Holiday houses in Nannup

Nestled in a curve of the Blackwood River in Western Australia’s southwest, the small country town of Nannup is a beautifully preserved vestige of its heyday as an early-20th-century timber town. Take a stroll along the main street to admire the weatherboard shopfronts, bullnose verandas, and colourful flower boxes that enhance its historic appeal. Between Nannup’s gift shops and cafes, don’t miss the fascinating Nannup Moments in Time exhibition in the Nannup Clock Tower building that details the town’s battles with floods, fires, and even a cyclone over the years.

Opportunities to get active in nature also abound in Nannup, from canoeing on the Blackwood River (tours are available) to swimming in natural freshwater pools in the nearby St John Brook Conservation Park. Among the local walking trails is the long-distance Bibbulmun Track that intersects Donnelly River Village, a historic mill town where you can picnic alongside emus and kangaroos.

Music lovers of all tribes descend upon Nannup during the March long weekend for the Nannup Music Festival, which presents an eclectic mix of acts spanning an array of genres. The streets of Nannup come alive with stalls, performances, and activities during the festival.

The other major event on Nannup’s festival calendar is the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, which runs for three weeks from mid-August and promises a plethora of activities including open gardens, celebrity garden tours, market stalls, workshops, and children’s activities. Coinciding with tulip season, it’s a beautiful time to experience the region. If fast cars are more your thing, swing by in April or May to catch the Forest Rally. Summertime, of course, is ideal for swimming at local waterholes.

Swim in waterholes

Just a short hop northwest of Nannup, just off Mowen Road, lies the St John Brook Conservation Park. This tranquil slice of native bushland, named for the brook that flows through it, has two scenic waterholes — Barrabup Pool and Workmans Pool — perfect for a refreshing dip. The pools are connected to Nannup by the 20-kilometre Old Timberline Trail, which is suitable for hiking and cycling. There’s also parking close to each pool.

Shop at farm gates

It’s possible to purchase fresh produce year round from the farms surrounding Nannup, with a number of farm gates open seasonally. Just some of the local delicacies you’ll find include cheese, wine, chestnuts, honey, free-range eggs, olives, and fruit — bring small change for honesty boxes. You can also visit a local lavender farm, which is in full bloom from December to January.

Go for a wildflower wander

If you’re visiting Nannup during the spring months, don’t miss the chance to take a wildflower wander in Kondil Park (a swath of native bushland once milled for timber), northwest of the town centre, which has several well-marked walking trails lined by a rainbow of wildflowers between September and November. Look out for orchids early in the season.