If you have a passion for food and are seeking a new culinary haven to explore, the Bunbury Geographe region is a must-see destination. This area boasts of family-owned boutique wineries, artisanal producers, and farm gates offering a plethora of farm-fresh produce, from succulent Harvey citrus fruits to juicy Donnybrook apples. You can purchase homemade jams and condiments, olive oil, dips, fresh cheese, handmade crackers, bakery delights, wine, craft beer, spirits, and much more.
The picturesque Ferguson Valley, located just 20 minutes inland from Bunbury, provides breath-taking views of rolling green hills and vineyards, making it a perfect road trip destination. The wineries in this lesser-known area produce extraordinary and reasonably priced wines that will leave you wondering why you didn’t discover this place earlier. Each town in the region has unique shops, unusual attractions, hidden gems, and friendly locals eager to welcome you.
Food & Wine Lovers Day One – Perth to Bunbury
Start your trip from Perth and drive south depending on what time you leave stop at the Crooked Carrot on the Forrest Highway for a coffee before heading on to Bunbury or check out the Old Coast Road Brewery for lunch and a quick round of mini golf.. This family-friendly brewery has a menu full of tasty hearty dishes, lighter bites, and a selection of twelve brews, two ciders, and an olive grove. Continue on to the Bunbury Farmers Market and stock up on local produce and goodies before heading to Harvey town and visit GeoVino for a wine tasting and to pick up some more local produce, meat, and cheeses for snacks or dinner in your accommodation. Just a short drive away is Harvey River Estate, a great place to stop for a guided wine tasting and to see the famous Big Orange.
Just up the road is the historic Wokalup Tavern and Brugan Brewery, where beer tasting is taken to the next level with a selection of brews including a vanilla porter, dark lager, and citrus sour. Just 25 minutes from here you’ll reach the Ferguson Valley, where you can choose from various accommodation options. Evedon Lakeside Retreat, situated on a vast 320-acre property, boasts cabins and an on-site restaurant, but book ahead to secure your spot. Alternatively, the Peppermint Lane Lodge B&B offers a charming and intimate stay.
Food & Wine Lovers Day Two – Ferguson Valley
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Wellington Dam Wall. Take a stroll and witness the remarkable work of public art – the world’s largest dam mural, titled ‘Reflections’. For the best view, head to the WaterCorp lookout.
Next, a 16-minute drive takes you to King Jarrah – a majestic 36-meter-tall tree estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old. Take a walk through the nearby Wellington Discovery Forest, where you might even spot a friendly kangaroo.
Visit Willow Bridge Estate for some wine tasting. Book ahead online to avoid waiting to sample their range of wines, including young and exceptional value to preservative-free and sparkling varieties, all produced with fruit from their vineyard established in 1997.
For lunch, you have two options: Green Door Wines or Hackersley Estate. Green Door Wines, a family-run winery, is where you can indulge in Spanish/European wine varietals and enjoy stunning views of the Darling Scarp and the coast. Alternatively, Hackersley Estate, offers a fixed three-course feast with a menu that changes every eight weeks.
After lunch, head to Gnomesville, a short drive down Wellington Mill Road, where you can find thousands of gnomes living happily ever after in one of the world’s largest gnome communities. Be sure to check out the ‘Gnoman Empire’.
Your next stop is St Aidan Wines, just a short drive away. This family-run boutique winery, restaurant, and events center is a perfect place to taste their wine, which they describe as “art in a bottle.” One minute away is the Bush Shack Brewery, specialising in all-natural, unfiltered beers, ciders, and flavoured alcoholic drinks. Try their unique selection, including chili beer, chocolate milk stout, and twisted lemon lager.
The Bunbury Geographe region has many worthy yet under-the-radar foodie experiences to discover. Taste your way through Harvey, less than an hour and half from Perth, sip your way through the Ferguson Valley and wander through some charming country towns or explore the delights of Bunbury’s food and drink scene. To make the most of your trip, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment and enjoy winter in BunGeo!
