Great Southern Treasures

25/06/2024

We want everyone who is hosting a event and attending one, to arrive at their destinations, and depart, safely. ❤️

It's why we're encouraging you to "stop and smell the wildflowers" during Spring when you are in the Great Southern Treasures region. 🌸

A big thank you to one of our Bloom Festival Gold Sponsors Road Safety Commission Western Australia, for helping us spread this message. 📣

https://greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/bloom

24/06/2024

Have you visited in the Shire of Kent? 😍 There's lots to love about this tiny treasure. ✨

Pingrup is known as the Small Town, Lots of Spirit “Where Lakes and Good Friends Meet”. During March is when you can catch the , where the community celebrates in style. ❤️

🎥: The Races WA

19/06/2024

Introducing the largest lake in the Shire of Cranbrook... Lake Poorrarecup. 😍

The lake was known to be an important meeting place for the Kaneang Noongar people, and was an extremely important source of food and water.

If you tire yourself out from adventuring on the water, why not take a hike? At Lake Poorrarecup, you'll find two walk trails to keep you busy.

👣 To the north is the Evans’ Grave Walk Trail. The walk is 1.5km return and is a good walk trail for spotting orchids in spring.

👣 The Andy Ronald’s Accident Site Walk Trail – walk the 500m return trail and find out the history behind this site.

When should you plan your trip? 👇
Winter and spring are recommended – when water levels will be the highest and the most plants flowering. 🌸

Closest towns 👇
Cranbrook – 42km via Frankland-Cranbrook Rd
Frankland River – 23km via Frankland-Cranbrook Rd

📸 : Ben & Ebony

Shire of Cranbrook

17/06/2024

✨ Winter in the Great Southern Treasures: Bremer Bay Beaches Resort Tourist Park ✨

A short drive from South Coast Highway, between Esperance and Albany, brings you to the azure blue waters of Bremer Bay. Stay at Beaches, and find yourself in a modern 4-star boutique park, set in a beautiful forest with grassy sites and a nature walk trail to the beach.

Nestled in a cool peppermint grove, "Beaches" sits at the gateway to the Point Henry Peninsula. This means you have the dreamy choice of 8 pristine beaches to relax (or adventure) on...

With endless nature-based activities to keep you and yours occupied, Beaches is the perfect spot to make your home base.

From Spa and Family Chalets, to Ensuite Cabins and Powered Sites (plus more), Beaches caters for everyone (including fur-friends)*.

❄️ Bremer Bay Beaches Winter Specials ❄️

Campsites ⛺️
Stay 4 / Pay 3
Take $5 off per night (short stays)

Accommodation 🏡
10% Off (Max $40)

More Information 👇
https://bremerbaybeaches.com.au/

Join us for Winter in the Great Southern Treasures 👇
https://greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/winter-down-south/

*Conditions Apply

📸 : Bremer Bay Beaches Resort Tourist Park

Shire of Jerramungup Australia's South West

06/06/2024

🌄 Stirling Range National Park 🥾

Calling all ...are you looking for a must-do this Winter? 😍

Standing proudly in the Stirling Range National Park more than a kilometre above sea level, Bluff Knoll or Bular Mial is practically a pilgrimage for visiting the region. 🌅

At 2500 – 2900 million years old the bedrock of the Stirling Range is composed of metamorphosed sandstones and shales, believed to have originated from an ancient sea. 🌊

With spectacular summit views across the Great Southern, it is also a biodiversity hotspot, with the lower slopes blanketed in Eucalypt, Banksia and grass trees, and more than 1000 flowering plants thriving throughout the park. 🌸🌷🦜

Come winter you might even be lucky enough to find a dusting of snow atop this behemoth if you summit in the early morning. Be sure to rug up though, the freezing conditions and winds ensure the trek is not for the faint hearted or underprepared. ❄️💨

📸: Annabel Claire

Ps. Looking for more ways to spend Winter in the Great Southern? Head to 👇
https://www.australiassouthwest.com/blog/great-southern-treasures-winter/

Shire of Gnowangerup Shire of Cranbrook What's On in Mt Barker WA

04/06/2024

🌧 Have you felt a change in season? Welcome to Makuru. 🌧

Makuru, the season spanning from June to July, is the coldest and wettest time of the year. This is when the Noongar people would move away from the sea and head inland. 👣

As the Noongar people changed their location, they had to change their diet in line with what was provided by the land. One of the most common things they began to eat were grazing animals such as Yongar (Kangaroos), Weitj (emu), Quenda (bandicoots) and Koomal (possum). ✨

is also known as the season of fertility, as this is when animals begin pairing for the upcoming breeding season. You may notice wardongs (ravens) flying together; if you live along the lakes and rivers of the Noongar region you may notice an influx of mali (black swans), which are also preparing to breed. 🥰

