Bunbury Geographe

The cosmopolitan city of Bunbury is renowned for its wild but friendly bottlenose dolphins which you can meet at the shoreline or out in the bay aboard a dolphin watching and swimming tour. It's also the setting of many maritime legends and the northern gateway to Australia's South West - one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where world-class wine, pristine beaches and forests of timber giants can all be enjoyed in a single day.<br/><br/>Hitting the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway south of Perth, you'll be beside the blue waters of Koombana Bay in under two hours. Regular charter flights from Perth will get you to Bunbury in the blink of an eye. If the idea of arriving by sea appeals, Bunbury is also included in the summer itineraries of many Australian cruise packages. <br/><br/>To meet Bunbury's friendliest locals, make a beeline for the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Here, on the shores of Koombana Bay, a dedicated interpretive centre and interaction zone allows visitors to encounter some of the 100-plus bottlenose dolphins who frequent its calm waters. Stand knee-deep in the shallows and wait for them to come to you, or join a tour for a viewing or swimming experience. <br/><br/>At nearby Mangrove Cove in the Leschenault Estuary, nature lovers can get a glimpse of what the coast looked like 20,000 years ago with a walk through Western Australia's southern-most mangroves. <br/><br/>Golfers can swing by one of three internationally-renowned courses and young families will find more animal encounters in the region's wildlife parks.<br/><br/>In the nearby Ferguson Valley lies a veritable feast of award-winning wines, fresh produce, local crafts, dazzling spring wildflowers, beautiful tuart forests, meandering waterways and captivating historic country towns.<br/><br/>Those in search of dawn-to-dusk buzz should head for Bunbury's 'cappuccino strip', waterside restaurants and the bright lights of the Entertainment Centre. Earning its reputation as a cultural hub, Bunbury's event-filled calendar features opera, drama, comedy and the work of renowned Australian contemporary artists.<br/><br/>The accommodation options offer just as much choice, from well-appointed beachfront resorts to city motels and budget-friendly chalets, caravan parks and backpackers.

The quaint rural town of Capel invites you to explore the world's only naturally occurring tuart forest, feast on local wines and produce, relax on pristine beaches or fish the Capel River.<br/><br/>Situated on the banks of the Capel River, Capel is just two hours and 20 minutes south of Perth by car, with the last remaining natural tall tuart forest in the world on its doorstep.<br/><br/>Take a leisurely drive through Ludlow Tuart Forest in Tuart Forest National Park, or hit the bushwalking trails to marvel at the beauty of these timber giants, estimated to be over 300 years old. Enjoy lunch at the picnic facilities against the backdrop of this rare ecosystem, keeping a look out for the abundant native animals and birds.<br/><br/>Cool off with a dip in the Indian Ocean at pretty Peppermint Grove Beach, where you can also try your hand at beach fishing - there are lots of opportunities for fishing, prawning and crabbing (in season) along this stretch of coast, as well as boating, sailing and surfing.<br/><br/>Alternatively, book an organised tour or take the self-drive option and indulge in the fresh produce that the Capel region is renowned for.<br/><br/>With its Mediterranean climate, the area is a prime farming country, famed for its cheeses, dairy produce, fruit and wine. The vineyards and cellar doors throughout the Geographe Wine Region proffer an array of grape and wine varieties.<br/><br/>While you're exploring, head 30 minutes north to Bunbury where you can watch or swim with the resident dolphins of Koombana Bay, or 25 minutes to the south to Busselton and take a two-kilometre walk over the ocean on the longest jetty of its kind in the southern hemisphere. <br/><br/>There's much to see and experience nearby, so take your pick from the area's broad range of holiday accommodations - from self-contained units to bed and breakfasts and caravan parks - and explore at your leisure.

<p>The world-class Adventure Trail town of Collie is an outdoor playground for travellers and campers seeking a nature hit. Wind your way through pristine forests as you hike or bike Collie’s bush tracks and trails, white-water raft through spectacular river valleys and navigate blue lakes by canoe or kayak.&nbsp;</p>

