The Harvey Region: The Ultimate Guide for your next getaway
Just 90 minutes from Perth, the Harvey Region is one of Western Australia’s most underrated escapes – where rolling farmland, forest trails, coastal beauty, natural waterways and incredible local produce come together. Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend getaway or an easy day trip, this charming region offers the perfect balance of nature, food and small-town hospitality.
Why visit the Harvey Region?
Comprising of localities including Harvey, Australind, Myalup, Binningup, Brunswick Junction and more, the Harvey Region stretches from lush inland hills to 42 kilometres of virtually untouched coastline. Here, you’ll find everything from scenic walking trails and national parks to remote beaches, boutique wineries, cosy cafés and farm-fresh produce.
It’s the kind of place where you can start your morning with a beach walk, spend the afternoon wine tasting, and end the day with a sunset over rolling paddocks.
How to get to the Harvey Region
Head south along the Kwinana Freeway from Perth to the Forrest Highway, the Harvey turnoff will get you to Harvey in under 90 minutes. Or, take a leisurely country drive on the South Western Highway. As with many Western Australian locations, the Harvey Region is best explored with your own car.
The best things to do in the Harvey Region
Explore Nature & Scenic Walks
Take in sweeping views at Harvey Dam, one of the region’s most scenic natural highlights. Surrounded by forest and rolling hills, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic, with grassy areas, shaded gazebos and family-friendly facilities at nearby Gibbs Pool. For those wanting to stretch their legs, the Dick Lofthouse Rotary Walk offers an easy, scenic trail with beautiful vantage points across the water.
For something a little more elevated, the Wildflower Ridge Trail is a short but rewarding 1.4km walk through native bushland, grass trees and rocky outcrops. In wildflower season, the landscape comes alive with colour, while year-round you’ll be treated to sweeping views across Harvey Dam and the surrounding coastal plains. It’s a great option for a quick nature fix without committing to a long hike.
Further west, Yalgorup National Park offers a completely different landscape to explore. Stretching along the coast, this diverse park is home to a chain of lakes including Lake Preston, part of a RAMSAR-listed wetland of international importance. Expect unique ecosystems, birdlife and peaceful natural surrounds that feel a world away from the city.
Nearby, the 100 Acre Wood walk trails provide a gentle and immersive walking experience through tuart forest, coastal dunes and native vegetation. The trails are sandy and not well-marked – so suggest wearing suitable footwear.
Don’t miss Myalup Beach – a pristine stretch of coastline known for its soft white sand and clear blue water. Whether you’re swimming, fishing, beach walking or heading out in a 4WD, it’s a beautiful and uncrowded spot to soak up the coastal side of the Harvey Region.
Discover Local Food, Wine & Produce
Food lovers will feel right at home in the Harvey Region, known for its oranges, dairy, beef and fresh local produce.
Start your visit at Harvey Cheese, where you can enjoy complimentary tastings of handcrafted cheeses, watch the production process in action and browse a range of gourmet local goods. Right next door, St Duke’s Distillery offers a truly unique experience, crafting small-batch spirits using whey – a by-product of the cheese-making process – making it the only distillery of its kind in Australia.
Wander through the charming grounds of Stirling Cottage, where orange groves and cottage-style gardens create a peaceful setting for a relaxed stop. This historic site was once home to beloved Australian author May Gibbs, creator of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, who lived here with her family in the 1880s. Follow the May Gibbs Walking Trail to learn more about her life and the inspiration she drew from the surrounding landscape. Today, the cottage operates as a quaint tearoom – the perfect place to enjoy freshly baked scones with jam and cream or a slice of homemade cake.
Wine enthusiasts should head to Vineyard 28, a boutique winery specialising in Italian grape varietals that produce a unique range of wines including Pignoletto, Arneis, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. Run by passionate vignerons Mark and Pippa, you can experience a little “Trip to Italy” via their immersive tasting experiences. We highly recommend the Taste of Italy – Vineyard & Winery Experience which includes a walk in the vineyard to learn how grapes are grown, followed by a behind the scenes look at the wine making process, tasting direct from the wine barrels and concluding with a personalised wine tasting at the Cellar Door accompanied by grazing board. Vineyard 28 Cellar Door is open 10am to 5pm Thursday to Monday and tasting fees of $10pp payable. Bookings are advised.
