Farmers’ markets, forests and family fun: Discover Bunbury Geographe this winter

With the arrival of winter’s cool breezes, we’re sitting at our desks dreaming of cosy, remote cabins and down south escapes… And while the furthest reaches of the state will always entice, there’s plenty on offer closer to home!

Just 1.5 hours’ drive from Perth, Bunbury Geographe ticks all the boxes for your next winter escape – in fact, there’s so much to explore for the whole family, we hardly know where to start!

Tuart Walk in Capel 

With so much to discover, start off simple with a stroll along the Tuart Walk trail. The casual 1.2km paved trail is suitable for parents with prams, cycling and skating. Running parallel to the coast, it will take you on a picturesque path winding through majestic tuart forest and lush banksia trees.

Bunbury Wildlife Park

Get to know some local Australian wildlife at the Bunbury Wildlife Park, now in its 38th year! Interactive Keeper Talks are included in your ticket, so each weekend you’ll be able to meet some new slithery, scaly friends or cuddle with a kangaroo – plus wander through the walk-through aviaries and chat with some cockatoos!

Dolphin Discovery Centre 

Soak up the refreshing westerly winds at Koombana Bay before making some new friends at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Experience the 360º Digital Dolphinarium, learn about the Koombana Bay ecosystem with interactive exhibits, or head out on one of their eco-tours, which will give you the chance to spot the amazing local bottlenose dolphins up close and in their natural habitat!

Koolambidi Woola

After making some new friends at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump across the bridge to Koolambidi Woola, an epic new youth precinct for kids to skate, parkour, rope climb and even work on their mini golf swing!

Bunbury Farmer’s Market

First opened in 2003, Bunbury Farmers Market has become an absolute foodie must-stop spot. Overflowing with local produce, it’s a food-lover’s paradise where you’ll find everything from cold-pressed juice to market-made dinners, decadent cheeses and the freshest veggies. Boasting over 150 local growers, over 90% of the fresh fruit and vegetables stocked at the market comes directly from local farms – which means almost all the fresh produce was in the ground just two days prior to being in your basket!

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Housed in a former convent built in 1897 and with a pretty-in-pink exterior, the impressive Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is hard to miss! Stunning exterior aside, BRAG’s interior is just as good – with exhibitions from regional, state and national artists, a strong focus on Noongar art and a robust program of artist and curator talks.

Collie Mountain Bike Trails

Further inland, Collie is fast becoming one of the world’s premier destinations for all things mountain biking, having recently been announced as a Premier Trails Town! Recent works have added over 100km of trails and facilities to the region, which now twist, turn and jump through Wellington National Park, Westralia Conservation Park and the Arklow forest.

Brunswick to Wokalup Ale Cycling Trail

Perhaps your biking vibe involves a beer or two and a cheeky pub lunch at the end? That’s absolutely fair enough – and the Brunswick to Wokalup Ale Cycling Trail will sort you out rather nicely in that department! The 24km road cycling route will take you from the Brunswick Tavern, up to the Wokalup Tavern – both over a century old! The Wokalup Tavern is also home to Brugan Brewery, so you’ll be well-looked after in the crisp-pint department.

Underground Coal Mine Experience

Located at the Collie Visitor Centre, the recently-upgraded Underground Coal Mine Experience will give you an immersive look at what it was like to work in one of the region’s coal mines back in the 1950s – from the thunderous explosions of coal blasting to the damp, dark subterranean labyrinths.

Gnomesville

Just 30 minutes’ drive from Bunbury, you may have stumbled across one of the world’s most unique – and mysterious – tourist attractions… Gnomesville! Don’t be alarmed by the thousands of eyes you may see peering back at you as you drive past – pull in and take a wander through the friendly faces, now numbering over 10,000, and maybe leave your own gnome to join their ranks!

Ferguson Valley wineries

One of WA’s underrated wine regions, Ferguson Valley has over 20 charming wineries to pop into – from family-run joints that have been around for decades and fresh-faced newbies. Head to the Ferguson Valley website to find your new favourite drop!

Balingup-Donnybrook

This winter, we’re visiting the Big Apple! New York? Think again: Donnybrook, Western Australia’s apple capital! The first Granny Smith was planted in Donnybrook in 1900, and wandering through the orchards is a delight any time of the year. Want to tucker the kids out? The Apple Fun Park is Australia’s biggest free entry playground, with equipment for everyone from toddlers to teenagers. Find more to do in Balingup-Donnybrook here.

Golden Valley Tree Park

While the bronzed autumnal hues of Golden Valley Tree Park are spectacular, winter is still a magical time to wander through the rolling hills of the 60-hectare landscaped park –  Western Australia’s largest arboretum! It’s  even pet friendly, so don’t forget the whole family.

Melville Park Farm & Friends Shop

Cruising through Brunswick Junction on a Saturday morning? The Melville Park Farm & Friends Shop is a must-visit for all things delicious – and some of the freshest veggies you’ll get your hands on, picked in the market garden just 75 metres from the shop. The stunning farm dates back to the mid-1880s, with the rustic shop Packed with local cheese, baked goods, honey, eggs, nuts, olive oil and more make sure to enjoy one of their complimentary cuppas in the picturesque herb garden! 

Where to stay? 

With seven stunning sub-regions, Bunbury Geographe is chockas with accommodation for all needs. Bringing the whole fam? You’ll find budget-friendly stays at pet-friendly Big4 Bunbury Riverside Holiday Park – with both large, grassy powered sites for caravanning or camping, or unwind in one of their two bedroom villas. Budget-conscious families also can’t go past Discovery Parks’ Bunbury Foreshore location, with cabins that sleep up to seven and plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained!

Both just moments away from the Bunbury city centre and overlooking the ocean, you won’t be better located than at Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay or Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse – however, if you want to get a little more secluded… Bluehills Farmstay’s luxe farmhouse chalets are only five minutes’ drive from Harvey, but feel a world away. Not secluded enough? Evedon Lakeside Retreat is deep amongst the rolling hills and lush karri forest of the Ferguson Valley – and is the perfect spot whether you’re escaping for a weekend for two, or you’re bringing the whole family for canoeing, bushwalking and outdoor adventures.

Ready to discover more magical winter experiences in Australia’s South West? Head to Winterdownsouth.com to plan your next cosy getaway.

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This article is sponsored by Australia’s South West and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.