Bicycle Network: The West Australian Great WA Bike Ride

Manjimup

Manjimup is just 307 km from Perth, in the beautiful south west corner of Western Australia - a land of tall timbers, abundant fresh water, rich soils and undulating scenery. Early settlers rejoiced in the potential wealth of the land and created their future with the axe, plough and the sweat of their brows. This pioneer history has created the vibrant cultures that are so much a part of Manjimup today. Manjimup has a population of around 5,000 and is the regional centre for the Warren and Blackwood Valleys, providing all the facilities you would expect, including an airport. http://www.manjimupwa.com/index.htm

Things to See and Do

Dean Mill
Historic mill precinct and working jarrah sawmill.

Diamond Tree Lookout
At the top of this 51 m karri tree, situated about 10 km south of Manjimup, is the only wooden treetop tower in the world. It is still in use as an integral part of the fire management and spotting programme. Climbing of the tree is permitted. Barbecues and toilets are located nearby and an interpretive centre provides information on forest management and flora and fauna species inhabiting the area. The Jim Fox Adventure Trail is also located here, which is great fun for the young and the young at heart. This is one of three climbable treetop fire lookouts located within the Southern Forests, along with the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants.

The Wine and Truffle Co. www.wineandtruffle.com.au
The Wine & Truffle Co. is a producer of premium fine wines and the largest cultivator of the gourmet French black truffle in the southern hemisphere. Visitors are welcome to our scenic property, to enjoy lunch at our modern gourmet café, taste our award winning wines at the cellar door, learn about the gourmet delicacy and, if you like, purchase some of our wines, hazelnuts, truffle oils and other gourmet products. Coach tour bookings and, in season, truffle hunting, by appointment.

Pemberton

Pemberton WA is a pretty timber town, located in the south west pocket of the State and all about indulging in local gourmet produce, tasting top wines and feasting your eyes on breathtaking forest scenery. The tall trees - Pemberton's biggest attraction - are truly magnificent. Stretching skywards as far as the eye can see, these vast Karri giants are awe-inspiring. And in spring the forest floor transforms with a burst of colourful wildflowers.

Things to see and do - http://www.pembertontourist.com.au/pages/home-page-pictures/

• Paddle a canoe around Pemberton's river, lake and estuary waters, visit the largest inland dune system in the Southern Hemisphere and browse around local art galleries.
• Step back in time to Pemberton's romantic timber milling days and ride a steam train, tour a timber mill and taste some Aboriginal bush tucker.
• Pemberton is also fast gaining a reputation for its wine and gourmet produce.
• Whatever your culinary preference, there's something to suit your palate - and wallet.
• Stop at the cellar door of a local winery for a bottle of chardonnay en route to a picnic at Beedelup Falls.
• Or slap a steak on a barbecue at Big Brook Dam and settle in for the afternoon.
• Find a quiet riverbank and throw in a line for trout, perch and marron.
• The Pemberton Tramway Co. www.pemtram.com.au
  These return services meander through towering Karri & Marri forest, over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams, along one of Australia’s most majestic rail lines. Springtime, September & October, the forest is resplendent with wildflowers. As you admire the breathtaking view on the journey, your driver gives an informative commentary on the forest, railway line and history of the region. Trams stop at the Cascades and Warren River Bridge for you to alight and experience the feel of the forest.

Nannup

http://www.nannupwa.com.au/afrontpage.asp

The picturesque little mill town of Nannup is set alongside the Blackwood River amongst stunning countryside and surrounding farmlands. Nannup is located on the Vasse Highway about halfway between Busselton and Pemberton.The main street is dotted with historic buildings, antique stores, colourful craft shops and cosy tearooms.

Nannup is now known as the Garden Village because of its beautiful private and public gardens, tulip farms and bush wildflowers. In August the town is ablaze with colour from blooming tulips and daffodils. Walk trails are also on offer and are a great way to experience the springtime wildflowers and pristine local environment.

