The Ultimate Guide To The Ferguson Valley

The Things to See and Do in the Ferguson Valley

The Ferguson Valley is a two-hour drive from Perth, Western Australia. This makes it the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. Those who choose to spend a few days in the region will be spoilt for choice because of the abundance of things to see and do. Be enthralled by the amazing sights and flavours that await you as you explore local wineries, stunning scenery, and delicious food.

Whether you are seeking a laid-back escape, or the opportunity to mingle with nature, this is a destination that has everything you could look for. This picturesque agricultural hinterland may be known for its wine regions, but that is only the highlight of this region. If you dig a little deeper, you will uncover many unique and fun-filled destinations that you will want to visit again and again.

Discover the beauty of Ferguson Valley when you add these must-see destinations to your itinerary.

Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury

Known to offer the premier wild dolphin experience in Australia, the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury is perfect for the entire family visiting Ferguson Valley. This place is established as part of a collaborative effort between the various government departments, universities, and the founders of the discovery centre. They have also taken great efforts to protect the marine environment through scientific research and monitoring of the dolphin’s natural habitat.

Aside from the conservation efforts, there is so much to love about your visit to the Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury. Visitors can partake in various tours that will give you the chance to interact and swim with the dolphins.

The Interaction Zone has been identified as the best place to meet and interact with dolphins in their natural environment. This zone is also a special dolphin protection area designed for this specific purpose. Visitors are encouraged to visit anytime from 8am to 12noon to increase the chances of spotting dolphins.

Wellington National Park

Whether you are looking for a relaxing time or want to embark on active pursuits, the Wellington National Park is a great place to go in Ferguson Valley. This 17,000-hectare national park is comprised of marri, jarrah, and yarri forests. The ancient valley gorge on the Collie River Valley is the central feature within the park.

There is an abundance of activities and sights to fill your time here. If you like exploring various hiking trails, or try bushwalking, you can find many trails based on length and difficulty level. There are many bodies of water in the park such as Long Pool, Little Rock, Big Rock, and Rapids. These provide the perfect venue for doing many activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, rafting, sightseeing, and picnicking.

Wellington National Park is located roughly 2 hours from Perth and on the Collie River. If you love exploring natural scenery and doing active pursuits, this park is the perfect place for doing all that.

Bunbury Wildlife Park

The Bunbury Wildlife Park is another family-friendly attraction in Ferguson Valley. This is a great place to go if you are looking for animal interaction. There are several opportunities for that such as feeding the birds and chatting with the cockatoos. It is also a great destination to visit if you are looking to see Australia’s most famous wildlife – kangaroos. There are red and western grey kangaroos on display at the enclosures.

When you are done interacting with these animals, spend some idle time at the park enjoying a picnic. There are picnic tables and shady trees in the park, which creates the perfect setting for a family picnic. But if you forgot to bring some food along, there is a nearby café that you can go to for some local culinary treats.

Wellington Dam

The Wellington Dam is another iconic sight in Ferguson Valley, especially when the dam overflows with water. The sight of water flowing creates a stunning lace curtain effect. Make sure you grab the opportunity to see this particular sight on your visit.

This historic site was built during the time of the Great Depression and is located close to the Wellington National Park. It was part of the drive to deliver jobs to thousands of people during the 1930s. At the same time, it was also built to expand the South West Irrigation Network and to facilitate in agricultural expansion. The dam recently underwent upgrading works in 2012 to satisfy current engineering standards in Australia.

Gnomesville

Gnomesville is a treasure trove that is a perfect destination for those seeking unique and one-of-a-kind attractions you won’t find elsewhere. This thriving community of gnomes is located in the middle of natural bushland. As soon as you walk into Gnomesville, you will be greeted by some of over 10,000 gnomes sprinkled all over the forest!

To say this is a remarkable spectacle is an understatement. The mystery of how these gnomes got there is part of the appeal of this destination. Legends believe they were left behind by the original settlers in the local community in the area.

