Just three hours from Perth, Balingup lies in the heart of the beautiful Blackwood River Valley. There are plenty of scenic drives available throughout the valley and, for the more energetic, the opportunity to enjoy the scenery on foot or by bicycle.

Golden Valley Tree Park

Golden Valley Tree Park is a unique collection of beautiful and interesting trees from all over the world, grown in a landscaped setting, creating an inspirational place for all who enjoy the beauty of nature. Located 2 km south of Balingup, the park occupies two former farming properties first landscaped by the original settlers. Many of the now mature specimen trees are prominent features of the park.

The 60 hectare park is divided into two sections, the area to the west of Padbury Road featuring the Australian collection, whilst the exotic or imported collection is found to the east. On the hilltop above the Australian section, a lookout offers fine views of the park and of the Balingup district.

The park features walk trails, picnic and barbecue areas, an information gazebo, and Yungerup homesite with fruit trees and exotic species and other reminders of the original garden.

Birdwood Park Fruit Winery

Established in 1992, the Birdwood Park Fruit Winery is set in a picturesque valley amongst 35 acres of orchard. Birdwood Park is open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week for cellar sales.  The fruit for the wine is grown in the orchard surrounding the winery, processed on the premises, and the wine bottled and then sold either at the cellar door or by mail order. 

Birdwood Park's Fruit Wines have won awards each year since 1993 at the Perth Royal Show, most notably the Top Commercial Fruit Wine of the Show in 1998, 1999, and again in 2001 along with 6 Silver and 4 Bronze medals this year.

Bibbulmun Track

The world famous Bibbulmun Track passes through Balingup, as it meanders its nearly 1000 km way from Perth to Albany.  If you are not into camping and carrying, a great alternative is to take up comfortable quarters in the town and take advantage of free transfers to the Track.

Blackwood Valley Llamas

Take a guided walk with a llama companion.  A variety of experiences can be enjoyed, including twilight suppers and picnics in the company of these inquisitive and friendly animals.  Farm visits can be arranged by appointment.

The Old Cheese Factory Craft Centre

Built on the site of an old sawmill in 1934, Balingup Cheese Factory was supplied with milk from surrounding dairy farmers in old milk cans.  The factory was taken over by Capel Dairy Company in 1956, who expanded the factory to the size it is today. Balingup Cheese Factory was famous for its cheeses and the company, now known as Watson's Foods, closed the factory in 1978 and moved the complete operation to Capel where it remains today.

The old factory buildings were purchased in 1979 and converted into a working pottery and exhibition centre for artists and craftspeople. The present owners concentrate on providing a centre for the display of south west art and crafts. The old coolrooms are used as galleries and the factory as a huge area to display and sell smaller crafts. The rear storerooms are packed with old farm and logging memorabilia and relics, and the boiler room remains as it was in the 1950s - probably the only large boilers of their type left in WA.

Now the largest craft centre in Western Australia, the Old Cheese Factory is renowned Australia wide for its diversity and quality.  Many of the finest artists and craftspeople in the south west exhibit within the Centre, including artist in residence Jenny Taylor.  The Centre also incorporates the Garden Cafe and the Scarecrow Shop.

Balingup Lavender Farm

Enjoy beautiful views and wander amongst the colourful lavender, roses and cottage plants.  The farm cultivates 35 varieties of lavender and has over 6,000 plants.  Plants are available for sale, as are the unique oils and exclusive lavender products. Take a distillery tour, check out the arts and crafts, or relax with tea or coffee on the gallery verandah and enjoy the abundant birdlife in these peaceful surroundings.

Local Wine and Produce

Visit local wineries, try the produce at Tarnagulla Olive Farm, sample award-winning products from the Heritage Country Cheese Factory.

Sporting Facilities

Visitors are welcome, summer and winter, at the Balingup Bowling and Tennis Club and there are three golf courses within ten minutes drive of Balingup.  In the warmer weather try one of the nearby lakes where you can swim in a natural bush setting.

Search WWW Search www.countrycousins.com.au
	Homepage - Tourist Information - Balingup

This page last updated 19-Dec-2005