Balingup News

Summer heralds the stone fruit season for which this area is well known. This year cherries and apricots have been in short supply but peaches have been plentiful. The chestnut trees have small chestnuts forming. The long awaited rain we received during winter means that the Balingup Brook is still flowing nicely. With the rain the gardens have all been a delight and the roses are spectacular. Most daytime temperatures have continued to be mild to warm, with the night air being clean and crisp and the occasional cool night still occurs. Balingup's wonderful misty mornings are few and far between at this time of year. The view from the cottage has altered with the season as the hills are drying out.

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.

Australia Day is celebrated in Balingup, as in most country towns, with a breakfast that is open to all residents. This usually takes the form of a BBQ at the Village Green which is provided by both the Progress Association and the Shire.

The 2012 Donnybrook Gourmet Food & Wine Festival will be held on Saturday 4th February. This event is staged from 10am to 4.30pm at the Donnybrook Amphitheatre and features local wines and produce plus. Sample what the region has to offer. Live entertainment all day on the main stage, fun cooking demonstrations supported by local chefs, grape stomping, wine waiters race and much more. There will be free activivites for the kids.

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival will be held on 15th to 19th February at Boyup Brook. The five-day Country Music Festival is Western Australia’s premier country music event. Visitors will enjoy the WA Country Music Awards and the Boyup Ute and Truck Muster plus arts and street performances. The WA Bush Poets Awards and Australia’s biggest Bush Poets Breakfast will celebrate one of the country’s most unique cultural offerings.

Looking further ahead. Nannup Music Festival will be held from 2nd to 5th March.
The lush forest along the banks of the Blackwood River is the perfect location for a long weekend of national and international musical talent. The Nannup Music Festival celebrates with a diverse program of concerts, workshops, dance and activities for children and young people. Music, poetry, dance and street theatre will ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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: every second Sunday (7am)
Lions Markets - Capel: Held on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays (12noon - 3pm)
Collie Country Market: Held on the 1st Saturday each month
Manjimup Markets: Held on the 2nd Sunday each month
Manjimup Farmers Market: Every third Saturday (8am to 12 noon)
Nannup Markets: Every second Saturday (9am - 12noon)
Nirvana Herbs and Garden Market - Donnybrook: Every Saturday (9am - 5pm)

Balingup does have some hot days in summer, but the nights generally cool down nicely, so that a doona or blanket is still usually required. If you wish to relax, slow down and maybe have a dip in one of the local swimming holes during the day and sleep well at night in the peace and quiet of the country, then summer is a wonderful time of year to visit Balingup.