Read more about Makuru here: https://www.waitoc.com/fast-find/latest-news/makuru-season-fertility

24/05/2024

Event registrations close in 1 week! If you live in the region and have been thinking about hosting an event to celebrate , now is your chance. ❤

The Bloom Festival celebrates the renewal of Spring (Djilba), focusing on the wildflower tapestires and town cultures that make up our amazingly diverse region. ✨

With a whole month of activities spanning across 8 shires, the festival encompasses more than 40 events and displays. Events of the festival include (but aren't limited to) arts, crafts, displays, exhibitions, fauna and flora-themed activities, food events, guided tours and hikes, heritage trails, markets, Noongar culture events, open gardens, wine and dine events, creative workshops and more. 😍

What event could you host with Bloom Festival? We'd love to hear from you. Simply head to our website to submit an event registration. Need some help before doing so? Email our events team on [email protected] 🥰

21/05/2024

✨ Is it time to discover treasures in Katanning? ✨

Enter a landscape full of contrasts – from blankets of yellow canola (during Spring) and carpets of green grass, to salmon-coloured gum trees and pastel-pink lakes...and city streetscapes that beautifully blend new with old.

Uncover historically significant sites that tell tales of Katanning’s intriguing past, then reconnect with nature by hiking through the bush and camping under the stars.

Delve into Katanning’s rich agricultural roots at Katanning’s Sheep Saleyards, the biggest undercover saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere; or by spending some time on a farm tour or at a farmstay.

Have oodles of fun at Katanning’s All Ages Playground, or at one of the town’s annual events, which showcase the best of a diverse, multicultural community through food, music and dance.

Joyful experiences are only a away. 😍 Plan your next trip to Katanning: https://greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/towns/katanning/

Shire of Katanning

17/05/2024

🌸 Event Registrations for Bloom are open until May 31 🌸

16/05/2024

Let us take you to a dreamy escape, underwater in . 😍

This natural playground is home to creatures big and small. In fact, it’s here, you’ll find one of nature’s incredible creations: the Leafy Sea Dragon (Phycodurus eques). 🐉

Leafy Sea Dragons get their common name from the leaf-like appendages on their bodies. These beautiful floating pieces of their bodies help protect them from predators, as they resemble floating pieces of seaweed!

The is one of three species of sea dragon found only in Australian waters, and nowhere else in the world. Will you be lucky enough to spot one (or two) in Bremer Bay? ✨

Please Note: The leafy sea dragon is a rare sight and a very fragile creature. Handling of any sort is discouraged due to the likelihood of injuring this special animal. However, it does seem to enjoy having its picture taken… Source: Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia

🎥 :

13/05/2024

🌸 Do you live in Broomehill or Tambellup? Are you thinking of hosting an event during ? 🌸

Individuals and community organisations interested in hosting a free community event during the Bloom Festival may be eligible to have their event registration fees covered by the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup. 😍

Please see more information below, as shared by the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup. ❤️

🌼Broomehill and Tambellup residents, event registrations for the 2024 Bloom Festival presented by WCP Civil are now open, and the Shire is eager to assist you in hosting an event!🌼

We understand that while there are many great ideas suggested each year, the costs associated with event registration can sometimes be a barrier for free events.

Individuals and community organisations interested in hosting a free community event during the Bloom Festival may be eligible to have their event registration fees covered by the Shire.

To be eligible for this support, your event must meet the following criteria:
• Proposed by a local resident or organisation of the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup
• Free of charge and open for all community members to attend
• Held within the Bloom Festival period – September 21 to October 20, 2024
• Not for fundraising purposes
• Held at a venue or location within the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup

If you'd like to discuss your event idea and how the Shire can support you, please contact Pam Hull on 9825 3555.

For more information on registering an event for the Bloom Festival, visit https://greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/bloom-festival-event-holder-information/

Event registrations close on May 31, 2024.

10/05/2024

Want a rustic and relaxing holiday away this winter? 😍

Leaved the crowds behind and map out the most beautiful getaway with a trip to the Great Southern Treasures. 👇

Want a rustic and relaxing holiday away this winter? Leaved the crowds behind and map out the most beautiful getaway with a trip to the Great Southern Treasures.

