hundred and fifty years ago, Lt Henry William St. Pierre Bunbury gave this city its name and since then it has been the centre from which explorers and tourists have travelled and discovered the South of Western Australia.

Bunbury is more than just a jumping off point - it provides a holiday in itself .....
Wide golden beaches, 8 km of them along Ocean Drive alone, superb yachting harbour facilities, caves and inlets, great restaurants and accommodation, beach and sea fishing, quiet lagoons, picturesque picnic and barbecue areas close to the city - all make Bunbury a place to linger and enjoy.

And very special - most mornings dolphins, freely and of their own accord visit Koombona Beach near the inlet mouth of the harbour. There is no promise they'll turn up on time - but this is one of the few places in the world where you can get a really close up view of these magnificent mammals behaving naturally. These dolphins turn up because they want to.

A Look Around the City and Beyond

There's lots to see - the harbour is one of the oldest and most picturesque in the State - you can drive along the long breakwater right up to Koombana Bay. Or you can take another form of transport - the miniature railway dodging in and out of the trees in Forrest Park. Or take a really good look out over the harbours and beaches from Marlston Hill Lookout or an inland view from Boulters Heights with its tinkling waterfall. Then there's the Big Swamp Bird Park with a large walk-in aviary Kings Cottage is another attraction. This is a home built from sun-baked clay bricks made on the site in 1870 which has been furnished with items from the settler period. St. Marks Church Picton is possibly the second oldest church in the State and was first opened for worship in 1842 - its well worth a visit.
Bunbury is a natural centre for touring the South with its awesome karri forests, splendid coastline and rolling grasslands.

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Busselton

The northernmost town in the southwest Cape Region, Busselton is steeped in local history and makes the ideal base from which to visit the attractions of the Cape Region.
Though nowadays a thriving community, the town was one of the first areas settled in WA, and like much of the region, takes it's name from the early settlers. The history of the area reads like an adventure story, with tales of whaling, forestry accidents, fires, shipwrecks, heroic rescues and even some of the early settlers being speared to death by aborigines.

The Busselton Jetty

One of the outstanding features of the town is the old wooden jetty (see the Busselton pic page), about one and a third miles in length (approx. 2km). The first stage was built in 1865 and further extensions were made until 1965. Abandoned by the government in 1972 and damaged by fire and cyclones through the years, the jetty is now cared for by a local Jetty Preservation Society and provides a pleasant place to take a stroll, enjoy the fresh clean air, relax, or just dangle a fishing line in the water and hope that no fish come along to disturb your reverie.

St Mary's Church

Built of limestone and local jarrah timber and with it's shingled roof of sheoak, St Mary's is the oldest stone church in Western Australia. Consecrated in 1948, the church was built with donations from the congregation of St Mary's church in Portsea England where pioneer settler John Bussel's father served as a curator. It's worth photographing.

The Old Butter Factory

To view much of the history of the region, visit the old butter factory in Peel Terrace. Now the home of the Busselton Historical Society, this is the place to see old photos, farm machinery clothing etc. and soak up the atmosphere of the region.

Wonnerup House

Tragic circumstances surround this historic homesite which has been restored by the National Trust, with spearings, drownings and fires featuring in the early history of the property which dates from 1834. Wonnerup House is open for visitors.

Old Courthouse Complex

The place to go for some of the best art and craft work in the district.

"The Ballarat" Loco

For loco enthusiasts this is a must see. Built in 1871 at a cost of 800 pounds, the loco hauled timber from the forests in the early days.

The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Opened in 1904, the old lighthouse still serves the maritime community with it's warning beam shafting out to the horizon 26 nautical miles distant. Floating on a 210kg bed of mercury, the prism crystal lens originally cost some thirty thousand pounds (A$60.000), today it's value is approx. A$5,000,000.

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Cape Leeuwin

While you're in Augusta it is well worth visiting the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This is the land's end of the West where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. From here the next land mass is the Southern Polar Cap. Also of interest is the remarkable water wheel. Deposits of salt here completely covered the wheel and mummified it in stone.

