Taking its name from a southern suburb in Dublin, thanks to the Irish settlers who arrived in 1842, Donnybrook has a rich history steeped in timber, gold, railways, Donnybrook stone, and thriving produce. Due to its fertile soils and perfect growing conditions, it’s renowned as the apple capital of Western Australia. Today, you can eat your way through the region with quaint roadside stalls selling seasonal local produce. Make sure you stop along the way at the impressive wineries dispersed throughout the region. South-east you’ll find the lovely little town that is Balingup. With its streets lined with friendly scarecrows and stunning scenery no matter what time of the year, this special place is an inspiration to many artisans and romantics alike.
Begin your culinary journey at Park Donnybrook, nestled inside the Donnybrook Goods Shed at Station Square along Collins St. This heritage building, dating back to 1893, now houses a vibrant eatery offers Southern Roasting Co coffee, fresh salads, baked goods, and savoury tarts. Café Tiffanys and The Orchard Café, along with the classic Donnybrook Bakery, cater to local breakfast and lunch cravings with their fresh meals and ample charm.
Experience the heart of country dining at the recently renovated Donnybrook Hotel, offering a menu filled with juicy burgers, pasta, steaks, and more. The Kirup Tavern, with its heritage façade dating back to 1905, is another classic country pub with a range of favorites.
Donnybrook is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts, boasting notable wineries like Barrecas, Coughlan Estate, Mandalay Road, Oakway Estate, Smallwater Estate, and Thompson Brook Wines. These wineries, often run by the same people who grow the grapes, offer unique varietals like Barbera, Zinfandel, Durif, Malbec, Vermentino, Nero d’Avola, and more. Balingup’s Packing Shed and Balingup Fruit Winery provide iconic tasting experiences.
In Balingup, delightful spots like Mr Foster’s Café, The Mushroom at No. 61, and Blackwood Emporium 1864 beckon with charming settings and mouthwatering offerings.
Donnybrook’s Apple Fun Park has undergone a major revitalisation, now featuring the impressive Apple Crate Tower, treetop suspension rope tunnels, swings, trampolines, and more. Egan Park, just around the corner, offers additional attractions like a pump track and skills loop for bike and skating enthusiasts.
Picnic in the stunning Golden Valley Tree Park in Balingup, surrounded by sixty hectares of landscaped park, picturesque hills, and century-old trees. The park, developed by Dr. Chrissy Sharp and Andrew Thamo, boasts a collection of trees planted over a century ago.
For a hands-on experience, visit orchards in Donnybrook during apple season and pick your own apples. Fruit Barn in town provides maps, and farmgate stalls along South Western Highway offer locally grown stone fruits during summer.
Hike a section of the internationally renowned Bibbulmun Track, stretching 1,000km from the Perth Hills to the south coast, and explore the world-class Munda Biddi Trail.
Discover the Linga Longa Bike Park in Balingup, a premier mountain biking paradise with gravity trails offering approximately 200m of pure vertical descent. The park hosts public and private gravity days, providing camping and shuttle services.
The Packing Shed in Balingup, open seven days, showcases enthralling exhibitions, including the Heritage Exhibition telling the story of Balingup between 1855 and 1955. Aboriginal elder Sandra Hill’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Exhibition offers insights into the Bibbulmun people’s culture and collective experiences.
Explore local artisans’ treasures at WA’s largest independent craft outlet, The Old Cheese Factory, and Village Pedlars in Balingup. Donnybrook Artisans and several pottery studios, including Salted Earth Studio and Cake Lady Ceramics, offer locally created treasures.
Choose your retreat from heritage hotels, self-contained cabins, to interactive country life farm stays. Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages, with its spectacular views, and the intimate, adults-only Little Hop House provide unique retreat experiences amidst the natural beauty of the region.