06/05/2024

Welcome to one of Western Australia's best-kept secrets: . Home to rolling hills, rich farmlands, natural forests, and native wildflowers — Frankland River has a special place in our Great Southern Treasures' trove.🌸

Wondering where to bunker down and nestle in for Winter? Consider Frankland River Retreat. Set on a picturesque 83-acre property, you’ll relish in the peace, quiet, and tranquility, where the only sounds are from birdsong. 😍

Choose from a cosy cabin for two, modern chalet with ensuite for two, or country homestead for up to six. Guests have access to the whole property…including paddocks and fields, creeks, and rivers. 🏞️

Things to do at

✨ Birdwatching: the property is home to many species of native birds
✨ Lay under the Milky Way: gaze at the stars and look for shooting stars
✨ Venture out to nearby lakes and National Parks
✨ Astrophotography: no light pollution makes Frankland River Retreat perfect for the most special shots

There’s plenty to discover in the . Will we see you there? ♥️

📸 : Frankland River Retreat

30/04/2024

Everyone: Meet Woody, 's newest resident. 🐑
Woody: Say...hello! 😍

A four-hour drive south east of Perth, the journey to Gnowangerup will take you through picturesque farmlands of livestock, wheat, lupins, barley, clover seed, peas, oats, and fava beans. 🎋

Agricultural relics stand proudly on show in Gnowangerup, sharing the wheat and sheep town's pioneering heritage with all who stop to say "g'day". 🤠

Wondering what you can get up to in Gnowangerup? The town is situated in the ideal spot to explore ✨ all ✨ towns in the Great Southern Treasures. Head to greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/towns/gnowangerup/ for more.

Looking for a place to stay when visiting?

👉 The Lily | Unique accommodation next to an authentic five-story 16th Century replica Dutch Windmill | www.thelily.com.au/

👉 Stirling Range Retreat | Nestled against the majestic Stirling Range National Park with Bluff Knoll nearby | www.stirlingrange.com.au/

👉 Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park | Situated in a peaceful natural bush enclave on a working farm | https://mttrio.com.au/

📸: Heidi Mayes Photography

Ps. We asked Heidi what her favourite thing about Woody was... "His wagging little tail when he sees his bottle of milk!" 🥹

Shire of Gnowangerup

27/04/2024

The colours of in the ...

Set against the backdrop of Western Australia's only mountain range, Cranbrook is your gateway to the beautiful diversity of and the vineyards of . ⛰️ 🍇

You’ll discover Cranbrook 3 hours south-east of , or just over an hour north of , in the Great Southern Treasures region. 🚙

From nearby Lookout, take in dreamy panorama views of rural farmland, the Stirling Range, and lakes including Lake Poorrarecup and Lake Nunijup. 👁️

What treasures will you discover in the ? ✨

📸: .girlseyeview

24/04/2024

Have you ever been to ? The townsite was planned in 1911 as part of the Great Southern Highway. The original name given to the siding was Nampup. This was an Indigenous name and an ode to the local soak in the area.🚰 🪨 🕳️

The name changed after the town was gazetted in 1912, with several complaints that Nampup was too similar to Nannup — so the town was renamed to Nyabing. It is believed that Nyabing is from Indigenous origin and is thought to be derived from “Neyameng” which is the name of an everlasting flower Helipterum Manglesii. 🌸

It was in Nyabing at 2.56am that witnessed the dreamy colours of the (pictured). ✨💫🌟

Small towns named after flowers, and dancing colourful skies? You never know what treasures you’ll uncover in the Great Southern Treasures…😍

📸:

22/04/2024

Sorry? We didn’t hear what you said…we were dreaming about . 🌺🌸🌼

Wildflower enthusiasts’ dreams come to life in , where the biggest wildflower collection on earth blooms. 😍

More than 12,000 species of flora burst into brilliant bloom across the state each season, putting on a botanical display like no other. 🥰

We think the spectacle is something to celebrate, which is why we created . An entire month of events dedicated to nature’s art: wildflowers! ✨

Save the date, mark it in your calendar, and if you’re thinking of travelling to Western Australia make sure you visit our region during September 21 - October 20. We’ll be hosting events for Bloom Festival 2024, and there’ll be something for everyone (even the smallest flower-loving humans). 🎟️🌞

Keep an eye on our social media to stay up-to-date or sign up to our newsletter via our website: https://greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/bloom ♥️

📸: at the Myrtle Benn Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

19/04/2024

🌸 Mother's Day Long Table Fundraising Luncheon 🌸

Surprise your Mum with the gift of a delicious long table luncheon on Sunday May 12 to celebrate Mother's Day and the end of the regional grape harvest. ✨

Friends of the Kodja Place invite you to their beautiful courtyard and linear gallery, to have a pre-lunch wander through our Australian Rose Maze. 😍🌹