Driving

As is the case throughout the entire South-West, the roads in the Cape are magnificent, allowing for easy and rapid movement between various locations. All the major roads throughout the region are bitumen surfaced, wide, well marked and of first class construction, and while many minor side roads in the South-West are of well maintained gravel construction all major towns (and most small towns) can be accessed without once leaving the bitumen.

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Dunsborough

Just west of Busselton, almost on the tip of Cape Naturaliste, lies the small towns of Dunsborough and the adjoining spectacular Yallingup. Both towns are set on the northern fringe of the famous south west vineyards, most of which welcome visitors to taste their produce. The majority have their own restaurants.

Dunsborough has a backpackers’ hostel and hotel, several bed and breakfast establishments and a caravan park. There are three restaurants, all with blackboard menus and a chicken take-away outlet.

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Margaret River

The South-West of Western Australia is such a pastiche of other lands that it comes as no surprise to discover that it's the State's most popular holiday destination. Margaret River, with the fine vineyards of the Willyabrup Winegrowing Valley, local Brie cheeses and exquisite art and craft centres, could be a small French village; the caves and rugged cliffs of the coast, the rolling green fields and handsome sandstone buildings could belong to England; the climate is definitely Mediterranean. And the majestic forests which cut a swathe through the heart of the land with a ringside seat of the Southern Ocean could belong to Canada. It adds up to an area that has a flavour all its own.

Margaret River is famous worldwide for its consistently big waves round the river mouth, a key factor in the town hosting a heat of the World Masters surfing classic every year.
Backpackers are well catered for with three hostels as well as two pubs, caravan and camping parks, numerous holiday cottages along with a staggering forty-eight eateries.
A permanent population of 6,500 wells to around 30,000 during Christmas and Easter. It is certain a star attraction for tourists with its mild weather pattern that seldom sees the mercury rise much above 32 degrees in our hottest summers.
This same temperature makes the district ideal for wine grape production. There are 35 vineyards in the immediate Margaret River area with most offering free tastings of their wares. Many of the producers are well established on the international market with their labels taking major awards at overseas wine judging.

There are a host of other things to see and do besides surfing and vineyard tours..
Four spectacular caves in the area, Lake, Mammoth, Jewel and Moondyne welcome thousands of visitors annually. All have conducted tours and are well lit. There are numerous magnificent stalactites and stalagmites to view.
Close to the town centre there are many bush walk trails that traverse the huge karri and jarrah trees that make up the district’s forests. There are many little brooks flowing through the forests to add to the peace and tranquility.
For the more adventurous, hire a horse and ride along the beach or perhaps see the forests from a different perspective.

A visit to the Marron Farm (11 km from town) is certainly worth the time. This is one of the State’s biggest commercial marron farms and after taking a conducted tour, settle into a tasting session in the restaurant or buy your needs and cook them on the free barbeque.

Eagles Heritage is most certainly worth a visit. It is a rehabilitation centre for birds of prey that have been injured in some way. These birds include eagles (see giant wedgetails at close quarters), hawks, falcons and owls. A major feature is the enormous free fl cage where the injured birds can learn to fly again before being released back into their own environment.
There are also demonstrations of the age-old art of falconry. There is a small admission charge but well worth it. Cameras a must.

There is a great selection of tours, too many to list here but check with your hostel owner or for a comprehensive run down on the district, the Tourist Bureau will be only too happy to be of assistance.
Many of the attractions of the Margaret River region are just that little too far for a comfortable walk and for that reason bicycle hire is very popular.
There is a great selection of cycle trails that lead into the tall timber country of the nearby hinterland.
Bicycles are available from one of the hostels or in town at a nominal daily or weekly fee.

Margaret River has a laid back lifestyle and is a young person’s domain with lots to see and do all year round.

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Yallingup

The stretch of coastline from Yallingup through Margaret River to Augusta is famous for its caves. You drive along Caves Road through rolling farmland and vineyards to visit some of the world's most sparkling caves. This is a pot-holer's paradise, but for the normal tourist conducted tours of these caves are not to be missed.
The Lake Cave at Margaret River is reached by a winding staircase that leads down to a gigantic crater. Entering the cave, the sparkling underground lake, the shimmering stalactites and the mineral deposits on the walls shimmer like jewels refracting and reflecting the artificial lights. Its a splendid sight.

