WELCOME
Think picture-perfect historic towns surrounded by rolling hills, fertile farmland and orchards. The Donnybrook-Balingup region, set in the picturesque Preston and Blackwood valleys, is WA’s must-do destination any time of the year.
Donnybrook is the main centre for the region and is famous for its apples and fruit. It also has a thriving wine industry close to town and some of the prettiest drives in the region.
To help you to explore the region we have created a highlights itinerary for you.
Things to see and do
Barrecas Wines is owned and operated by Fil and Kelly Barrecca. This family run winery runs on the philosophy that food and wine are simply a part of life. In addition to Shiraz they also produce other wine varietals of Barbera, Shiraz Malbec, Zinfandel and Sangiovese. They also produce sparkling and fortified wines and estate grown and bottled olive oil. South Western Highway, Donnybrook WA 6239. Open Thursday to Monday 10am – 4pm, 08 9731 1716 or 0439 641 894
Oakway Estate is a multi-award-winning winery located in Paynedale, 10 minutes drive from Donnybrook. The property was originally apple and stone fruit orchards until the present owners, Wayne and Ria Hammond took over the 100-acre property and set up the vines, cellar door and a plantation of sustainable blue gum and a small herd of beef cattle. In addition to wine the cellar door also has a café and offers the craft beers brewed onsite. They are only open on the weekends, so it is advisable to book ahead. 575 Farley Road, Donnybrook WA 6239. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 11am – 5pm, lunch available from 12pm – 3pm. 08 9731 7141. [email protected]
Coughlan Estate is located on the Upper Capel Road just 3km drive from Donnybrook, Coughlan Estate is a self-sustaining vineyard. The vineyard has been in operation since 1978 and was one of the earliest plantings of vines in the Geographe Region. In 1999 the property was purchased by Jackie Barton and Adrian Jones and became Barton Jones Winery. In 2018 the vineyard was purchased by Preeti and Brad Coughlan and changed its name to Coughlan Estate. The award-winning wines are made by Bruce Dukes and Remi Guise and together they create some wonderful and award winning wines. They also have a café offering lunch. 39 Upper Capel Road, Donnybrook WA 6239, Open Thursday – Monday 11am – 4pm, 0409 831 926
Thomson Brook Estate was established in 1993 and is a small, family owned and managed winery. The wines are all made on site and the cellar door is open daily from 10am – 5pm and they have some really exciting wines to try. 131 Thomson Road, Donnybrook WA 6239, 08 9731 0590 or 0488 600 667.
Mandalay Road Wines was planted in 1997 by owners Bernice and Tony O’Connell on a hilly, picturesque 40 hectare property which was previously a blue gum plantation. The rustic cellar door is the perfect place to taste their award winning wines including some alternative varieties including Durif and Zinfandel. 254 Mandalay Road, Glen Mervyn WA 6239, 0408 182 490 or 0407 324 947.
DonnyBOOKS is how bookshops should be! One of South West WA’s finest independent bookshops and they even have their own printing press. The staff at DonnyBOOKS are great readers with a passion for books of all kinds. They love connecting readers with books. They carry an extensive range of new and pre-read books, comics, new and pre-loved board games, jigsaw puzzles and more. Units 2B & 2C, 13 South Western Highway, Donnybrook WA 6239, 0439 937 654.
Fruit Barn & Orchard Cafe provide locally grown fresh fruit and veggies and the chance to pick your own fruit during the autumn picking season. The orchard café provides a range of coffee, cakes and made to order foods. 7 South West Highway, Donnybrook WA 6239, 9731 1198
The Apple Fun Park originally opened in 2008 and underwent a refurbishment in 2021. It has play equipment for all ages from toddlers to teenagers. The park includes an 8m crate tower with treetop suspension rope tunnels, speed spiral tube slide and curly apple peel tube slide. It also has a great café for the grown ups. Corner of Collins & Reserve St, off South Western Highway.
