WELCOME
Located 90 minutes from Perth, the Harvey Region provides a brilliant location for a day trip, long weekend and longer holiday. The region runs from the sparkling blue waters of the Geographe Bay to the hills of the Darling Scarp. Known for its farm fresh produce, it’s home to major food brands Harvey Fresh and Harvey Beef and has a rich agricultural history.
Surrounded by fertile, irrigated plains on the banks of the Harvey River, Harvey Region is one of Australia’s prime producing areas with a rich Italian heritage. During World War II about 1,000 Italian men, including Australian-born and naturalised Italians, were detained as enemy aliens in the State’s first purpose-built internment camp. Many stayed on after the war, and their Italian influence still lingers. Paddocks are filled with orange trees, dairy cows and vines, with some major agricultural businesses including Harvey Beef and Harvey Fresh (including milk and and oranges. Explore the region and you’re sure to find the occasional charmingly dilapidated barn, a white fenced equestrian stud, or an impressive heritage property. As you head east, the region changes from farming land to ruggedly beautiful Jarrah forest and natural waterways for the outdoor enthusiasts to explore. As you drive through Harvey Region, keep an eye out for roadside stalls selling oranges, mandarins and other seasonal local produce.
We have created a suggested itinerary to help you explore.
TOP PICKS
The Big Orange & Harvey River Estate Winery
Climb up the ten metre high Big Orange, nestled in the grounds of the Harvey River Estate winery. Owned by the Sorgiovanni family (of Harvey Fresh fame), the estate features a great cellar door, Harvey River Estate. In 1928, the Sorgiovanni family arrived from Italy and settled on the banks of the Harvey River. The next generation (Kevin) now tends 20-hectares of vineyards, with Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy winner Stuart Pierce at the helm as winemaker.
Mosaics and Murals
The huge collection of mosaics and murals, which can be found at the entrances to Harvey, Brunswick Junction, Binningup, Clifton Park, Cookernup, Myalup and Yarloop, were created by local artist, Anthea Ward.
Australia’s largest Jarrah tree
Hidden deep in the Mornington State Forest near Brunswick Junction, only accessible by 4WD, is the Jarrah Hadfield, more than 10 metres in circumference –and close to 270 years old. It’s the Harvey Region’s best-kept secret. It’s tricky to find, there’s no signs and it’s down a dirt road which can be difficult to access in wet weather. Directions: Head south along Big Tree Road from Mornington Road. Go past the Sandalwood Road turn off. Further south on Big Tree Road you come to about four roads going in all directions. The “Big Tree” is located on the west side of this intersection.
Stirling Cottage and Gardens – childhood home of author May Gibbs
Stirling Cottage – a replica of the 1850’s cottage that was the convict-built home to Sir James Stirling and the creator of Snugglepot and later to Cuddlepie, May Gibbs. In the mid-1800s the first Governor of Western Australia, Sir James Stirling, selected 12,800 acres of fertile land in Harvey called it the ‘Harvey River Settlement’. The gardens are beautiful to explore or just relax and the Stirling Cottage Kitchen tearooms can supply you with breakfast, lunch or just coffee and a snack. The tearooms are open from 9 am seven days a week.
Harvey (HaVe) Cheese
Harvey Cheese is award winning thanks to the rich dairy pastures that produce luscious cream. Indulge in a cellar tasting and stock up on handcrafted cheese, delicious provisions, or sit and enjoy a coffee, milkshake or ice cream. There’s cheese making classes and resident Dorper sheep, horses, camels and emus. They have recently opened the St Duke’s Distillery which is already producing award winning gin and spirits made from whey, a by-product of the cheese making process.
Featured Wood Gallery and Museum
The Featured Wood Gallery and Museum showcases a wide variety of craft and furniture pieces made on the premises or by local artisans, along with some artwork. From custom made furniture to woodwork sculptures, the range is as vast as it is eclectic, all made with locally sourced timbers.
Munda Biddi Trail
The Munda Biddi Trail is known as one of the world’s best. A 1000-kilometre cycle trail from Mundaring (near Perth) to Albany in the Great Southern through natural Australian bushland. In the Harvey Region, the Munda Biddi Trail is accessible from Logue Brook/Lake Brockman, Harvey-Quindanning Road or Myles Road (off Mornington Road).
History Buffs
Check out Harvey’s Internment Camp Memorial Shrine, the only roadside shrine of its type in the world, built by prisoners of war in the 1940s.
Logue Brook Dam
The Logue Brook Dam is located near the town of Yarloop. It is a popular camping spot and also offers swimming, fishing, boating, bush walking and mountain biking and your dog is even welcome too.
FOOD AND DRINK
Vineyard 28 for the ‘little Italy’ experience of the Geographe region with Italian varieties of Arneis, Dolcetto Freddo and rare Nebbiolo. Booking is essential.
At Skipworth Wine Company enjoy a casual and informative tasting of the region most awarded estate-grown wines with owner Kim, in a rustic cellar door surrounded by jarrah and karri tree.
GeoVino is located on the main street of Harvey, and is a gourmet food and wine experience not to be missed. Stocking the wines of Harvey River Estate and Fishbone as well as cheese, pate, olives, and a range of unique gifts.
