Balingup News

Winter has arrived in to Balingup and we now need fires on most nights. The rolling hills are a lush green and are a delight to behold. The grass still holds a lot of water so the animals will be feeding on hay a little longer. There are only a few late trees left that were tricked by our warm autumn days and have not yet lost all their leaves. We have already begun to experience some of our wonderful misty mornings and the air at night is clean and crisp.

Wonderful scenery, arts and crafts, wine, olives, fruit and cheeses are just some of the things you will find in the Balingup area. The months ahead look very exciting with events in Balingup and surrounds that should provide much fun and entertainment for the whole family.

In response to increasing visitor numbers, the Greenbushes Discovery Centre is now open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm - this is in addition to the 10am to 2pm opening times on Saturdays and Sundays. From 3 June 2008 the entry fees for the Discovery Centre will be $5 for adults and $2 for students (including university aged students). Children under 5 are admitted free.

Looking ahead:

The Festival of Country Gardens (in which gardens are open in and around the towns of Balingup, Bridgetown, and Nannup) is currently being organised. There are two key Festivals - one in autumn and one in spring. The Autumn Delights Festival in May was a huge success and the gardens looked lovely with their autumn colours. Mark the Spring 2008 dates in your calendars now. The Prelude will be held on the weekend of 11th and 12th of October and the Main Festival will be from Tuesday 28th October to Sunday 2nd November. For more information call 1800 001 357.

Balingup is set to turn back the clock again in August and celebrate over two days during the annual Balingup Medieval Carnivale. This is a chance to come in costume and enjoy the frivolity and entertainment, sample some local wines, and browse wares at local stalls. The dates are August 23rd & 24th - admission $10 per person, children under 12 free. Gates open 10am - 5pm on Saturday and 9am - 4pm Sunday.

On most weekends there is either a gardeners' or farmers' market near Balingup. Some market dates are:

***See note below
Boyanup & Districts Farmers' Market: 4th Sunday of each month (8am - 12noon)
Bridgetown River Markets: May 25th then every second Sunday (7.30am)
Lions Markets - Capel: Held on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays (12noon - 3pm)
Collie Country Market: Held on the 1st Saturday
Manjimup Markets: Held on the 2nd Sunday
Manjimup Farmers Market: Every third Saturday (8am to 12 noon)
Nannup Markets: Every second Saturday (9am - 12noon)
Nirvana Herbs and Garden Market - Donnybrook: Saturdays (9am - 5pm)

The nights are cooling down in Balingup as winter sets in. Relaxing in front of the fire with a good book and a great bottle of wine is a wonderful activity for the evenings. During the daylight hours a walk through the bush, strolling around the town or going on a scenic drive can be enjoyed and there is nothing better than snuggling up under the doonas on a cold winter night. If you wish to relax, slow down, and sleep well at night in the peace and quiet of the country, then winter is a wonderful time of year to visit Balingup.