The luncheon will be led by Linnèy Breytenbach, a leading South African chef, who has recently moved to Frankland River from Stellenbosch, the premier wine-growing region in South Africa. Linnèy will use the finest locally-produced ingredients from Kojonup Shire, which not only taste magnificent, but saves hugely on transport costs and carbon footprint. 🥘🍗🍽️

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in great company, with fantastic 'home' grown produce, food, wine, and acoustic tunes. 🎶

Profits will be shared by The Breast Cancer Foundation and Kodja Place Cultural Centre. ❤️

Venue: Kodja Place, 143 Albany Hwy, Kojonup
Date & Time: Sunday May 12, 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Cost: $110 per person (includes harvest grazing table and lunch), matched wines available for purchase.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/mothers-day-luncheon 🎟️

Kojonup Visitor Centre Shire of Kojonup Taste Great Southern

18/04/2024

Congratulations to the Shire of Katanning for a beautiful 2024 ✨

“Katanning” is thought to come from an Indigenous word ‘Kartannin’, meaning ‘big meeting place’. Today, it’s home to 40+ different nationalities. ❤

Hosted annually, the is a testament to the rich, cultural diversity of the community. The Festival brings people together for an experience filled with colour, culture, and connection. 🖐🏾

Missed the 2024 Harmony Festival? There’s plenty more treasures to uncover in . Here’s a few to get you started:

🐑 Katanning Saleyards
Watch the trucks and dogs unload the sheep on Tuesday afternoons.

🚩 Fly Your Flag
A display of 20 flag poles at the Katanning Lions Park on Clive Street.

🖼️ Public Art Gallery
The art gallery is one of the largest within the Great Southern and hosts a diverse range of shows throughout the year.

+ heaps more!

Sheep, culture, and art? Sounds like an adventure worth taking. Will we see you in the ? 🌼

📸: .aboriginalarts & Shire of Katanning

16/04/2024

We are in awe of this capture of Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park / Koi Kyeunu-ruff 🏔️☁️

Formed more than a billion years ago, the view from the peak (and on the way up) offers a glorious display of awe-inspiring natural beauty. 🌸🌱🦅

The trail features birdlife, reptiles, and over 1000 species of wildflowers and thriving plants. 🌺🌿

When visiting, remember to leave no trace behind, but footprints. 🥾❤

There are endless treasures to discover, will we see you there? ✨

📸: Wandering Squares

14/04/2024

You never know who, or what you’ll find hanging around in the region. 👀 🦎

Introducing the Soft Spiny-tailed gecko. He’s been captured here in the which is a botanical wonderland renowned for its natural diversity. 🌿😍

In fact, approximately 20% of the state’s described plant species, 22 mammal species, 41 reptile species, and more than 200 bird species, including rare treasures such as the ground parrot, western whip bird, and the western bristle bird, call this park home. 🌸🪶

The Fitzgerald River National Park has been UNESCO Biosphere Reserve-listed since 1978. This internationally recognised the park’s balance between conserving biological diversity, promoting economic development, and maintaining cultural values. ✨🪹

Situated on the edge of Jerramungup, and covering 329,039 hectares — it is a nature enthusiast’s dreamland. ❤

If visiting, remember to leave nothing but footprints behind. 👣🥾

📸 : Aussie Bush Guide

Australia's South West Western Australia

12/04/2024

This Sunday The Shire of Gnowangerup celebrates the Gnowangerup Memorial Hall turning 100 at the Heritage Hall Fair. 😍

Dont forget people !! We have many stalls from Alpaca wool and knitting through to plants and even Way Out West Clothing are bringing their truck so you will be able to shop for amazing country clothing on the doorstop.
The Old Gnowangerup Star will be open for viewing from 10am to 12 noon and there will be a display of our RSL history in the Soldiers Memorial Hall.
Games for the family, display stands for information from local organization's. High Tea, Food Van, some local business's will be open, The Rustic Chicken with their yummy lollies, gifts etc, Raffles.
Why not make a car up and come visit while having a great day out and supporting this amazing milestone and local charities.
Great Southern Street Machines will be bringing some of their cars for people to view !!