Western Australia's apple capital of Donnybrook invites you to discover an abundance of fresh local produce, Australia's biggest free entry fun park and its lovingly restored heritage architecture.<br/><br/>Just two hours and 15 minutes by road south of Perth, this charming southwest town offers scenic drives perfect for a day trip from the city, a stopover on your down south tour, or your base for a blissful country break.<br/><br/>Take to the streets around Donnybrook and beyond, where you'll find a dazzling display of apple and cherry blossoms during spring and quaint roadside stalls laden with the freshest of local farm produce.<br/><br/>At the heart of the Geographe Wine Region, the Donnybrook area boasts seven cellar doors from which to sample the award-winning signature notes as well as a local cider factory. <br/><br/>Built from the ground up by locals, the Donnybrook Apple Fun Park proudly boasts the title of the nation's largest free-entry entertainment park. Fire up a barbecue and enjoy an afternoon of free family fun climbing, swinging and sliding.<br/><br/>Soak in the ambiance of a time gone by with a collection of colonial buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Stroll along the winding path of the Aboriginal sculpture park and read fascinating tales of one of the world's longest-surviving cultures.<br/><br/>Walk, cycle or roll out the picnic rug to relax and unwind in the countryside. The local dam, tree park, historic mill, and seasonal falls offer idyllic spots to enjoy a glass of wine and some stunning natural beauty. Or take a short drive on the quirky side to nearby Gnomesville, home to over 3,000 gnomes of all shapes and sizes.<br/><br/>For an overnight stay in Donnybrook, you can pick from farm stays, self-contained cottages, hotel, and backpacker accommodation.<br/><br/>Design your visit to Western Australia's home of apple production to coincide with the biennial Easter festival, a decades-old event celebrating the March to May harvest season.

Set in the picturesque upper reaches of the Blackwood River Valley, Balingup is an inspiration to many artisans, from artists and crafts people to wine makers and providors of gourmet produce. Follow one of Western Australia's top tourist drives, or take to the walking trails to sample the riches this region has to offer.<br/><br/>Take the two hour and 40 minute drive south of Perth to reach the forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, vineyards and lush orchards of Balingup. Or, enjoy the journey at a slower pace, walking the Bibbulmun Track - one of the world's greatest long distance trails, stretching almost 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda in Perth to Albany on the south coast. <br/><br/>The track meanders through Balingup's Golden Valley Tree Park - a six hectare collection of trees from around the world that forms the largest arboretum in Western Australia. Here, you can find beauty in every season, from moody winter mists, to spring blossoms and the golden glow of autumn leaves.<br/><br/>Venturing further afield, the top rated Blackwood River Tourist Drive takes in some of the region's most scenic landscapes, fascinating historical landmarks, top fishing spots and pretty picnic areas.<br/><br/>The best of the Blackwood's art, craft, handcrafted pottery, jewellery, sculpture, alpaca knitwear, herbal products, antiques and collectables can all be discovered in and around the village, not to mention a tempting array of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, fresh produce and local wines.<br/><br/>You'll be just as spoilt for choice if you decide to make Balingup your base for a country escape, with a wide range of family-friendly accommodation and romantic retreats to choose from.

Rolling hills, vineyards, casual microbreweries and the oddity of Gnomesville make this area a must-see. Stay at Honeymoon Pool.

Surrounded by fertile plains on the banks of the Harvey River, Harvey (Korijekup) is one of Australia's premier agricultural areas, boasting a rich Noongar, British, and Italian cultural heritage. Lunch on fine cheeses, craft beers and award-winning wines and pick up some fresh orange juice, and Harvey Beef. Or stay a while in the tranquil Jarrah forests and fully indulge in the local produce and outdoor adventures.<br/><br/>Just south of Harvey, you'll find the small agricultural town of Wokalup. Home to the Wokalup Tavern, Brugan Brewery, Harvey Cheese and St Duke's Distillery.<br/><br/>If you're taking the Kwinana Freeway from Perth to the Forrest Highway, the Harvey turnoff will get you to Harvey in under 90 minutes. Or, take a leisurely country drive on the South Western Highway. There's also the option of cycling or walking your way here from Perth on the famous Munda Biddi Trail or the Bibbulmun Track.<br/><br/>The award-winning Boola Bidi Dreaming Centre is the home of Noongar Culture of Bindjareb Country. The centre offers cultural education, tours, bush food and giftware.<br/><br/>Lovers of May Gibbs, author of the children's classic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie stories, will be enchanted by the May Gibbs Trail. <br/><br/>Nearby, the Harvey Internment Camp Memorial Shrine has been a place of remembrance and is believed to be Australia's only roadside memorial shrine. This State Heritage Listed site is a memorial to the Italians who were interned in Harvey during WWI. It also provides information on the German prisoners who spent time in Camp No. 11. Learn more about Harvey's history on the Harvey Heritage Trails. <br/><br/>Fill your own picnic basket and head for one of the many beauty spots – including the Wildflower Ridge Walk, Harvey Dam and Gibbs Pool Amphitheatre, Stirling Dam and Logue Brook Dam. <br/><br/>Be sure to include a climb up the Big Orange at Harvey River Estate in your visit. Sitting on top of a 10-metre tower, this local icon gives you a look inside Harvey's history and sweeping views of the orange orchards.

<p>Cooled by the afternoon sea breeze, the Geographe Wine Region enjoys a long and stable growing season that’s ideal for crafting award-winning Shiraz, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.</p>