Swedish Gnome influences Lars Larsson and Sven Svenson are in Western Australia for a few weeks to visit their friend Winter and check in on their gnomey mates at Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley after the terrible floods of November 2024. While they are here Winter has given them a cool itinerary to follow and they have been having heaps of fun travelling across the region.
This itinerary is not just for Christmas but can be enjoyed at any time of the year and gives you a fabulous taste of what the region has to offer.
Gnomesville & Ferguson Valley
Starting at Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley. Visit the thousands of gnomes that call this little corner of Bunbury Geographe home. While the storms of November 2024 were devastating, everyone pitched in with the clean up and the place is looking as good as new. Take the family over the holidays and explore this fun and fabulous little nook. Why not leave your own gnome?
While you are in the Ferguson Valley make the most of the beautiful drives and the breathtaking scenery. Known for its dramatic undulating landscape, green hills dotted with cattle and sheep and stunning vineyards the Valley is a must visit while in the Bunbury Geographe. Sven and lars visited the beautiful St Aidan Wines which offers a full menu of delicious food in addition to award winning wines. The Geographe region is known for its alternative varieties of wine particularly Spanish and Italian grapes so it’s a brilliant place to explore to find a new favourite wine. Top Tip: the Tempranillo and Fiano varieties are particularly good.
There is plenty to keep you entertained in the Ferguson Valley. Check out wineries with great cellar doors and immersive wine tasting experiences like the black glass tasting at Green Door winery. The food is also amazing! Why not book in a trip to Hackersley for their gourmet set menu or Ferguson Falls for their award winning pizza and wine experience. The Valley also has two great breweries (Wild Bull and Bush Shack Breweries) and fun art works to view. During summer St Aidan Wines also has regular movies on the lawn so there are plenty of options for your visit.
Harvey Region
Located at the top of the Bunbury Geographe region, Harvey Region is full of lush green fields, fresh produce, artisanal delicacies and agritourism experiences. Harvey township has plenty of great shops to visit including GeoVino where you can taste wine and local produce. Stirling Cottage is a replica of the home of Sir James Stirling, WA’s first Governor. It is now a lovely café and an enchanting garden to explore. The nearby Italian Internment Camp Memorial commemorates a dark time in the world’s history. The region is renowned for beef and citrus farming and Harvey River Estate is home to many award-winning wines and the famous big orange.
While Harvey Region take a trip north to Yarloop and check out Vineyard 28 which is renowned for its italian varietals. Make sure you book though. They do a great immersive Italian experience that is definitely worth booking into your trip down south.
Between Harvey and Brunswick is Wokalup home of the fabulous Harvey Cheese, a family cheese maker that packs a punch. In addition to delectable cheeses you will also find the St Duke’s Distillery where they make spirits from whey and the results are award winning. About 1km up the road you will find Brugan Brewery located at the Wokalup Tavern which offers great beers made on site and an extensive menu of family favourite meals.
Travel on to Brunswick famous for its dairy industry and the much-anticipated Brunswick Show held annually in October. If you are there on a Saturday, check out the produce market at Melville Park where they grow their own vegetables and make their own cheeses. In Brunswick make sure you make a visit to Daisy, the Cow on the Corner for a sneaky selfie.
Donnybrook and Balingup
Donnybrook is known for its fruit, particularly apples. During December the stone fruit producers have roadside stalls with apricots, peaches, nectarines and of course cherries galore. In Donnybrook township the Apple Fun Park is a must visit for families. Make sure you check out the café in the park nearby and find out about the fascinating history of the goods shed. Donnybrook has some great shops and cafes that you can visit while you are here. While you are in the region head over to Balingup and explore this quirky little town in this picturesque part of the region.
Collie River Valley
Head into the Collie River Valley for some adventure! Known for its lakes and trails Collie has something for all levels of ability. Grab a kayak or float and kick back at Stockton or Black Diamond Lake. These are also top Instagram locations. Lake Kepwari is also an amazing destination for watercraft. If dry land is your thing check out the Wambenger Trails network throughout the area offering hiking and mountain biking trails. You can hire a bike from Crank ‘n’ Cycle or in Wellington National park from Adventure Connections who offer E-Bikes for hire and they also offer guided tour experiences.
While you are in Collie check out the mural trail which includes the mega mural on the Wellington Dam Wall. You can do a self-guided tour of the town centre murals or get a guided tour from Forest Explorers. Make sure you visit the Collie Coalfields Museum and also the immersive replica coal mine at the Visitor Centre.
Capel Region
Head out to the coast and check out Capel Region. If you are there on a weekend the Boyanup Farmers market is a must visit on the 4th Sunday of the month. You can also visit the South West Rail Centre and Rustic French Living for antiques and collectibles direct from Europe and the Craggy Pear to discover your news crafty obsession.
In Capel make sure you check out the Capelberry Café and try one of their wonderful croissant before heading out to the coast to spend some time relaxing on the white sands of Peppermint Grove Beach. Capel also has Tuart Forest National Park, the largest remaining pure forest of Tuart trees, and the Tuart Forest Walk in Dalyellup where you can get up close and personal with these majestic trees.
City of Bunbury
Finish your adventure with some time in Bunbury, the City of Three Waters. Perched between the Geographe Bay at Back Beach, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, Bunbury is a regional city like no other. Home to a huge pod of resident dolphins, some of whom regularly visit the beach at Koombana Bay regularly on summer mornings. You can go for an eco or swim tour that takes you out into the bay where you can get very close to these incredible creatures. Make sure you make time to visit the Dolphin Discovery centre which showcases aquatic species that can be found in the region. Add in a visit the Bunbury Wildlife Park where you can see native animals including dingos, kangaroos and Sherman the wombat.
There are some great vantage points across the city that give you unparalleled views across the city making it clear why it is called the City of three waters. Check out the views from Boulter’s Heights, Marlston Hill and the Koombana Bay lookout. The City also has some excellent playgrounds and facilities for families including the Sykes Foreshore Splash Park, Mangrove Cove accessible playground and the Koombana Bay All Access Playground and don’t miss Koolambidi Woola youth precinct.
Bunbury has some great cafes, restaurants and bars and is a lovely city to explore. Make sure you check out some of the city’s cultural sites including the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and the Bunbury Street Art.
There is so much to see and do across Bunbury Geographe!
