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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.
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Southern Forests and Valleys

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. 

driving through Karri forest

Things to Do

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

Understory Art & Nature Trail

Discover artworks scattered like treasure in the forests of Northcliffe.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

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

Yeagarup Dunes

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

Beedelup Falls

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

Mount Chudalup

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

Manjimup Heritage Park & Power Up Museum

Explore Manjimup’s heritage in this historic hamlet.

Where to stay

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

Holberry House

Wander through the gardens of this unique guesthouse in Nannup.

RAC Karri Valley Resort

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

Not to be missed

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

Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Run

16 November 2023 - 16 November 2025

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Albany

3 day trail running stage race along sections of the popular Bibbulmun Track.

Under The Stars – A Summer of Free Outdoor Movies at the Nannup Amphitheatre

05 December 2024 - 13 February 2025

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Nannup

Proudly supported by the Nannup Cinema Club and Shire of Nannup, we are...

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival

14 December 2024

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Manjimup

The streets of Manjimup come to life at this harvest festival.

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.

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Welcome to Australia’s South West!

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored.

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