Things to see and do - http://www.nannupwa.com.au/pages/things-to-see-do/

Mythic Mazes
Spend half an hour or half a day following in the footsteps of King Arthur and his Knights, or Ancient Greek heroes and monsters, as you take the challenge of hedge mazes, native plant-based sculpture gardens, puzzles and games.
Or just relax on our shady decks with organic and Fair Trade coffees and teas, and yummy scones all made on site.
http://www.nannupwa.com.au/accom_result1/the-mythic-mazes/
 

Canoeing
Hidden deep in the forest this beautiful stretch of deep water provides canoeing for twelve months of the year.
Canoeists are able to get off the water and walk through the forests, in very private and secluded areas inaccessible to vehicles.
http://www.nannupwa.com.au/accom_result1/canoeing-at-nannup/

Walking Trails

• The 2.5km Heritage Trail through the town.
• The River Walk Trail along the Blackwood River.
• The Kondil Park Wildflower Walk meanders through jarrah forest.
• The Karri Gully Walk Trail.

Margaret River

Margaret River WA was originally a chilled out surfie town, but has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of fine wine, good food and spectacular scenery – just a three-and-a-half hour drive south of Perth. No trip to Western Australia is complete without a pit stop at Margaret River.
There's a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks.

The wine is definitely top notch - the region produces less than one per cent of Australian wine, but wait for it - over 15 per cent of the country's premium wine.

Things to see and do

Margaret River Chocolate Factory
The Margaret River Chocolate Company is one of Western Australia's most popular tourist attractions, with manufacturing, sales and cafe facilities in both Margaret River and the Swan Valley. The (original) Margaret River factory is located on a peaceful and picturesque rural property just 20 minutes from both Margaret River and Busselton. The company's second factory is located in the heart of Perth's historic Swan Valley, just 20 minutes from the Perth CBD.

Both locations provide a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate, with visitors treated to FREE chocolate tastings, interactive displays, viewing windows to watch the chocolate products being made and a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
A wealth of information on all aspects of chocolate is available, plus both factories sell a huge, mouth-watering range of chocolate bars, chocolate coated delights, hand made truffles, novelty chocolates, chocolate body products, chocolate sauce, cookies.
www.chocolatefactory.com.au

Mammoth Cave
This magical cave is a natural time capsule and home to ancient fossil remains of extinct megafauna.
See the fossils for yourself and listen to scientific accounts over an informative and ambient MP3 audio self-guided system - perfect for admiring nature's fascinating underground beauty at your own pace. A visit to Mammoth Cave finishes with a winding walk through the beautiful Marri trail with whistling birds and stunning flora displays. Mammoth Cave is much more than a cave - it is a complete nature experience. is not our policy to provide refunds for cancellations.

No booking is required except for large groups. Tour group bookings are non-refundable. If more than 24 hours notice of a cancellation is made, Caveworks will supply a suitable substitute for Cave Tours. A suitable substitute includes a tour at an alternative time, day or CaveWorks location. The tour must be taken within 8 weeks of the original booking and is subject to availability.
http://www.margaretriver.com/accom_result1/mammoth-cave/

Margaret River Wine Region Centre
This unique Centre is situated in the heart of the Margaret River wine district.
You are invited to begin your Margaret River experience with us. Each day we conduct comparative tastings and showcase featured wines of the region, Sample your favourite styles in our tasting room, compare notes, then plan an itinerary to take in the wineries you would most like to visit. Our informed staff will point you in the right direction. www.mrwines.com

Dunsborough

Dunsborough WA is a pretty seaside town that overlooks the crystal clear waters of Geographe Bay and is one of the most popular family holiday spots in Western Australia. An easy three hour drive from Perth, it's a haven of secluded coves and coastal walking trails where you can watch bottlenose dolphins frolick in turquoise water. Take a drive along the coast to some of WA's best swimming beaches - Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. Facing north to the Indian Ocean, these beaches boast calm, sheltered water and, like many of Western Australia's beaches, are refreshingly uncrowded. Pack a picnic or crank up the free barbeques and make a day of it.
http://www.geographebay.com/pages/dunsborough/

Things to see and do

Kayaking
Paddle the pristine turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, snorkel & swim in secluded bays. Viewing of our local marine & bird life. Ocean kayaks are easy to paddle and are designed for easy access when out swimming and snorkelling. Suitable for all ages and all abilities.
http://www.capekayaks.com

Cape Naturalise Lighthouse
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and the beautiful Geographe Bay coastline reward visitors to the top balcony of the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Easier than most lighthouses to climb, the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the Geographe Bay and Margaret River Wine region. Built from limestone quarried from nearby Bunker Bay, at its highest point the lighthouse is 123 metres above sea level. Numerous walking trails lead from the Lighthouse around the stunning bays and beaches of the Cape, providing amazing views over the ocean and of the local wildflowers. A platform and shelter provides magnificent whale watching during the annual migratory periods, from September to December - a special experience not to be missed.

