A comfortable half days drive from Perth transports you to the different world that is the Blackwood River Valley. The gem in the crown of Western Australia's South West, the Valley is the ultimate country retreat for those who want to step back from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, breathe in some pure, fresh air and let the world pass them by for a few days. Fertile soils and the temperate climate support lush green farmlands and thick forests that are criss crossed by the wide and ambling Blackwood River and its tributaries, creating an environment that is as suited to adventure as it is to relaxation.
The Valley has a host of attractions, man made and natural, and the friendly locals are always keen to help out visitors that need some inside knowledge on where to go and what to do. The towns in the Valley are renowned as some of the most picturesque and historical in the country. Nestled in amongst the farmlands and the forests these cosy and charming hamlets are rich in culture and heritage, and one of the chief attractions for tourists coming to this region is to visit the many arts and crafts galleries or antique stores in the area. Boyup Brook is one of these quaint towns. Known as the centre of country music in the region, there is a country music club and store there that are somewhat iconic. The wide, garden lined streets of the town are characteristic of the area, and in the spring when the wildflowers bloom Boyup Brook turns into a sea of colour. There is a museum here that is dedicated to showcasing the achievements of our early pioneers, so pop in there for an educational and interesting visit.
Nannup is another popular centre for travelers to base themselves because there is plenty of diversity in its immediate surrounds. Magnificent jarrah and karri forests lie side by side with rolling farmlands, and as a result of these landscapes its become well known for its range of outdoor activities. Mountain biking, trout fishing, kayaking and bushwalking are all popular pursuits that are well catered for by the Nannup locals, so for some outdoor exhilaration definitely pay this town a visit. It is also a centre for the arts, crafts and antique galleries in the region, so if you get tired of the great outdoors head in for a browse of some of the locally produced exhibits.
If you are looking for a secluded and luxurious place to stay in Nannup, then the Beyonderup Falls Country Escape is the perfect choice. Deluxe self contained chalets overlook the wide and slow flowing Blackwood River, and you'll wake up to the view of the early morning mist rising off its chilly surface. The chalets have everything you would expect in a home, allowing you to enjoy your holiday in comfort and style. Have a look at their website, www.beyonderup.com.au for more information, and then give them a ring to start planning your holiday to this region.
There is an amazing amount of exploring to be done in the Blackwood Valley. The fertility of the soil provides high quality local produce, and a drive through the farms and wineries is a must if you want to sample some of this and stock up on some classy wines to take home. Stop in at the small towns on the way and sample gourmet foods and wines in the friendly and family run restaurants that are famous for their hearty country fare. Alternatively there are an endless amount of picnic spots with fantastic views if you fancy a bit of peace and quiet. The scenic drives in the Valley and well marked and there are lots of them, but one of the best ones is the journey along the Blackwood River from Balingup to Nannup. Its only ninety kilometres long, and will take an hour and a half if you do it in one hit. Take time to stop and visit the cheese factory along the way, or pop into some of the wineries on the road.
Traveling through the Blackwood River Valley can be done in comfort and style with a hire car from Discovery Rentals. There is no spot in Western Australia that truly captures the spirit of the country quite like this region, so for a relaxing and invigorating break start planning your next holiday to this special region.
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit West Australian Car Hire.
