Blackwood River Valley
The Blackwood River is the longest river in Western Australia’s south – west and nestling in the fertile Blackwood Valley are some of the states most picturesque towns. Places like Donnybrook, Mullalyup, Bridgetown, Balingup, Boyup Brook and Nannup.
The valley has some of the states finest fruit orchards and prime dairy cattle can be seen grazing on the rolling farmland. Historical buildings abound and many restored inns and farmhouses welcome visitors
This area is the start of tall timber country, where the landscape morphs from rolling hills and patchwork farms into karri forests soaring more than 50 metres high. The Blackwood River ambles through a wooded valley, linking communities and serving as the area’s agricultural lifeline. It’s also the place for trout fishing and canoeing.
Towns like Bridgetown, Nannup, Balingup and Boyup Brook are great for art galleries, antique and craft shops and cosy cafes. Look out for the Norlup Homestead at Boyup Brook and the furniture gallery at Nannup. Alternatively, head out of town for a farmstay or bush cabin experience. For those who love their creature comforts, enjoy a few days in a chalet among the tall timbers, complete with log fires, local gourmet food and wines. The valley is full of well-marked bush trails, scenic drives, picnic spots, restaurants, galleries and eco-tourism activities. Explore the secluded beauty of the national parks or set up camp. It’s not hard to get away and find a little piece of Western Australia all to yourself.
For a scenic drive, journey along the Blackwood River from Balingup to Nannup and then continue to Bridgetown or vice versa. The drive is approximately 90km long and will take approximately 1 hour and 30 mins to drive. Allow some extra time to stop along the way to enjoy the local walk trails, wineries and a cheese factory.
Festivals are wholeheartedly supported in these communities and include the famous Bridgetown Blues Festival and the Nannup Music Festival. The Blackwood River Marathon tests athletic and horse-riding skills and endurance through local forests and river crossings.