For a relaxed, flavour-filled stop, head to Old Coast Road Brewery, set on a sprawling rural property between Mandurah and Bunbury. Surrounded by open paddocks and native bushland, this laid-back brewery is known for its welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly setting and great food. Settle in on the deck or beer garden with a craft beer or cider brewed on site, and enjoy a menu of woodfired pizzas and generous share plates. There’s also a unique mini golf course inspired by WA landmarks, making it a fun stop whether you’re travelling with friends or family.
For an authentic country pub experience steeped in history, make your way to Brugan Brewery, tucked behind the heritage-listed Wokalup Tavern. This independent brewery embraces a paddock-to-plate philosophy, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and house-brewed beers in a relaxed country setting. The outdoor beer garden is the perfect place to unwind at sunset, overlooking neighbouring farmland, while the menu features hearty, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate the region’s produce. With its strong connection to local farmers and sustainable practices, Brugan offers an authentic taste of the Harvey Region’s food and farming culture.
Explore Harvey Town Centre
Wander through the heart of Harvey, where you’ll find boutique shops, cafés and colourful murals that tell the story of the region. We highly recommend starting the day at The Curious Cockatoo, a favourite local cafe known for its welcoming atmosphere, great coffee and delicious breakfast menu.
In the heart of town, GeoVino is a must-visit for wine lovers and those who appreciate thoughtfully curated local finds. This boutique wine store and tasting space champions small-batch producers from the Harvey Region and across Western Australia, offering a carefully selected range of wines, craft beers and gourmet goods. Settle in with a glass of your choice and a beautifully presented charcuterie board showcasing local produce, or take your time browsing the shelves filled with unique homewares, gifts and pantry items. With its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, GeoVino is the perfect place to slow down, connect with the region’s flavours and perhaps discover a new favourite drop to take home.
No visit to the region is complete without stopping at The Big Orange – one of Western Australia’s most iconic roadside attractions. Standing proudly atop a 10-metre tower, this giant citrus sculpture celebrates Harvey’s rich history as a major producer of oranges and fresh produce. Climb the 62 steps to the viewing platform for sweeping views across the surrounding orchards, farmland and rolling hills – especially vibrant during citrus season from June to October. Located at Harvey River Estate, it’s a fun and nostalgic stop that perfectly captures the agricultural heart of the region, whether you’re snapping a quick photo or taking in the scenery from above.
Where to Stay in the Harvey Region
Whether you’re planning a cosy weekend escape or an outdoorsy adventure, the Harvey Region offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every style of traveller. From charming cottages and farm stays to beachside caravan parks and nature-based camping, there’s no shortage of places to unwind. Properties like Bluehills Farmstay, Alta Vista and Harvey Homestead are known for their sweeping views across rolling hills and farmland, while secluded stays such as Honeymoon Hideaway are perfect if you’re looking to switch off and truly relax.
If you prefer to stay closer to the coast, there are several great caravan and camping options including Myalup Beach Caravan Park, Binningup Beach Caravan Park and Australind Tourist Park. For a more nature-immersed experience, you can pitch a tent inland at scenic spots like Lake Brockman, Logue Brook Dam or Belvidere Campground – ideal for those who enjoy evenings by the fire under the stars.
For a more elevated stay, we recommend Alta Vista at Vista Ridge Estate. Set on a working farm just minutes from town, these modern, self-contained cottages offer a peaceful retreat with some of the best views in the region. Each cottage is thoughtfully designed with space and privacy in mind, accommodating up to six guests and featuring expansive decks that look out over the Indian Ocean, Harvey Dam, surrounding farmland and nearby forest. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine at sunset, and in the cooler months, cosy up beside the wood fireplace. Combining comfort with a true sense of place, Alta Vista is an ideal base for exploring everything the Harvey Region has to offer.
Plan Your Harvey Region Getaway
Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a weekend away, the Harvey Region offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure – all just a short drive from Perth.
With its combination of natural beauty, local flavours and charming country towns, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone.
For more day trip options from Perth read our Our Guide to the Avon Valley, Our Ultimate Guide to the Ferguson Valley, or 10 of the very best day trips from Perth within a one-hour drive of the city!