12/04/2024

317kms Southeast of Perth on the Great Southern highway is . 🌾

If you’ve adventured out to this part of the Great Southern Treasures region you may have spotted the larger-than-life W***y Wagtail! 👀

But what’s the story? 🤨

Well. The beautiful town, which prides itself on its sense of community, is “The Town of Friendship” and each entry into the town is guarded by the famous Tambellup “Big W***y”…a cheerful W***y Wagtail bird made from local timbers, who welcomes visitors (and locals) into town. ♥️ 🐦

Tambellup has strong links with Noongar culture, and there are many significant sites in the area, especially around the Gordon River. The W***y Wagtail (djidi djidi) also features in local Noongar culture as a cheeky mischievous bird. 🖐🏾 🪹

While you’re in town, get your and check out the Tambellup Heritage Trail. This is a series of three interconnecting trails that starts in the centre of town. Because much of the Noongar history of the area is centred on the , the trail continues south of the town to the site of the former Indigenous Reserve. To the north of the Town Loop, the trail runs upstream of the main bridge, across the river, where much of the social history of the European settler community occurred. 🥾

Will we see you in the ? Don’t forget to so we can see what treasures you discover. ✨

📸: Great Southern Treasures

Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup Tambellup Community Resource Centre

08/04/2024

Ready to hit the road and find unique treasures?

Among the golden-hued fields, green pastures, and rocky outcrops, renowned artists have created extraordinary, larger-than-life tributes to locals and landscapes…

Incorporating different murals on CBH Group grain silos, the invites you to experience dreamy storytelling on a whole new scale. 😍

Northam | Merredin | Pingrup (pictured) | Newdegate | Ravensthorpe | Albany

The Public Silo Trail is a four-day, 1578 kilometre road trip, which journeys through Australia's Golden Outback, Australia's South West, and Great Southern Treasures. Will we see you there? 🚙 👣

📸:

02/04/2024

Did you know is home to the treasured ? 🐉 🌊🐚

These beautiful underwater dragons are unique inhabitants to the southern temperature waters, which only varies from 17 to 21 degrees all year round! ❄️

What underwater treasures will you uncover in Bremer Bay? 😍

📸:

18/03/2024

Is there anything more beautiful than the ? Australian Geographic say this species is arguably the “most beautiful” of all. 😍

Found in almost every state and territory in Australia, this delicate male fairywren was captured by [IG] in . 📷

We asked Ambika what “treasure” she most-enjoyed visiting in Ongerup. “Visiting the Malleefowl Centre” was her response. As an avid bird-watcher and photographer, we can understand why. 🪶

The Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre & Café is an award-winning centre for community, culture, and conservation. This centre focuses on the conservation of one of the most intriguing inhabitants: the endangered Malleefowl. 🐦

Ongerup, sits within the Great Southern Treasures Shire of Gnowangerup (Noongar for ‘place of Malleefowl’). It’s at the Yongergnow Australian Mallefowl Centre that you have the rare opportunity to appreciate and see this magnificent and endangered bird, in a natural habitat aviary. 🌿

There’s much more than meets the eye within the region. Will we see you there? 👣

📸: [IG]

14/03/2024

These dreamy sunset photos from in the Shire of Jerramungup have us stunned. 🌅 🌾

As an agricultural district, Jerramungup is known as a hub for sheep farming, wool, and grain production. 🐑

To immerse yourself in the town’s rich history, we recommend you head on the Jerramungup Heritage Trail. 🥾 And make sure to keep a lookout for the Town Hall, known as “Root Pickers Hall” - it was paid for by volunteers picking mallee roots. 🪵

The Great Southern Treasures region awaits your visit. What treasures will you discover? ✨

📸 : .daph

12/03/2024

Wow, we love that Western Australia has featured one of our Great Southern treasures: Katanning! 😍

Is this a sign to and head to the region? ☀️

11/03/2024

Can you guess where we took a roadtrip to last month? 🚙 👣

Hint: It’s where the sky is expansive, the cows stop to say g’day, and the local cafe sells macadamias from . 🌌 🐄 🏡

If your answer was Shire of Cranbrook, then you are correct! The sun was beaming down when we dropped in to say hello. And we received a warm welcome from Linda and the team. 👋🏾🌻

If you’re thinking of hitting the road soon, and wondering “What’s to see in ?” We’ve got some special hidden treasures you may want to pop into your itinerary:

✨ | 5km east of town you will find advantageous views of the salt lakes, farmlands, and the

✨ Bob’s Lake Bird Hide | There is a diverse range of 160 avian species found here. Regarded as one of the most avian-rich wetland systems on private lands in South-West Australia. For — this is a must.

✨ Cranbrook Museum | The very first brick house to be built in town (1889), it is the oldest brick house standing in Cranbrook. A beautiful building holding many stories and a rich history.

✨ Stirling Range National Park | Listed as one of the top 10 ’s in the world. Cranbrook is the “Gateway to the Stirling Range National Park”. An experience for adventure and nature-lovers.

There’s many little gems you can find in Cranbrook - we think the beauty is in the discovery. Will we see you there? 📸