There’s something special about wandering through a garden in full bloom. A winding path lined with flowers, the scent of lavender drifting through the air, the quiet rustle of leaves overhead.
Across Australia’s South West, country gardens offer more than just beautiful displays. They tell stories of seasons, heritage, creativity, and the people who have painstakingly helped shape them over time.
Whether you’re planning a spring roadtrip, a weekend escape, or simply looking for a peaceful place to slow down, these are 7 of the most spectacular country gardens that are worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup
Hidden among the rolling hills of Balingup, Golden Valley Tree Park is one of Western Australia’s most remarkable arboretums (or tree museums). Spanning 60 hectares, the park is home to thousands of trees from all around the world, creating a landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons.
While the park can be enjoyed year-round, it is particularly popular during autumn when vibrant shades of gold, red, and orange transform the landscape into one of the most spectacular displays of seasonal colour. In spring fresh green growth emerges, while winding walking trails lead visitors through groves of maples, oaks, chestnuts, and conifers.
Picnic spots are scattered throughout the grounds, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring. It’s a place where every turn reveals a different perspective – perfect for photographers, families, and nature lovers alike.
2. Kodja Rose Maze, Kojonup
At the award-winning Kodja Place precinct you will find the Kodja Rose Maze. This country garden combines history, culture, and nature in one unique experience.
Wander among more than 1,400 Australian-bred roses and discover a living timeline that celebrates the stories of Noongar, English, and Italian women connected to the Kojonup region. Through mosaics, journals, letters, and symbolic structures, the maze reveals personal stories rich with authenticity. It offers a moving insight into the lives, challenges, and resilience of country women across the last century.
As you explore the pathways, you’ll encounter beautifully designed pergolas that reflect different eras in the maze’s timeline. All while the fragrant blooms in shades of apricot, crimson, yellow, and deep red create a colourful backdrop. Nearby, the Kodja Place Interpretive Centre offers deeper insights into local Noongar culture and settler history, as well as the many communities that have shaped the region.
The result is a garden experience that feels both beautiful and meaningful, encouraging visitors to discover the stories woven into the landscape.
3. Holberry House Sculpture Trail, Nannup
At Holberry House, gardens give way to what can only be called an outdoor gallery.
Set among manicured grounds and towering trees, the Sculpture Trail invites visitors to wander through a collection of artworks that are thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens. Sculptures emerge among flower beds, lawns, and shady corners, creating moments of surprise and discovery along the way. Each named with a plaque, you can even contact the artist about purchasing your own.
Combining art and nature, the trail offers a different way to experience a country garden. Experience how creativity blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of Nannup.
4. Nannup Lavender Farm
Just outside Nannup, rows of vibrant lavender transform the countryside into a sea of purple during the flowering season. Wander through the fields as they reach their peak bloom throughout December and January.
The scent arrives before the view itself, filling the air. Beyond the gardens, the Nannup Lavender Farm also offers locally made lavender products and opportunities to learn about the cultivation of this much-loved plant. Take a moment to enjoy a meal or afternoon tea at the restaurant. Seasonal dishes are served with views across the lavender fields, and friendly dog company, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch.
For those wanting to extend their stay, camping options onsite allow guests to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings and experience the farm from sunrise to sunset. For photographers, couples and anyone in need of a little rest and rejuvenation, it’s a garden experience that calms the senses and encourages a deeper night’s sleep.
5. The Gardens of the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival
Each year, Nannup comes alive during the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, opening the gates to some of the region’s most beautiful private and public gardens.
What began as a small tulip festival in 1997 has grown into one of the South West’s most celebrated gardening events. Held in the historic town of Nannup, the festival showcases more than 20,000 tulips alongside open gardens, workshops, markets, presentations, and community events. Its evolution from a small weekend event to the vibrant Flower and Garden Festival reflects the town’s enduring passion for horticulture and community spirit.
From 7 to 17 August, visitors can explore a diverse collection of properties, each showcasing different styles, planting techniques, and seasonal displays. Wander cottage gardens overflowing with colour and see for yourself why it is one of the 7 most spectacular country gardens.
6. Festival of Country Gardens
Spring brings another opportunity to explore some of the South West’s most beautiful country gardens during the Festival of Country Gardens.
Spanning the Blackwood Valley and Southern Forests region, the festival opens the gates to a diverse collection of private gardens otherwise never seen by the public. Along the sprawling landscapes dotted with lakes and towering deciduous trees you will encounter charming cottage gardens bursting with seasonal colour.
Visitors are invited to wander at their own pace, meet passionate garden owners, discover creative planting ideas, and soak up the atmosphere of these carefully nurtured spaces. Each garden offers something unique, making this a must-stop event for garden-lovers.
7. Amaze’n Margaret River
Amaze’n Margaret River combines beautifully maintained gardens with a sense of adventure. Challenge your sense of direction in the sprawling hedge maze, before exploring winding pathways lined with flowers, peaceful lakes, sculptures, and open green spaces that make this attraction much more than a maze.
Families will love the challenge of finding their way through the giant hedge maze, while couples can enjoy a slower stroll through the surrounding gardens and natural bushland. Set among the towering trees of the Margaret River Region, it offers a playful and picturesque way to experience the beauty of the South West.
From world-class arboretums and lavender fields to sculpture gardens, rose mazes and seasonal festivals, Australia’s South West offers countless opportunities to experience the beauty of country gardens. Pack a camera, allow plenty of time to wander, and follow the 7 most spectacular country gardens through the region’s towns.