Donnybrook Artisans can be found in the centre of town. It is a fantastic showcase of local art and craft talent and well worth exploring. 0409 076 453
Preston River Loop and Indigenous Walk Trail – is a 1.8km walk trail featuring cultural interpretation and sculpture. You can also explore the Sandhills Track which is a 5km bushwalk through Jarrah Forest.
Cycletrek owns a property near Donnybrook called Kambarang overlooking the Preston Valley. You can cycle the trail and even stay in their eco accommodation or camp. They can even help you with any cycle repairs. In addition to some challenging downhill trails there are some beginners and kids tracks. You’ll have to book though. 416 Lowden-Grimwade Road, Lowden WA 6240, Barrie: 0427 214 217 or Sherry: 0447 337 117.
The Munda Biddi Trail stretches from Perth to Albany and is a long-distance mountain biking trail. It passes through Donnybrook and the Donnybrook Motel offers bike wash down facilities and storage.
STAY
Heritage lovers should venture to the Blackwood Inn Inn Keepers House in Mullalyup just 5km north of Donnybrook.
Fans of the great outdoors can camp at Glen Mervyn Dam, or along the Blackwood River at Wrights Bridge in the Powalup Nature Reserve.
EAT
Donnybrook Hotel offers old fashioned pub service and classic pub grub. The newly renovated hotel, also has accommodation options if you’re keen to stay. There’s a beer garden, pool tables, a weekly raffle while you watch the footy, and a DJ. 64 South Western highway, Donnybrook WA 6239, 08 9731 1017
Cafe Tiffany’s is a great place to stop offering great food, great service and there is even a welcome for your pets. They also cater for a range of allergies and food preferences. 78 South Western Highway, Donnybrook WA 6239, 08 9731 2488
PARK is a great little café in the old packing shed, Great home made food, great coffee and a lovely setting.
Donnybrook Family Bakery is open 24 hours and is packed with homemade goodies and and amazing pies and sausage rolls.
EVENTS
The Donnybrook Apple festival and the Donnybrook Food and Wine Festival have merged to create the Donnybrook Festival. Taste locally made wine, local fruit and gourmet food, food trucks and locally made goodies.
Pop a Cork Tours based in Bunbury provides small wine tours across the region in their vintage Mustang. Call Lisa – 0400 525 511 or Tony – 0417 920 749
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ITINERARIES
Day One: Perth to Donnybrook
Drive from Perth to Donnybrook stopping at the Crooked Carrot on Forrest Highway about one and half hours south. From the Crooked Carrot drive another 40 minutes to Donnybrook. Make a stop at Licciardello & Sons on the highway to buy some local fruit and at the Fruit Barn when you get to Donnybrook about 5 minutes up the road. Spend a fun couple of hours exploring this beautiful country town. Make sure you check out DonnyBOOKS a book and games shop which is a firm favourite with locals and visitors. Donnybrook also has a strong arts and crafts scene and the Donnybrook Artisans has an excellent range of locally made crafts. If you have kids with you don’t miss the Apple Fun Park, the kids will love it! There are plenty of places to find lunch. Head to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out to dinner. The Donnybrook Hotel offers hearty pub meal.
Day Two: Get Active
After a leisurely breakfast, try PARK or Tiffany’s Café, we suggest you get a bit active. If you are into walking there are two great walk trails close to town, The Preston River Loop and the Sandhills Track which will keep you occupied for the morning. If you are into mountain biking we suggest heading to Cycletrek at Kambarang about 15 minutes from town (be sure to book). After your morning’s activity head to Coughlan Estate for wine tasting and lunch. There are several wineries close to Donnybrook in the Preston Valley that are worth a visit, including Barrecas and Thomson Brook. If you still have energy drive along the Donnybook Boyup Brook Road and on to the Glen Mervyn Dam. Look out for roadside fruit stalls.
Day Three: Back to Perth
Start the day again with breakfast before heading to Ironstone Gully Falls for a morning walk. If you are there on a weekend head to Oakway Estate for lunch and a wine tasting, if not head to Capel for lunch at one of the cafes, we can recommend Capelberry Café. After lunch head to Peppermint Grove Beach for a walk along the stunning white sandy beach. Check out Capel Vale Winery before heading back to Perth.