WELCOME
Balingup is a beautiful country town located in the Blackwood River valley. Home to stunning views, misty winter mornings and spectacular country drives. It is the venue for a spectacular Medieval Festival and the perfect place to visit for a day, a weekend or longer.
Balingup takes its name from Balingup Pool, located on the Balingup Brook which flows through the town. Check into Tourism Hall of Fame winner, Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages, where you will wake up to stunning views. Kids will love the chance to collect eggs and feed the animals on this wonderful hillside spot.
To make it simpler for you to explore the area e have created an itinerary but there is plenty more there to keep you entertained.
Highlights
Smallwater Estate: Located a few kilometres north of Balingup, Smallwater Estate was planted in 1993 by John Small and his late wife Robyn with a view to developing a marron farm and a vineyard to grow contract grapes. Over the next 10 years the grapes were mainly supplied to Cape Mentelle in Margaret River, then in 1995 John decided to make his own wine under the Smallwater Estate label. The first vintage was in 2006 comprising 250 cases of Zinfandel. Since then, production has grown to 2,500 cases with 70% being red wines many of them award winning. Open for lunch and wine tastings 11am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Open for wine sales 11am – 4pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Booking Essential. 52 Tramline Road, Newlands WA 625108 9731 6036
Golden valley Tree Park is a 60 hectare landscaped park set in the picturesque hills of Balingup. The heritage listed site has a collection of trees that was begun over 100 years ago and is now WA’s largest arboretum. It’s a great place for short walks, picnics and is a photographer’s dream. The Bibbulmun Track also runs through the park. Lot 164 Old Padbury Road, Balingup WA 6253.
Balingup Avenue of Honour is a beautiful avenue of old oak trees, recognising local men and boys who lost their lives in the First World War. Located at the end of Brockman Road, featuring engraved plaques at the base of the trees and interpretive signage as well as a small picnic area alongside Balingup Brook.
Balingup Goldsmith was established in 1996 by Ricki Thomas who had over 19 years experience at that stage. In 2006 Ricki partnered with Jeff Bufton to open Gallery 18 which is stocked with a unique range of pottery, sculptures, art and a range of gold and silver jewellery. They can design jewellery to your requirements, and they can also carry out alterations and repairs. 14 Southwest Highway, Balingup WA 6253, 08 9764 1318.
Balingup Village Pedlars is a cooperative shop in the centre of Balingup offering a range of local handcrafts. You can find winter knits, kids’ clothes, bags, soaps, preserves and plants. All of the products are made by talented local people. Open every day except Christmas and Boxing Days 9.30 – 4pm South Western Highway Balingup WA 6253
Tinderbox opened in 1982 selling a range of natural products based on herbalism. The business has grown organically and is a purveyor of handmade essential oils, natural skincare, and aromatherapy creations. They use only the best quality ingredients to ensure that the end product is as pure as they can be. 37 South Western Highway, Balingup WA 6253 Open every day except Good Friday and Christmas and Boxing Days 9am – 5pm, 08 9764 1034
The Old Cheese Factory Balingup claims to be the largest arts and craft centre in Western Australia. It has a vast range of crafts available including stoneware pottery, bags, toys, clothes and much more. Lot 2, Blackwood River Drive, Balingup WA 6253, Open 7 Days 10am – 4pm, 08 9764 1018.
Cat n’ Canvas is a beautifully quirky wool and knitwear shop, attracting knitting fans from Perth and further afield. Cat and Canvas stocks speciality yarns from around the world including raw and carded fleece ready for spinning, cottons, wools, alpaca blends, bamboo blends and much more. 0455 540 163, Open Thursday – Sunday 10 – 3, 29 Bridgetown Road, South Western Highway, Balingup WA 6253
Linga Longa Bike Park is a family retreat which also happens to have WA’s premier Enduro park. The majority of the trails are designed and hand built by the Linga Longa Bike Park trail crew. There are several Gravity Days open to the general public throughout the year as well as the ability to book private access to the park, check the website for event dates The park is also available as a wedding venue. 256 Cassia Road, Southampton WA 6253.
