Boyup Brook region

Busselton Gelorup

Stratham

Capel Boyanup

Donnybrook

Balingup

WHERE AN ICONIC RIVER, undulating valleys, and rare flora and fauna meets broad-acre farming plains, Boyup Brook on the tranquil Blackwood River is the heart of Western Australia’s country music scene. Each year, thousands upon thousands of fans descend on this small community to attend the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival. But it’s not all cowboy boots and guitar twangs; Boyup Brook is also a rural community brimming with talent. From creative artists to some of WA’s best food and wine producers, this town will win you over with its warm hospitality and spirit. Highlighting the fact is Boyup Brook’s obsession (in a good way) with collecting. From a world-famous rare jewel beetle and butterfly collection, an amazing doll collection, record and music memorabilia that will blow your mind, to one of Australia’s largest collections of teapots, the people and things of Boyup Brook will intrigue and delight.

1 Grab your boots and hat - This is country music country and home to WA’s iconic Country Music Festival (February). Throughout the year, you can visit the Hot Country Music Shop to view its artist signature collection and stock up on all things country. Make sure you don’t miss the Harvey Dickson’s Country Music Centre. This entertainment shed is decorated wall-to- wall and floor-to-rafter with memorabilia spanning more than 100 years - The original wagon that local pioneers, the Muir family, rode into the area in 1884 hangs from the rafters. See life-sized sand sculptures of Elvis and Johnny Cash and the ‘record room’ contains hundreds of records including an extensive Elvis Presley exhibit. The Harvey Dickson Rodeo is an iconic rodeo, music and camping Festival held in the last weekend of October. 2 The butterfly effect - Visit the beautiful Carnaby Jewel Beetle and Butterfly Collection, regarded as the best outside the British Museum of Natural History, at the Boyup Brook Visitor Centre. Keith Carnaby was a leading light in the field of entomology. The Visitor Centre also showcases the impressive Kradals Doll Collection, and locally-made produce with Boyup Brook olive oil a must-buy. Teapot lovers should visit the quirky Quacking Frog Teapot Shed, boasting a collection of more than 5000 items. 3 Paddles up - Hire a canoe from the Flax Mill Recreation Complex (also housing a timber and sewing machine display by appointment) and paddle down the majestic Blackwood River, the longest river in the south west. Peaceful stretches meander through farming country. To experience magnificent flora and birdlife, take a picnic and stop off along the way. For the more adventurous, the river and surrounds are suitable for longer treks that incorporate camping at various spots along the banks. Prefer to be on land? Take the Bicentennial Trail for an ultra-pleasant walk beside the Blackwood River. 4 Artfully done - Explore the streets of Boyup and be amazed by the holograms and sculptures, plus murals and a giant gnomon by acclaimed local artist Sandy Chambers. Boyup Brook’s public art also encompasses impressive, largescale metal works by Len Zuks and Harvey Dickson.

Boyup Brooks latest edition is an amazing Railway Station shed mural painted by artist Sobrane Simcocky. The Little Art Gallery at the Boyup Brook Visitor Centre is a must visit. Find a delightfully eclectic collection of original artworks by local artists in a variety media - if you’re lucky - you’ll uncover creations by Boyup Brook’s national award-winning artist Lori Pensini. 5 Historic stories - One of Boyup’s first settlers was Sir James Lee Steere, a prominent politician and a member of the WA’s powerful Six Hungry Families. At the Pioneers’ Museum, see displays of historic agricultural, commercial and domestic equipment such as the first clover-seed harvester, developed by Boyup Brook

BOYUP BROOK VISITOR CENTRE A Cnr Abel and Bridge Sts, Boyup Brook WA 6244 T +61 8 9765 1444 E bbvisitor@wn.com.au W boyupbrooktourism.com.au

local, the late PD Forrest, in 1910. Part of the Museum is the Masonic temple, left in its original condition and exhibiting furniture and paraphernalia used by the Masons – something rarely seen outside the organisation. Afterwards, take the Heritage Walk following 23 plaques around the town centre. If you’re lucky (appointment only), you may also be able to visit one of the district’s first farms and the heritage-listed Norlup Homestead, built for Commander Scott with convict labour. 6 Award-winning wines - Boyup Brook is located in the Blackwood Valley wine region. Located in the Blackwood Valley, Beulah Wines is a small, family wine producer sourcing premium fruit and dedicated to making wines that express the unique qualities of the Nield family’s Boyup Brook vineyard (by appointment only). Seek out a bottle of their “First Block” Chardonnay. 7 Wild things - Surrounded by the 56,000 hectare TonePerup Nature Reserve, Perup Nature’s Guesthouse is one of the best places in the south west to see native wildlife, including rare numbats, ringtail and brushtail possums, quenda, woylies and chuditch. From a family weekend away to large scale-group event, a stay at Perup is an awesome nature immersion experience. Closer to Boyup Brook, uncover spring wildflowers and magnificent orchids at Mayanup and Mickalarup Reserve, including the Mustard Orchid, Butterfly Orchid, Pink and Purple Enamels and Bird Orchids. 8 Horsing around - Since the first campdraft in 1991, the Mayanup Campdraft association has been showcasing Western Australian talent and successfully holding campdrafts every year since. The spectacle of this unique Australian sport involving a horse and rider working cattle is held annually. Competitors test their skills and vie for prizes in several different categories, including juniors. It is a great family event celebrating country culture, held in Mayanup, a short 15 minute drive from the Boyup Brook town centre on the second weekend in March annually.