Winter School Holidays: Things to Do in the Harvey Region
Winter is here and the Harvey Region is waiting to be explored!
Grab the kids and bundle into the car for the perfect school holiday road trip – we’re talking cosy cabin stays, warming meals and sweet treats, and plenty of outdoor fun (if you’re prepared to get a little messy!).
There isn’t a more stunning time to visit the Harvey Region. With citrus season in full bloom, you can expect rolling green hills and lush fruit trees dotted with ripe, juicy oranges as the backdrop for your adventure.
So, what are you waiting for? Come find us this winter…
Live the Country Life
Bluehills Farmstay, Harvey
Picture this – it’s a calm morning, the kids are sleeping in, and you’re sipping a hot coffee while watching the mist rise over the Harvey Dam. Once the sun sets, you’re snuggled under a blanket by the fire and toasting marshmallows with the family.
The perfect mix of country and class, Bluehills is great for the whole family. Overlooking the stunning Harvey Dam, each of the rammed earth chalets can sleep six people and is fully self-contained with everything you need.
Down the paddock, you’ll be able to interact with a range of farm animals including cuddly rabbits, selfie-loving Shetland ponies and friendly chickens.
Harvey Hills Farmstay Chalets, Harvey
Experience a winter sunrise like no other from the heights of the Darling Scarp. Harvey Hills Farmstay Chalets is the winter country escape you didn’t know your family needed (and only 90 minutes from Perth!).
Children will love hand-feeding the onsite animals – including a donkey, cow, miniature horse, sheep, chickens, rabbits, alpacas, and miniature goats. Watch the wild kangaroos bouncing around at sunrise and sunset, the eagles flying high overhead, and the friendly wrens that will come to visit your balcony.
Roswa Park Farmstay, Benger
This idyllic farm stay is so family-friendly that even your horse is welcome. Set amongst an Arabian horse stud, on 40 acres of green pasture, with views looking out to the picturesque hills, you can relax and enjoy the ambience of country life.
Roswa Park visitors are invited to help feed, pat and enjoy time with feathered and furry animals that live on the farm. Upon arrangement, children can collect eggs, help feed the adorable Dexter cows, and meet Dolly the Shetland pony while they help give her a brush.
Hot tip from the locals – don’t forget your gumboots!
Vista Ridge Estate, Harvey
Located only 5km from the town of Harvey, you’ll feel worlds away as you step out onto the balcony at Vista Ridge Estate for panoramic views of the Darling Scarp and Harvey Dam. Enjoy your breakfast from the verandah while watching the cows graze in the paddocks.
This secluded farm stay has all the peace and quiet you’re looking for, while still being close enough to the wineries, producers and outdoor adventures that make the Harvey Region truly special.
Bring some board games along for a night of family competition while snacking on the local goodies you pick up during the day.
Warming Winter Eats
The Crooked Carrot, Myalup
It might be winter but we challenge you (well, the kids) to resist a stack of fluffy pancakes, loaded with syrup and ice cream!
Growing from a small veggie stall on the side of the highway, The Crooked Carrot is now one of the South West’s best-loved destinations for farm-to-table breakfasts, lunches and sweets.
Located centrally along the Harvey Region coast, it’s the perfect spot for a mid-road trip meal or a dedicated day trip. The kids will love the extensive backyard playground, maybe even more than the delicious homemade cakes.
Brunswick Tavern, Brunswick
Nothing beats a country pub for a good winter feed, especially when it’s got a toasty log fire to warm you up. Get out of the cold and into the Brunswick Tavern for a hearty meal (and maybe a brew for the adults).
Can’t decide what to have? We recommend their steak sandwich, which was named as a finalist in the running for WA’s Best Steak Sandwich in 2023.
While you’re in town, take the kids to visit Daisy – Brunswick’s town mascot. Snap a selfie with the quirky life-sized Friesian cow statue to commemorate your time in the heart of dairy country.
Benesse, Australind
It’s easy to see why Benesse is always buzzing! The menu gets updated seasonally and their skilled pastry chefs never cease to amaze with a delicious range of cakes and cookies.
If the kids need to burn off some energy, grab the hot chocolates to go and head across the road to the Karragarup Play Space at Ridley Place Foreshore. The nature-based playground features a large crab play structure, flying fox, cubby structure and balancing rope course.
Harvey Cheese, Wokalup
Located south of Harvey along the South West Highway, Harvey Cheese is a great place to stop and sample some award-winning cheese. With free cheese tastings, factory viewing, dairy memorabilia, amazing ice creams, and locally-made crafts and preserves, there’s something for everyone!
Adults may wish to sample the gin which is sure to warm the cockles of your heart this winter.
Once the kiddies have had their fill of cheese, ice cream or milkshakes, head outside to see if you can spot the camels and emu that live on site.
Out & About
Harvey Farm Barn, Cookernup
Enjoy a slice of country life at Harvey Farm Barn. Take a self-guided tour to meet all the friendly farm animals – rabbits, goats, lambs and more – but be prepared to get a little muddy at this time of year.
Harvey Farm Barn closes for winter on July 10.
Wonders of WA Mini Golf, Myalup
Located at Old Coast Road Brewery, the Wonders of WA mini-golf course is fantastic fun for all ages.
Let the kids discover some of Western Australia’s most loved natural icons with a round of mini-golf like no other. Take a tour of Wave Rock, Rottnest Island, the Pinnacles, and Mount Augustus and if you’re lucky, score a hole-in-one! Each of the 18 holes features a different attraction giving you the opportunity to learn more about some of WA’s best features as you play your way through the course.
KangaART Garden Gallery, Myalup
Is there anything more Aussie than a hearty pie? Maybe eating a pie while looking at over a dozen hand-painted roo statues. As well as their famous flaky pies, Miami Bakehouse Myalup is home to a collection of 16 kangaroos, each with its own unique design. Some were even designed by Aussie celebrities!
Grab a freshly baked treat and have a wander around the colourful mob of roos on your next visit.
Winter Boots Are Made for Walking
Cathedral Avenue Paperbarks Trail, Leschenault
Cathedral Avenue is a 3.4 km scenic route along the serene Leschenault Estuary. Hop on your bikes, or pack a lunch and stroll through the paperbarks before setting up for a picnic with a view.
Wildflower Ridge Walk, Warrawarrup
At only 1.4kms, the Wildflower Ridge Walk is a perfect outdoor adventure for kids. Wander through grass trees, bushland and along rocky outcrops as you enjoy the breathtaking views from the ridge. To the East, look out over the hills to the Harvey Dam and pine plantations, while to the West enjoy the wonderful sweeping views across the coastal plains to the ocean.
Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee
Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee (Noongar Knowledge Path) is an art walk along the banks of the Harvey River. The 900-metre return trail features ten different pieces of art that have been created by the local Noongar community and a large mural on the tunnel wall.
May Gibbs Trail, Harvey
Introduce your kids to the wonder of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Stretch your legs as you walk around the stunning heritage gardens surrounding the replica Stirling Cottage. May Gibbs (creator of those adorable gumnut babies) lived in the original Stirling Cottage during her childhood. Stroll alongside the river to learn all about the local flora and fauna that inspired her beloved stories.
Afterwards, sit back and relax with a coffee and yummy cake at Stirling Cottage Kitchen.