Just north of Augusta, you come to Jewel Cave. Its name says it all. Among massive pillars, naturally sculpted formations, you wander up and down, over and along a still river, while the lights pick out the plethora of stalactites like gems in a Rajah's Palace.

Yallingup has one hotel, several self-contained chalet cottages and three caravan parks. The hotel, “Caves House” is a tourist attraction in itself. Built in 1903 it has an old world atmosphere about it and is set in beautiful surrounds. Magnificent views of the Indian Ocean add to its beauty. Apart from the fabulous surfing beaches and beautiful coastal scenery, Yallingup is famous worldwide for its caves.
For the more adventurous, Yallingup is surrounded by national parks abundant in flora, fauna and natural beauty. Otherwise known as the limestone coast, the area abounds in cave and rock formations.
A walk to Quinninup Falls is most rewarding, particularly in spring, as one can view wildflowers and see the fabulous waterfall.

Amongst the most popular tourist attractions in the Dunsborough-Yallinup area is the Kibo Deer Park with 150 red and fallow deer. Here visitors can hand feed the animals, which include kangaroos and goats.
The spectacular scenic coastline and sheltered bays of Meelup & Eagle Bay are worth a visit.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse built in 1903 from local limestone, is WA’s most westerly weather station and as the highs and lows travel to the east, it is a most important one. Join a free conducted tour any day except Wednesday.

There is no better way to explore the Cape than by walking. Short walks and long trails lead round cliff tops and tracks wind along the rocky shore. National parks have established walk trails on the tip of the Cape. From vantage points you see the sheltered beaches of Geographe Bay, or the steep cliffs which are honeycombed with small caves, or watch the huge breakers roll on to beaches or crash thundering against rocks.
On the tip itself are sandhills and the place known as “The Other Side of the Moon” where the dark sandy soil reveals signs that some three million years ago, mangrove swamps were the home of prehistoric animals.
Last but not least, Smith’s Beach and Canal Rocks are a must for visitors in any weather to see the superb handiwork of Mother Nature.

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Augusta

Visitors to the South West should stop off at the peaceful and picturesque little fishing village of Augusta. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Blackwood River, where it meets the Southern Ocean, Augusta is only 320 kilometres south of Perth on a pleasant 3 ½ hour drive, and serviced regularly by coach. It is 43 kilometres south of Margaret River.
Now a thriving fish port and popular tourist destination, Augusta is the third oldest European settlement in Western Australia, first settled in 1830. The town boasts all the necessary amenities to satisfy most needs, offers much to see and do and has a new double storey backpackers’ resort. Budget priced meals and takeaways are within easy walking distance of the resort.

For those with an adventurous spirit, the surrounding area offers walking trails, sailing, fishing, caving (both tourist and adventure), scuba diving, surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, cycling, canoeing and most sports. There are even scenic flights, horse riding and whale watching charters (June-December). Or for a more relaxed pace a ferry offers scenic cruises on the Blackwood river, or take yourself on a visit to one of the range of craft outlets including a glass blowing studio. And for the history buffs, a visit to the Augusta Historical Museum is a definite must, and for a look back in time a visit to the Old Print Shop to see historic printing presses still in use.

Bluegum Miniature Railway and Collectibles Museum is not far away, and neither are the wineries of the Margaret River region, together with the Boranup karri forest and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, while Hillview Lookout and lots of nearby coastal areas with sheltered bays or wide open beaches are close to town.

Only nine kilometres further south of Augusta you can visit the most south westerly point of Australia at Cape Leeuwin, and climb the magnificent limestone lighthouse constructed in 1895/96. The views from its 39 metre balcony are superb, and if you’re in luck you may even spot a whale or two. The lighthouse is open daily and well worth a look.

Nearby is the old historic waterwheel, built in 1895 to supply water to the lighthouse cottages and for the construction. The wheel was originally built from timber and has slowly turned to stone through the passing of time. The lighthouse can also be viewed from the scenic drive which overlooks the Cape from the western side.
The Lookout allows visitors a rare opportunity to look out over the meeting of two oceans for this is where the Indian and Southern water masses start or end. Residents naturally say this is where they start.

