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Southern Forests and Valleys

Southern Forests and Valleys

The Southern Forests and Valleys encompass some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and charming small towns in the entire South West region. The region feels open, fresh and the scent of clean forest is always on your nose, intermingled with fresh fruit, freshwater streams and the salty ocean air.

Things to Do

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Here are some of our top picks!

Yeagarup Dunes

Take a four-wheel drive adventure of this massive mobile land-locked dune.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

Walk amongst giants for a birds-eye view of an ancient empire.

Beedelup Falls

Hang on tight and walk along the swing bridge to see the falls gushing below.

Understory Art & Nature Trail

Discover artworks scattered like treasure in the forests of Northcliffe.

Mount Chudalup

Take a hike up this massive block of granite surrounded by a sea of karri and marri forest.

Often regarded as the food bowl of Western Australia, the Southern Forests and Valleys are home to some of the most productive soils in Australia. A wide variety of fresh produce is available year-round, and often straight from the farms from which they are grown. Niche epicurean treats including chestnuts, cherries and the black truffles can be purchased throughout the region, while waterways are densely populated with trout, perch and marron (freshwater crayfish). 

The beautiful Blackwood River – the ribbon that ties the region together – is perfect for recreational activities like swimming, canoeing, fishing and camping. With the Bibbulmun Track hiking trail and Munda Biddi Trail also winding through the region, it is an adventure-seeker’s wonderland.

Regional produce and wine

Here, the tall trees are interspersed with rich agricultural lands. Many regard the Southern Forests and Valleys to be the food bowl of Western Australia, home to some of the most productive soils in Australia.

A wide variety of fresh produce is available year-round, and often straight from the farms from which it’s grown. Niche epicurean treats include chestnuts, finger limes, the Pink Lady apple, cherries, ginseng, green tea, dairy products, beef, lamb, marron, perch, trout, smoked products and, more recently, the rare black Perigord truffle. In addition to agricultural produce, aquaculture is popular in the area; waterways are densely populated with trout, perch and marron (freshwater crayfish).

The Pemberton and Manjimup Wine Regions combine southern latitude with high altitude and has a relatively cool climate, making it ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes and suited to the production of refined Bordeaux-style wines.

Forest and ocean

Skyscraping karri, jarrah, marri and tingle trees tower over the many towns that make up the Southern Forests and Valleys. The striking coastline of the region stretches across 140km, where beautiful karri forests sit atop rocky cliffs, and white sandy beaches are pounded by the wild Southern Ocean. 

The Blackwood River

In contrast, the region has a number of tranquil inlets, streams and rivers that are brimming with life, perfect for recreational activities like swimming, canoeing, fishing and camping. Winding country roads crisscross through green hills, ancient jarrah forest and the beautiful Blackwood River – the ribbon that ties the region together. Measuring 300km in length, the Blackwood River is the longest continually flowing river in Western Australia. 

Flowers

In late winter to spring, the region comes alive with its iconic tulip and daffodil displays, adding vibrancy to the already rich colours of the region. Drive through the towns of Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Manjimup, Nannup, Northcliffe, Pemberton and Walpole during these seasons and discover wildflowers growing through the forest and between the trees. 

Where to stay

Take a look at these places to stay when planning your next visit to Australia’s South West.

RAC Karri Valley Resort

Positioned on the edge of Lake Beedelup in Pemberton, relax and unwind in nature.

Holberry House

Wander through the gardens of this unique guesthouse in Nannup.

Not to be missed

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Truffle Kerfuffle

23 - 25 June 2023
Manjimup
The ultimate winter getaway, this weekend-long food and wine festival is in the heart of Australian truffle country.

Wildflower Season

01 August 2023 - 30 November 2023
Bunbury
Witness an explosion of colour during spring, set against the stunning natural scenery of the South West.

Nannup Flower & Garden Festival

12 - 27 August 2023
Nannup
Be inspired, delighted and surprised by this celebration of natural beauty.

Your Southern Forests and Valleys Bucket List

1. Sample fresh produce such as chestnuts, hazelnuts, avocados, pears, cherries, nectarines and Bravo apples straight from the farm gate.
2. Sample fresh produce such as chestnuts, hazelnuts, avocados, pears, cherries, nectarines and Bravo apples straight from the farm gate.
3. Test your fear of heights by scaling one of the region’s two karri climbing trees, the tallest of which is around 75m-high.
4. Spend a day four-wheel driving in the off-road wilderness of the region’s national parks. Our tip: The Yeagarup Sand Dunes is a large moving sand dune system, which offers plenty of off-road adventure.
5. Stroll through the unique Understory Art and Nature Walk that begins from the Northcliffe Visitor Centre and marvel at creative sculptures and installations from international artists.
6. Go on a black truffle dog hunt in Manjimup during winter, or feast on the prized fungi at one of the region’s restaurants.
7. Try your hand at fishing for some fresh trout at one of the many bountiful lakes in Pemberton.
8. Be adventurous and head out on one of the region’s many mountain biking and cycling trails, including the world-famous Munda Biddi. Wake up to a misty morning in Nannup or Bridgetown during a weekend break to one of the area’s farmstays, complete with baby animals and native wildlife.
9. Canoe or kayak down the tranquil Blackwood River or take to white-water rafting during the winter months.
10. Explore one of the many walking trails in the region to immerse yourself in rich biodiversity or tackle the Bibbulmun track. Our tip: Visit the stunning Beedelup Falls in Pemberton.

Other ideas for your trip

Looking for some inspiration on what to do? Read up on the different experiences and trips for the holiday of your dreams.

Villages in the Valley Road Trip

Explore hidden gems in the heart of the South West on WA's most charming road trip.

From Truffles to Cheese, This is Your Guide to Produce and Product in the South West

Some of the world's finest produce can be found right here in Australia's South West.

Newletter

What brings you here

Hamelin Bay

One of the best beaches

in Australia

Pinot Picnic

28 – 30 April 2023

SIP, TASTE & EXPLORE

Plan your Visit

Check out the

South West Edge Road Trip