Old Coast Road Brewery is a relaxing craft brewery with a restaurant set on a scenic 60-acre rural property with olive groves and a sporting oval ready for the kids to kick the footy or play some backyard cricket. There’s a mini golf course (allow an hour) and a kids’ playground.
Brugan Brewery is a modern, industrial-style craft microbrewery nestled in the heart of Wokalup and a new extension onto the old Wokalup Tavern. There’s a speciality bar, open kitchen, microbrewery, functions mezzanine, beer garden and a kids’ sandpit.
Wokalup Tavern welcomes locals and visitors alike. Originally built in 1906, the current owners Megan and Bruce bought the Tavern in 2017 and gave it a new lease on life. They also built the popular Brugan Brewery at the back of the pub. Drop in for a brew, a meal or you can even stay over night.
The Crooked Carrot isTHE place to stop on the way to explore BunGeo, The Crooked Carrot is a cafe which makes all pies, sausage rolls, bread and baked goods on the premises as well as a selection of local jams, chutneys, honey and other treats. Wander through the massive veggie garden and check out the vintage Melbourne trams, rusted old tractors and vintage cars. The kids will love space to run around and the playground. Fur babies catered for with water bowls.
BEACHES
Dolphins are frequently spotted frolicking in the waves along this stretch of coast.
Myalup Beach
Drive your 4WD straight onto Myalup Beach and set up for the day to enjoy swimming, relaxing and fun in the sun. The beach is dog friendly (on leash), with beautiful white sand beaches and cool clear ocean water making it a perfect spot to bring the whole family. The Myalup General Store (15-17 Myalup Beach Road) serves some great lunch options and opens from 7am daily.
Binningup Beach
Binningup Beach is sheltered and calm thanks to the reef running parallel to the shore, great for snorkelling. The white sands stretch for miles and miles, perfect for long walks and there’s a pirate playground that the kids will love. The General Store has a selection of lunches and opens 7 days from 7.30am.
Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park
Bounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Leschenault Inlet on the other, this is a stunning place to walk, cycle, bird watch or just get back to nature. There are three beautiful walking trails, camping and day use sites.
STAY
Bluehills Farmstay is perched above the Harvey Dam, offers three stylish rammed earth chalets and rolling views of the Darling Range and Harvey Weir. Kids will love getting to know the farm animals and the chance to get involved with feeding time, egg collecting and pony rides. There’s also a stunning central pool, BBQ, and play area.
Chalbury Park B&B is a historic home featuring two queen size bedrooms with ensuites. It’s walking distance to town, and entrance is via a tree-lined driveway through two hectares of beautiful gardens and grounds. It’s a romantic retreat that includes a log fire and breakfast. Not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
Lake Brockman Tourist Park has cabins, glamping tents, and powered and non-powered campsites catering for everything from large RVs to small tents. Surrounded by Jarrah forest, the lake is crystal clear and a haven for water-based activities including water skiing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. There’s an onsite café and a large playground for the kids.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE: PERTH TO HARVEY REGION
After driving from Perth, first stop is Vineyard 28 for a little taste of Italy (booking ahead is essential). Specialising in Italian varietals such as Arneis, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Fiano, Vineyard 28 offers a range of bookable immersive tasting experiences. For lunch, go to the family-friendly Old Coast Road Brewery which has a fun mini golf course featuring some of WA’s natural icons. Taste their locally made beer, cider and spirits too. After lunch, drive to Harvey town centre and explore Harvey River Estate Winery and climb the Big Orange. Check out GeoVino for local produce and wine tasting and gather some produce for a picnic dinner. Visit the Italian Internment Camp Memorial and the beautiful Stirling Cottage Gardens. Harvey Bizee Hands on South Western Highway is a delight with locally made crafts and food items. Finish the day with a picnic at Harvey Dam of local produce picked up during the day or at your accommodation.
DAY TWO: NATURE LOVER’S PARADISE
Spend today soaking in the beautiful natural environment. Head to Benesse at Australind for breakfast overlooking the Leschenault Inlet. Take a walk or cycle in the Leschenault Conservation Park and then drive to Binningup Beach to take in the beautiful waters of Geographe Bay. Soak up the sun, go for a swim or do a spot of fishing. Head back inland for lunch at Brugan Brewery at Wokalup to try their locally made brews and enjoy a hearty paddock-to-plate lunch. Next stop is Harvey Cheese, just one minute up the road, which has the creamiest, tastiest locally made cheeses and ice cream. There is also a distillery where they make award-winning spirits from the whey, a by-product of the cheese making process. Then head to the Wildflower Ridge Walk to stretch the legs and take in spectacular views over Harvey Dam. In spring, the walk is dotted with beautiful wildflowers. For dinner, have an Australian casual dinner of fish and chips in Harvey town.
DAY THREE: TAKE A DIP
On your way home visit Logue Brook Dam for a swim, some fishing or a kayak, or if you don’t want to get wet, walk or cycle some of the trails. On your return journey to Perth, stop at the award-winning Skipworth Wine Company near Yarloop and try a pie at the award-winning Pinjarra Bakery in Waroona.
