Balingup News

Winter is slowly creeping in to Balingup and we now need fires on most nights. Due to the arrival of long awaited rain, the rolling hills have now turned lush green and are a delight to behold. With the first rains the grass holds mostly water so the animals are still feeding on hay. Some of the trees have not yet lost all their leaves but generally the colours of autumn have been replaced by the bare branches of winter. 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.

The annual New Zealand Gully Wattle Walk will be held on August 15th. This walk gets underway at 12:15 sharp from the Greenbushes Discovery Centre. Walk to the pool then Official Opening 1:00 followed by sausage sizzle lunch and opportunity for more walking after lunch. Contact the Greenbushes Discovery Centre or Leonie on 9782 5717 for more details.

While staying in Balingup, take a scenic drive and visit the annual Nannup Flower and Garden Festival which will be held between August 19th - 23rd. Thousands of bulbs are planted in preparation for this event. There will be open gardens to visit, cut and potted tulips for sale, along with art and craft works for viewing and sale at various venues. Planning is progressing for a Thylacine Exhibition, Garden Village week end market, Sculpture Walk, Choir Singing and Gardeners Day Out.

Looking ahead 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. Dates August 28th & 29th.

Looking further ahead, the "Spring Festival" - organised by The Festival of Country Gardens - is being organised now. For more information ring 1800 001 357 or visit the Festival website

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)

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.