Origins Centre is located just outside Balingup and offers respite, retreats, activities, courses and events to help you to truly reconnect, attend a Mindfulness and Meditation. 157 Jayes Road, Balingup WA 6253. 08 9764 1109.
Savour some of the best pies at The Mushroom at No 61. Winner of many national Great Aussie Pie medals, their pork and mushroom in creamy cider sauce pie is a must-try. They also serve a range of seasonal menu items from Thai beef salad to pulled pork with Asian slaw and Friday nights are all about fish and chips. South Western Highway, Balingup WA 6253, Open 7 days 8am – 3pm, 5 – 7.30 pm on Fridays for Fish and chips – check their Facebook page to confirm availability.
At the Balingup Fruit Winery you can taste locally made small batch ports and liquers using local fruit. Find them at the Packing Shed in the Centre of town. There are so many to choose from including an intriguing Cherry Chilli Liqueur and the always popular Cherry Port.
Mr Foster’s in the Old Packing Shed serves deliciously hearty breakfasts, home made pies and cakes. The sausage rolls are pretty epic too.
Balingup is known for its quirky approach and the annual Medieval Carnivale is a brilliant example of this. Put on you favourite medieval costume and head to Balingup to celebrate the beautiful misty winter mornings and all things medieval. Dragons, knigts and ancient crafts can all be found in abundance. An experience not to be missed! Usually held in August, check the website for details.
Balingup Small Farm Field Day celebrates Balingup’s farming heritage. There are activities for all the family and of course farm animals to pet. Get your ‘farmer’ on and kick- start your green fingers usually held in April, featuring food, farm skills demonstrations and much more. Check the website for details.
Blackwood Emporium 1864 on South Western Highway at Mullalyup close to Balingup offers delicious chocolates, cakes and treats. Book in for High Tea for a real indugence.
Racecourse Flora Reserve near Mullalyup provides a 1.7km loop walk which is a great place for wildflowers in the spring.
ITINERARY
Day One: Perth to Balingup
Just over two and a half hours south of Perth is the charming country town of Balingup. Stop in at the award-winning Smallwater Estate for a wine tasting and if you’re there on a weekend, they also offer lunch. Then visit Blackwood Emporium 1864 just a few minutes up the road for beautiful chocolates and a divine afternoon tea. Continue to Balingup and check into your accommodation.
Day Two: Explore Balingup
Spend today exploring the delights of Balingup, but first, stop for breakfast and a coffee at Mr Foster’s in the Old Packing Shed. The Old Packing Shed has a fascinating historical display and is also home to the Balingup Fruit Winery – make a note to return in the afternoon for a tasting. Then head out to Racecourse Flora Reserve just a few minutes outside of town, a great place to spot wildflowers in spring. Head back into town and visit the Tinderbox, treasure trover emporium and a must for natural skin care. Village Pedlars has arts and crafts from local makers, check out the tiny art gallery behind the Visitor Centre and drop into the Old Cheese Factory. For lunch, go to the award-winning Mushroom 61 bakery – make sure you try their pies. Talk a short 20-minute walk along the Bibbulmun Track to the stunning Golden Valley Tree Park which is beautiful all year round and especially breathtaking in autumn and spring. Head back to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.
Day Three: Explore the Country Roads
Balingup is surrounded by stunning hills and pretty valleys. Take the long way home with a drive along the picturesque Balingup Nannup Road which winds through the hills. Stop in at Tathra Hilltop Retreat for morning tea. Continue to Nannup and wander along the main street of this quaint country town. Drive on the Donnybrook via Jarrahwood stopping in at some wineries – nearby Coughlan Estate is a great lunch stop. Explore Donnybrook before heading back to Perth. If you have children with you, they will love Donnybrook’s Apple Fun Park which has something all ages.
Visit in April during the Small Farm Field Day or in August during the Medieval Carnivale for more fun things to do.
