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Blackwood River Tourist Drive Blackwood River Tourist Drive

2WD  in South West

  • Full day
  • 113 km

Winding bush drives, lush orchards, quaint towns, tall jarrah and marri forests and spectacular scenery are just some of the attractions of the Blackwood River Tourist Drive. Following the splendid Blackwood River this trail takes you through some of Western Australia’s most picturesque farm country.

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An easy 1.5 hours drive from Margaret River (via Brockman Highway) to Nannup, this beautiful region is a hub for some of the State’s best trails and is the ideal place to base yourself for a few days to explore the south west.

Paddle on the Blackwood River, or hire a bike and ride on the Old Timberline Trail.  Camp overnight and return to Nannup via the Old Sidings Trail which makes up a 37 kilometre loop.

For a very Australian experience, stay at the old timber mill town of Donnelly River Village where kangaroos and emus abound.  A 16 kilometre hike (one way) on the Bibbulmun Track will take you to Tom Road campsite nestled in the karri forest where you can stay for the night.

From Bridgetown it’s a short and very pleasant scenic drive through to Boyup Brook, also situated on the edge of the mighty Blackwood River.

Bridgetown and Balingup are great places to explore interesting shops, frequent the pubs, dine, or stroll on the Oak Grove Trail before heading back to the picture-postcard village of Nannup or down south to the tall timber country.

You may wish to hire a car in Perth, or travel by public transport bus to Bunbury and hire a car to drive to the Balingup.

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  • Australia’s South West

    Comprehensive information on the South West region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.

Be trail ready for Blackwood River Tourist Drive

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Time depends on individual itinerary

Length

113km

What To Pack

Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.

Trail Start

Balingup Visitor Information Centre, cnr Brockman Street and Blackwood River Drive, 240km (3.5 hours) south of Perth

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Trail End

Hazards & Warnings

Be aware of wildlife on trail especially at dawn and dusk. Caution required on gravel roads

Facilities

Range of accommodation, shops and restaurants in the towns
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Cafe
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet

Trail Access

Road

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1 trail goers have rated Blackwood River Tourist Drive as 5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Adam Roebuck

Reviewed 10 Jul 2016, 8:00am

Have you ever visited a place so beautiful, so peaceful, so perfect that you never wanted to leave? Welcome to the warm South-West community of Bridgetown....a completely bias review from a local.

Much of Bridgetown's appeal as a tourist destination, centres on its landscape, climate and relative closeness to Perth. The town's rolling hills (vivid green in winter) are more reminiscent of a European landscape than what is normally associated with Australia. It is known as the Winter Capital of Western Australia and has cold, crisp winters which combined with open fires are simply irresistible to many but more importantly, it has a friendly nature with a wide array of food venues, historic architecture and nature trails.

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