Nannup – a jewel for all seasons

No matter what the season, Nannup and its surrounds will appeal to those seeking tranquillity and rustic charm, a world away from the city hype.

In winter, moody morning mists give the landscape an ethereal quality and raindrops sparkle on gum leaves when the sun bursts through. In spring, there are myriad wildflowers carpeting the fields and forest floor – and a kaleidoscope of tulips and roses. In summer, sunsets over valleys and warm balmy evenings are an absolute pleasure, while autumn is alive with the changing colours of the foliage and gentle cool breezes.

Here are some of the highlights of what the Nannup region has to offer in terms of accommodation, eating establishments and attractions.

Accommodation

Holberry House is a beautifully maintained guesthouse within walking distance of the town. Elegantly landscaped gardens with a winter-flowing brook complement the two-storey structure conveying the impression of an English manor house.

The immediate surrounds of the house feature English-style plantings of roses and silver birch trees and further down the hill is an arboretum with both native and introduced species.

All seven guest rooms are upstairs and furnished with antiques and collectibles. One has a two-person spa but the others all have well-appointed ensuites and queen-sized beds with luxury linen provided.

Downstairs is a spacious guest lounge with a chesterfield couch nestled beside a crackling log fire and attractive stone hearth, a glass-enclosed conservatory, a library with comfy chairs and lots of books, magazines and games.

The dining room has windows taking in the morning sunlight opening out to the lush garden vista. A continental buffet breakfast is part of the tariff and is served in the dining room or can be brought to your room if preferred.

For those wishing to dine in, soups, platters and cheese boards are available each evening on request. Alternatively, there are a number of eateries within walking distance. Chocolates, wine, evening meal vouchers, freshly cooked marron and picnic baskets also can be arranged at a reasonable extra cost.

The cost of an overnight stay for two ranges between $130 and $160. Phone 9756 1276,

 www.holberryhouse.com.

Redgum Hill Country Retreat is an adults-only retreat beside the Blackwood River around 12 kilometres out of town. It has executive suites and two privately located cottages. From the guesthouse, a number of winding pathways lure you past the pavilion and croquet lawn to the edge of the river.

The three luxury guestrooms are uniquely decorated with relaxation and cosiness the main objectives. A continental breakfast is included in the tariff, but a cooked breakfast can be purchased for a small reasonable cost with prior notice.

Each room has its own access to the shady veranda, which looks out to the garden, fountain and ponds. Evening meals are available to guests by prior arrangement. A tasty alternative is the antipasto platter, which can be ordered and brought to your room or into the garden. The cost includes a bottle of house wine.

One of the cottages, Gumnut Cottage, is the perfect place for a secluded romantic retreat. It is a quaint, two-storey timber cottage in its own leafy knoll. It  is fully equipped for a self-catering holiday and includes a heated spa for relaxation and indulgence.

The other bigger chalet, Duffy House, accommodates up to two couples. It offers the same amenities as Gumnut Cottage but includes two separate queen-sized bedroom suites. It also has a tranquil outlook over the surrounding gardens and bushland.

Breakfast baskets can be purchased from the guesthouse if you have not brought your own breakfast supplies and the evening meal can be catered for by nearby Tathra Winery and Restaurant only 1km away.

The cost per couple of a stay here ranges from $125 to $165 per night. Phone 9756 2056,

 www.redgumhill.com.au.

Moss Brook Country Estate is a traditional bed and breakfast establishment, which has only one exclusive guest suite overlooking the rambling award-winning cottage garden beside a lake. The property is in an out-of-the-way area, which adds to the feeling of seclusion and privacy.

The guest room includes a queen-sized bed and an en suite with a deep bath and a separate shower. Comfort is the aim here and underfloor heating in both the bedroom and bathroom in winter will instil a feeling of cosiness from the moment you arise until you sink into bed at night.

A three-course gourmet dinner or a feast of basic family fare can be ordered for your evening meal – a delicious way to end a day exploring this scenic rural area. Alternatively, the small, friendly town of Nannup is a short 10km drive away.

Accommodation here costs $130 per night for a couple including a fully cooked breakfast. Phone: 9756 1515, www.wn.com.au/mossbrook.

Eating out

Hamish’s Café

Located right in town, Hamish’s superb cuisine is served in a cosy country setting with al fresco dining available in fine weather. Open Wednesday to Monday from 9.30am to 4pm and on Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings for dinner from 6.30pm. Phone: 9756 1287.

The Mulberry Tree Restaurant

Located in town, this award winning BYO restaurant produces a delicious diversity of cuisines on different nights. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am for morning and afternoon teas and lunches and from 6pm for dinners. Phone: 9756 3038.

Tathra Winery and Restaurant

Delicious and wholesome country fare is served in pretty farm setting 14km from Nannup along the Nannup-Balingup Road. They will deliver evening meals to local accommodation venues with prior notice.

Open daily from 11am to 4.30pm. Phone: 9756 2014, www.tathra.net.

Eating in

Cord on Blue  

These inventive people deliver gourmet meal packs to you wherever you might be staying. There is a variety of options available using local ingredients and they cater for vegetarians and meat lovers. They even have a mobile wood-fired pizza oven. Phone: 9756 0616.

Things to do: Walking

Timberline Walk Trail

Meander between Barrabup Pool and Workers Pool along the banks of the St Johns Brook at the end of Mowen Road, a short distance along Vasse Highway just west of Nannup. Barrabup Pool is a lovely natural emerald green pool suitable for swimming with attractive picnic areas. Then, if you’re feeling energetic, you can continue another 15km walking or driving along Brook Road through a remote and picturesque area.

Beyonderup Falls 

Found on the Nannup-Balingup Drive, 13km from Nannup, the falls can be seen from the road, but the steep walk there for a closer look is well worth the effort as this is a lovely spot for a picnic in winter.

The Mythic Mazes 

Participate in a whimsical walk with a difference among a unique mix of hedge mazes and sculpture gardens following the footsteps of King Arthur and ancient Greek heroes. They are located 20km north of Nannup on Vasse Highway and are open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm and all through the school holidays. Phone: 9756 2121. 

Driving

Balingup-Nannup Rd 

This is a particularly scenic drive beside the Blackwood River between steep hills and deep valleys, via rolling farmland and pockets of dense forest. 

The Golden Triangle

The roads between Nannup, Balingup and Bridgetown are referred to as the Golden Triangle for well-deserved reasons. The times between each town vary from 20 to 40 minutes, which means the whole drive can be done in half a day or stretched out to a whole day with lots of stops and a break for lunch.

Pemberton to Nannup

Takes you through scenic forest and farming country with lots to see along the way.  Why not stop at the Beedelup Falls, have lunch or morning tea at The Lakeside Restaurant at Karri Valley Resort and do a spot of wine tasting at Donnelly River Winery.