Ngilgi Cave
Located in the Margaret River wine region just off Caves Road, a short distance north of Yallingup. The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name.
Explore the cave and experience stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations. Visit an interpretive area detailing Ngilgi Cave's interesting history. A cafe, playground, barbecue facilities and walk trails make Ngilgi Cave a fun place to visit for the entire family.

Busselton

Busselton has been judged WAs top tourism town three times (1995,1996 & 2005) and is the Western Australia’s premier seaside resort town. Sheltered from most prevailing winds, it has 30 kilometres of white sandy beaches and is an aquatic playground remarkable for the variety it offers in the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay. The bay is enjoyed by fisherman, water skiers, snorkellers, scuba divers, windsurfers and sailors. In the last 30 years, a new industry has developed in the region with the establishment of many vineyards which produce award-winning table wines. This thriving industry supplements the traditional industries of dairying, beef cattle, sheep and other farming products. In Spring, the wildflowers are magnificent and such varieties as kangaroo paws, cats paws, pink vine, acacias and donkey and spider orchids are in abundance.

Things to see and do

Busselton Jetty & Underwater Observatory
Located nearly two kilometres out to sea along the southern hemisphere’s longest timber jetty, the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory is eight metres below sea level and allows you to view an amazing marine world of schooling fish and tropical coral... without getting your feet wet!
With 200,000 visitors to the Busselton Jetty each year, why not spend a few hours to soak up the unique atmosphere and “be touched by nature”.
The Busselton Jetty, with more than 300 individual marine species, is host to an awe inspiring "forest" of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. It is described as Australia’s greatest artificial reef.

Nautical Lady Entertainment World
Great family fun park at base of Busselton Jetty. Offering water slides, racing cars, skate park, kiddies soft play, flying fox, mini-golf, trampolines, lookout tower jetty museum, fantasy castle and haunted hollow. Special bulk buying rates. Also alfresco by the sea serving delicious homemade Simmo’s ice creams, sundaes, milkshakes and hot cappuccinos.

Metricup Bird Park
Enjoy our beautiful Australian Native Parrots up close with our large walk through aviaries. Set in a peaceful farm setting, stop in for an ice-cream or a refreshing drink.

Balingup

The historic village of Balingup is situated at the northern entrance to the picturesque Blackwood River Valley in the south west of Western Australia. A premier tourist town, Balingup is well known for its art and crafts, galleries, wineries, festivals and events; and is surrounded by wonderful scenery - forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, vineyards and lush orchards.A leisurely three hour drive from Perth, Balingup offers some of the finest accommodation in Western Australia, and has become known as an alternative destination from which to explore Australia’s South West.

Things to see and do

Walk Trails
Walk the Bibbulmun Track, along the Balingup Brook, in the Golden Valley Tree Park, and also in the Greenbushes area.
For the more energetic Balingup offers longer walks on the Bibbulmun Track, and many of the accommodation operators offer a drop-off service within a day's walk of town.

Self Drive
The Blackwood River Drive to Nannup has been voted Western Australia's No.1 tourist drive, and provides wonderful scenery, interesting and historical landmarks, marroning, fishing, and picnic areas.

Shopping
Find locally handcrafted pottery, art and craft galleries, jewellery, sculpture, alpaca knitwear, herbal products, antiques and collectables, and many other treasures. nd local gourmet food products. Showcasing the wares of the Blackwood River Region. Shop at your leisure and purchase those special kitchen items without the pressure of the city. Taste the local foods including pickled marron and sheeps cheese. Great service and environment.