It has been over a decade since and Gnomesville continued to attract more visitors. While there are no major developments here, there are hand-crafted signs of gnome puns to make you giggle as you go about your exploration. A new tradition was later started wherein visitors would leave their own gnomes before leaving the village, causing the number to grow over time. These gnomes are available for purchase at the nearby Ferguson Valley Visitor Center, but you can also bring your own.   

If you want to visit Gnomesville, it is a 30-minute drive from Bunbury (or 1.5-hour drive from Perth).

Honeymoon Pool

Paradise is within your reach when you visit Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park. This natural swimming hole is located on the banks of the Collie River and is about 2 hours from the CBD area of Perth. When you visit Honeymoon Pool, it feels more like stepping into a whole new world.

This swimming hole is set in a picturesque park where it is flanked by large, shady trees such as peppermint and eucalyptus. The area near the swimming hole is a popular camping and picnic spot. This makes it easy to access the swimming hole for those planning to spend a night or two in the park. There is also a barbecue area and picnic tables for you to immerse in the full camping experience.

Visit Ferguson Valley Now!

The Ferguson Valley region is rapidly becoming known among wine and food lovers. If you are exploring the best of the southwest region in Western Australia, you won’t be disappointed as Ferguson Valley is going to be worth the drive. Based on the list of recommended tourist attractions above, there is something for everyone here – no matter your age or idea of what a perfect weekend getaway is like.

Best Wineries, Restaurants, and Breweries

The Ferguson Valley is a popular weekend destination in Western Australia. It is teeming with options as far as tourist destinations and activities are concerned. While there are many things to see and do, one of the most recommended activities would be a visit to the best wineries and vineyards.

The Ferguson Valley is a relatively new wine region – ‘new’ referring to the standards of traditional wine regions that had been around for several centuries. A lot of the top wineries in the region were established during the early to mid-1900s. But the cool temperature and high elevation in the region has helped bear the best quality grapes to produce equally great-tasting wines.

There are a variety of options when it comes to local wineries in the region. Most vineyards operate as a winery with a cellar door and shop that you can go to if you want to buy wines as souvenirs. The cellar doors also provide the best venue for tourists who want to participate in private and group wine tastings. You can also indulge in some hearty snacks and platters of food or cheeses to go with your wine.

Some of these vineyards also operate as a winery and restaurant in one. For those that have their own restaurant, they have a menu using the local produce and paired with their best wine selection. Meanwhile, a few others have their own gift shops and art gallery to showcase the rich culture and history of the Ferguson Valley’s wine region.

St. Aidan Wines

St. Aidan Wines is a family-run vineyard and café. Albeit a small vineyard, it is centrally located in the Ferguson Valley and at the heart of Geographe Wine Region. This 10-hectare property was acquired by the owners in 1991. As of today, it is filled with wine grapes, table grapes, and citrus trees. The vineyard currently produces a wide range of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Muscat, and Cabernet.

The wines produced at this vineyard are award winners at various wine festival shows in Perth and surrounding regions. The company’s tagline ‘Art in a Bottle’ has proven to be a successful formula. The world-class wines are complemented by the gorgeous views of the St. Aidan Estate, with spectacular sights of the Ferguson Valley. St. Aidan Wines is currently a popular venue for various functions like weddings, parties, and other catering events.

This cellar door restaurant derived its name from the historic church that is built along the district boundary. This restaurant can cater to vegetarians and they also have a gluten-free menu for those who prefer them. If you are going on a vineyard hopping experience in the Ferguson Valley, you cannot afford to miss this icon.

You may visit St. Aidan Winery at 754 Ferguson Road, Ferguson Valley in Western Australia 7 days a week

Hackersley Estate

At the heart of Ferguson Valley, one of Western Australia’s most underrated tourist destinations is a beautiful winery known as Hackersley Estate. It is situated along Ferguson Road and is operated by Aaron and Adrie Devitt. This winery and restaurant have been serving the locals’ taste for quality wines and fine-dining meals since 2002.

