With enviable beaches, rich coastal plains, flavoursome bites, and the breathtaking rolling landscape of the Darling Scarp at your door, an escape to Harvey Region in winter is a reset for the soul!
Just 90 minutes south of Perth, this regional gem is bursting with country charm, and plenty of activities to keep your warm.
Winter Warming Foodie Options In Harvey
When you travel south for winter, Harvey is the first taste of the southwest region you’ll find. Good thing it’s renowned for its mouth-watering, farm to table produce then!
Harvey is, of course, famous for some of the finest cheeses in Western Australia, thanks to perfect cool weather conditions for dairy production. Why not partake in a cheese-tasting at Harvey Cheese, before tasting the delectable gin at adjacent St Duke’s Distillery.
Continue to sample the flavours of the region with a sip of Harvey River Estate’s award-winning Chardonnay or Shiraz at their family-owned 50-acre estate. Visit their cellar door to sample and learn about the vineyards history or stop by the GeoVino wine bar and gift shop, located on Harvey’s main street.
The treats don’t just come in the form of food either, with the Big Orange nestled within the bright orchards surrounding the town. This behemoth is a gold donation to climb and provides one of the best vantage points to take in the dramatic landscape, with views from the 10-metre-tall tower stretching far into the distance.
Discover Melville Park & Friends Farm Shop, a historic farm, dating to the mid-1880s, on the banks of the Brunswick River. Open from 9am to noon every Saturday, you’ll find straight from the paddock winter vegetables as well as farm eggs, honey, shortbread, and their mouth-watering ‘Madeline’ Camembert cheese.
Continue north along South West Highway and you will find a plethora of local produce, including hand picked oranges and mandarins, at Harvey Bizee Hands. While Australind Artisan Collective is the place to source Roeland’s based Bees Knees honey, Harvey grown Delle Donne Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Jam’d & Pickle’d preserves from Australind.
As you travel on the back roads of the Harvey Region, keep an eye out for approved roadside farm gate stalls. Finish the day with a hand-crafted beer from Brugan Brewery or Old Coast Road Brewery.
Arty, Crafty & Whimsical
You might think winter is a time to hibernate and stay indoors, but it’s the time to experience all things arty and crafty. The Harvey Region’s stunning landscape continues to provide inspiration to a dynamic community of artisans. Take a drive to uncover its extensive collection of street art.
Along the way, you’ll find bright and bold works of Aisha Valenti, quirky characters from legend street artist Ian Mutch, and bold designs of renown artist Andrew Frazer, as well as intricate styles from Italian-Australian artist Jack Bromell.
Next, take in the heart of Noongar culture in the region at Boola Bidi Dreaming. Walk alongside local elders and learn about the ancient history, knowledge, and stories of the local area. Dive deeper with a bush food and medicine workshop or partake in some artefact and tool making. Finish up the day with a special yarning circle and hear about cultural knowledge in a collaborative way.
In true winter fashion, don’t forget to get cosy with a stop by the childhood home of May Gibbs, the renowned Australian author of the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie stories. Stirling Cottage is a replica of the 1850’s cottage, in which Gibbs lived in from 1885-1886. It is believed that she drew much of her inspiration for her stories and illustrations from the beautiful surrounds of Harvey. Surrounding the cottage, a short path winds through the stunning gardens and tells the stories of her legendary characters and books.
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Pull on the hiking boots and throw on a puffer jacket and woolly scarf! The Harvey Region boasts breathtaking scenery that truly comes alive in the winter months. From leisurely strolls through frost-kissed orchards to invigorating hikes in nearby national parks, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore.
Head off on a dam-seeking adventure on the Three Dams Scenic Gravel Drive and discover how the Harvey Region supplies a large share of Western Australia’s drinking and irrigation water.
While the weather might be a little chilly for a dip in the many waterways the Harvey Region has to offer, the views (and fishing) are still fantastic. Cast a line at Harvey Dam until July, or see if you can snag a perch from Lake Brockman year round.
Rug up for a kayak, hike endless Jarrah forest or hit the world-famous Munda Biddi Trail. Or head to the Harris River State Forest at Mornington to hug the Big Tree or Big Haddy as he’s colloquially known. Located on Big Tree Road (gravel), the Jarrah Hadfield is more than 10 metres in circumference and over 260 years old.
The Brunswick to Wokalup Ale Cycling Trail is a 24km road cycling route takes riders from the historic Brunswick Tavern to The Wokalup Tavern & Brugan Brewery in Wokalup through the Region’s back roads.
Meanwhile, the Wildflower Ridge Walk, located north of Harvey is the perfect, short hiking trail. Wander through grass trees, bushland and rocky outcrops as you enjoy the breathtaking views from the ridge on this 1.4 km circuit.
Finish the day with a relaxing amble along the banks of the beautiful Leschenault Inlet, or Binningup Beach as you watch the sun set in golden colours across the ocean.
And of course, the Harvey Region is known for its farming animals so don’t forget to check out places like Harvey Farm Barn, where you can enjoy a picnic on the grass, or look out for one of their guided educational tours. With a newly opened cafe in 2023, it’s a must stop family destination to get your farm animal fill!