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Boyup Brook

Set on the banks of the upper reaches of the Blackwood River, Boyup Brook is a pretty town renowned for its native blackboy shrubs.
Backpacker dorm accommodation is available while there is a hotel/motel, farmstay, a bed and breakfast establishment and a caravan park.
Canoeing on the river is very popular with boats and all equipment for hire.
A feature of the town is the five thousand hectare Haddleton Flora Reserve with thousands of rare orchids and banksia trees in wildflower season (July to October).

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Bridgetown

Thirty kilometres south-west of Boyup Brook is the picturesque town of Bridgetown. Set amongst rolling hills on the Blackwood River, there is a motel, several farmstay options, two hotels and three bed and breakfast establishments.

The beauty of the area is enhanced when millions of wildflowers burst into bloom to form a carpet of brilliant colour in spring.

There are several outstanding walk trails that start in town and details can be obtained from the Tourist Bureau.

The Blackwood River Valley

If you prefer to take your pleasures inland the Blackwood River Valley on the South Western Highway is a rural setting not to be missed. This region of winding roads, steep hills, lush orchards and spectacular scenery is rich in history of the early settlers who came as timber cutters and orchardists and made their homes along the splendid Blackwood River, Here you can stay in comfortable old inns or formal accommodation.

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Manjimup

Further south the timber milling town of Manjimup has backpackers’ accommodation housed in the caravan park, and another 10 kms from town in viticulture and horticultural districts, a hotel, a hotel-motel, three motels and a guest house.
Budget priced meals are available from four outlets, two Chinese restaurants and two cafes while a-la-carte dining can be enjoyed at the motels. The customary counter meals are available at the Manjimup Hotel.

There are many tourist attractions in and around town including the timber park, which is very worthwhile visiting.
This is tall timber country and there is no better way to see the giant trees than to join the Forest Industries bus that has fully commentated visits to karri and jarrah regrowth forests, timber mills and scenic areas. Tours leave Manjimup Timber Park at 9.15 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For those seeking something different, Manjimup Water Ski Park have boats and all equipment available for hire.
The lake is set amid a picturesque stud and commercial cattle property which has shelters, barbeques and a camping area.
There are many other attractions too numerous to mention and the local Tourist Bureau will be only too happy to provide full details.

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Pemberton

Pemberton is a very popular tourist destination and won the award of top tourist town for 1993. There is a backpackers’ hostel, 10 kms out of town, a backpackers’ lodge in town, a hotel, motel, three lodges, several cottages and a caravan park. Four cafes, a Chinese restaurant, four a-la-carte restaurants and the hotel provides a good selection and price ranges. The hotel has live entertainment on a regular basis and often a top band.

Pemberton is famous for its Gloucester Tree, a fire spotting lookout and the highest of its kind in the world. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed the panoramic view after climbing the driven spike stairway.
Other popular attractions are the trout and marron hatchery where visitors can see both species at various stages of growth, or a ride on the unique Pemberton to Northcliffe Tramway travelling deep into pristine virgin forests, crossing mountain streams and rivers on the way.

This is tall timber country and the jarrah and karri timber produced from this area adorns many homes and buildings throughout Western Australia.

Modern technology has taken over from the days when all time was hand-sawn. Bunnings timber mill in the heart of town is the most modern in the State and is completely computerised.
Conducted tours are run daily and visitors can view the operations of the mill from a steel catwalk above the saw benches (don’t slip).

Horse riding along forest trails is also very popular with backpackers. Many choices of destination and duration (anything up to five days, camp out) are offered. Excellent choices of 4WD adventure tours are also run from town. Again a variety of tours are offered.

Driving

As is the case throughout the entire South-West, the roads are magnificent, allowing for easy and rapid movement between various locations. All the major roads throughout the region are bitumen surfaced, wide, well marked and of first class construction, and while many minor side roads in the South-West are of well maintained gravel construction all major towns (and most small towns) can be accessed without once leaving the bitumen.

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