Just like St. Aidan Winery, Hackersley Estate is part of the Geographe Wine Region in Perth. This 12-hectare vineyard is also a cellar door and restaurant. This winery was once named among the “10 best new wineries” in Australia. It is also a recipient of the Gold Plate Award for the best restaurant and winery in Western Australia.

Among the famous wine varieties available at Hackersley Estate are Shiraz Cabernet, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, and Merlot.

Hackersley Estate is located at 1133 Ferguson Road, Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.

Ferguson Falls Wines Café

A visit to the Ferguson Valley in Perth, Western Australia won’t be complete without stopping by Ferguson Falls Wines Café. This award-winning winery and restaurant is one of the most popular in the region. As the recipient of the Gold Plate Award 2017 for Best Pizza, they are frequented by tourists and locals alike for the stone-baked American and Italian pizzas. Their other specialties include desserts, cheeses, and coffee. But they are most famous for their world-class wines such as Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon wines. It also earns the distinction as one of the first wineries planted in the region.

Another reason for its popularity is the accessibility of the vineyard. It is located within 20 minutes of Bunbury and other local accommodation options. The picturesque scenery and the homey atmosphere are like a microcosm of the Ferguson Valley. It is the ideal spot for a weekend lunch and afternoon tea catering.

Ferguson Falls Wines Café is located at 172 Pile Road, Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.

Evedon Lakeside Restaurant

Indulge in the best wines from the Ferguson Valley region of Western Australia. This destination is best known for its specialty wines that are among the best in the world. When you visit for a weekend, make sure to add Evedon Lakeside Restaurant in your itinerary. The winery/restaurant offers wood-fired oven pizzas on Fridays to weekends. But they are also sought after for their lunch menus and Devonshire tea.

Another notable attraction at Evedon Lakeside Restaurant is the cozy country bar. This bar features an English pub theme, which makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind on weekends. If you are looking for a cozy place to spend your lazy weekend nights, invite your friends over for some pizza and locally grown wines.

Aside from its delicious, world-class wines and food, Evedon Lakeside Restaurant is a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and other special events.

Evedon Lakeside Restaurant is located at 205 Lennard Road, Burekup, Western Australia.

Green Door Wines

Green Door Wines is a small winery that started its operation in 2006. This is among the most-recommended winery and vineyard in Ferguson Valley with a unique approach to its vineyard practices. When this run-down vineyard was purchased by the owners – Ashley and Kath Keeffe – they envisioned restoring the entire place. In particular, Ashley wanted to use minimal intervention in growing wines and wanted to focus on improving and preserving soil health.

All grapes use handpicked harvesting methods and are basket pressed. All of the wines are produced on-site using a variety of European wine-making methods including cold soaking on the skin and the use of Amphora pots.

Green Door Wines initially operated as a vineyard only. Just recently, they opened a cellar door restaurant. The cellar door is the best place to go to sample their best wines and a few platters to share. They also accept group wine tastings but advanced reservation is required. Their best wines include Shiraz, Fiano, Verdelho, and Mourvedre.

Green Door Wines is located at 1112 Henty Road, Henty, Western Australia.

Willow Bridge Estate Wines

At the heart of the rolling hills in the Ferguson Valley is a pristine vineyard known as Willow Bridge Estate Wines. It is another family-owned winery that spreads out onto 180 hectares of land. When the Dewar family acquired this piece of land in 1996, they envisioned to produce high-quality wines for the domestic and international markets.

The wine region of Ferguson Valley offers the ideal climate, soil types, and environment to facilitate in growing and producing premium wines. The vineyard sits high on the Darling Ranges at approximately 230-280 meters above sea level. Therefore, the 60-hectare vineyard gets to enjoy about two degrees cooler weather when compared to the coastal plain.

Willow Bridge Estate Wines are known for producing mostly French varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon. Even if you have not been to Ferguson Valley before, you might recognize this name. This is the only wine label on the region that is currently stocked by the top bottle shops and restaurants in Australia and in other parts of the world. It is yet another testament to the world-class quality of the wines in the region.

