There’s an old saying that 'good things come in small packages' and when you look at the humble size of Balingup’s population, you can rest assured it’s all good. This delightful rural town in the southwestern part of Western Australia is a rare gem, filled with friendly people, fun-filled festivals and events, and beautiful scenery.
Situated on the edge of Balingup Brook, close to the
Margaret River, the town is a part of the world famous
Bibbulmun Track, where you can pack your bags and trek for weeks between Kalamunda and Albany. If you prefer to stay closer to town, there are plenty of festivities, ranging from the annual Small Farm Field Day in April, to a Medieval Carnival in August and the Bibbulmun Track outdoor concert in November. But even if you aren’t here during one of the festivals, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this delightful small town.
Things to do in Balingup
Balingup is the ideal place to visit if you are searching for an uncomplicated and relaxing holiday, providing peaceful indulgence and rejuvenation...
Indulge: Set in a region where wines, cheese, stone fruit and orchards are aplenty, your taste buds will certainly be pleased! Fresh local produce is used in the local cafes and delis as well as the towns surrounding Balingup. Take a trip to a nearby winery, or wander into the Village Market on a Sunday morning (runs alternate weeks).
Explore: Walk down the main street of Balingup and check out the unique specialty shops and boutiques. Visit a gallery and check out the local arts and crafts, or take a scenic drive of the area. Pack some lunch and head out onto the Bibbulmun Track – even if just to say you walked part of it!
Relax: Rejuvenate in one of the many cosy B&Bs or holiday homes in the area, and imagine living in a place where spring blossoms and autumn foliage greet you each morning after a stunning sunrise.
Venture out: Balingup is one of many delightful destinations in a region packed with beauty and tranquillity. Check out other towns along the Margaret River, for example nearby
Busselton where you can spend a day relaxing on the beach or fishing from the jetty.
When to go
The towns in the southwest of Western Australia are beautiful year-round. Balingup is particularly lovely in autumn with the leaves changing colours, and also spring with the flowers in bloom.
How to get there
It will take approximately three hours to drive around 240km from
Perth, but the drive is worth it. Along the way, you’ll encounter many of Western Australia’s treasures in the form of delightful small towns, farms and wineries, both along the coast and then inland.
Accommodation
Despite the modest population of the area, there are a number of delightful
Balingup accommodation options including chalets, B&Bs, cottages and holiday homes. One popular choice is
Chestnut Brook Cottage, Balingup, which is a picturesque self-contained cottage nestled among 10 acres adjacent to Bibbulmun Track and Balingup Brook. The owners have taken great care with their acreage, ensuring gorgeous flowers bloom most of the year. Privacy and tranquillity are keystones of this cottage, where you can relax on a private verandah and listen to the birds, while enjoying the views. The cottage garden is truly special, with many types of flowers flourishing. This cottage is great for families as well as couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway; only one couple or family is taken in at a time.
Ideal length of visit
A romantic long weekend or relaxing short break is perfect for Balingup. If you want to get away from the city and unwind, it is the ideal place to spend a week, before returning home completely rejuvenated. Alternatively, consider including a brief stay as part of a larger trip around the southwest region of Western Australia.
Further information
Visit the
Balingup Tourism website for more information, or head to the Balingup Visitor Information Centre on South Western Highway.
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