Willow Bridge Estate Wines is located at 178 Gardincourt Dr, Henty, Western Australia.

Mandalay Road Wines

The Mandalay Road Winery is one of the best destinations for premium wines in the Geographe Wine Region. Located in the rolling hills of Glen Mervyn, this is the best place to spend your weekend if you are looking for a relaxed ambience. Their delicious wines continue to be a main draw for its visitors, though. Some of their specialty wines include the following varieties: cabernet, moscato, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, and chardonnay. They offer a variety of wines to suit your taste whether you want red, white, or sweet and fortified wines.

Mandalay Road Winery was established in 1997 within a 40-hectare property. Before it was developed into a vineyard, this land was once a blue gum plantation. The picturesque setting and proximity to the South Preston River combine to making this winery a popular tourist destination. There is also a rustic cellar door on-site that you can go to for private or group wine tastings.

Mandalay Road Winery is located at 254 Mandalay Road, Glen Mervyn, Western Australia.

Ferguson Hart Estate

Ferguson Hart Estate won the best wine in the Geographe Wine Region a couple of times in the past. This speaks to the quality of the wines produced in this winery. The property was purchased by Jan and Merv Hart in 1993, who are both passionate about wines. This is reflected in the quality of grapes they produced since they planted grapes on the land in 1995.

Aside from the massive vineyard, there is a cellar door. This is a great spot for tourists and visitors that want to sample their mouth-watering selection of cakes and fine dining offerings. The vineyard also features an on-site art gallery that you can drop by for amazing views of the winery or to pick up a few souvenirs to take home with you.

Ferguson Hart Estate is located at 3 Gardincourt D., Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.

Wild Bull Brewery

Enjoy scenic views of the Ferguson Valley while sipping on the best beers & ciders that the region has to offer. If this sounds like the perfect way to spend your time in the Ferguson Valley, then you need to add Wild Bull Brewery to your itinerary. This brewery and restaurant is located along Pile Road amidst tree-lined hills.

This brewery is owned by Jennie and Danny Drummond, together with their daughter Christie. This is the best place to go in Ferguson Valley if you are looking to taste specialty-brewed beers. They have an extensive selection of beers such as lager, pale ale, wheat beer, pear cider, and pilsner, among others. They also have an equally extensive selection of wines that are paired with their high-end menu. From wood-fired pizzas, to smokey ribs, and premium beef, your taste buds will be in for a treat.

Aside from the specially handcrafted beers and regional Ferguson wines, their locally brewed cider is also a favourite buy for visitors.

Wild Bull Brewery is located at 562 Pile Road, Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.

Bush Shack Brewery

Located in the Ferguson Valley, Bush Shack Brewery is a destination that you cannot afford to miss when you visit the region. This family-run business might be small but it is a local favourite for many reasons. One of those reasons is that they employ a hands-on approach in crafting their beers. Whether you are looking to sample wheat beer, dark ale, or cider, there is something to suit your taste. Natural and unfiltered brews are great-tasting and of world-class quality – something of which this family-run brewery takes great pride in.

Aside from their home-style brews, Bush Shack Brewery is a favourite for those who like to indulge in great food. They have a Bush Shack Steakhouse on-site, which features a rural rustic ambience. Their menu is also noted for sourcing the freshest local produce. This is how they can ensure quality that helped build their name in the Ferguson Valley region.

Bush Shack Brewery is located at 791 Ferguson Road, Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.

Try Wine Tasting in the Ferguson Valley!

Great wines have become synonymous to the Ferguson Valley in Western Australia. While it has plenty to offer, the great vineyards and wineries are what had helped establish its name as one of the go-to destinations in the region. Add these famous wineries, restaurants, and breweries in the Ferguson Valley to quench your taste for the best that the region has to offer.

Need Somewhere To Stay?

If you are looking to stay in the valley then check out our Ferguson Valley Accommodation.