| Recommended Time | 3 nights, 4 days |
|---|---|
| Length | 985km |
| Roads | Some unsealed roads in National Parks but all other roads sealed and suitable for caravans |
To start you family fun stay at the haunted Woodanilling Tavern, 264kms south of Perth, where you can get a great meal and fabulous country hospitality.
After you have explored the quaint town of “Woody” travel 25kms south on the Great Southern Highway to Katanning to spend the morning at the All Ages Playground & Skate Park. It’s brand new and super impressive. Check in with the Katanning Miniature Railway (second Sunday of the month).
After all that activity reward yourself at the Katanning Ice Creamery, 72-78 Austral Terrace, for banana splits, sundaes, slushies and ice cream! Check out some of the cool town murals while you are in Katanning. Maps available at the Katanning Visitors Centre.
If you want a taste for rural life then add the Katanning Agricultural Show to your diary. Saturday 24 October or the Kojonup Agricultural Show on Saturday 17 October There are also monthly Farmer’s Markets held in Katanning & Kendenup offering fresh produce, art & craft and food. Kendenup Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month from 9.00am to 1.00pm at the Kendenup Town Hall. The Katanning Farmers Markets are held on the third Saturday of the month from 8.00am to 12.00pm at the Shearing Shed located at the Katanning Leisure and Function Centre.
Located 17km east of Katanning on Langaweira Road, Lake Ewlyamartup has water for most of the year and is home to 95 species of birds. Picnic, BBQ, toilets and a boat ramp are available. Another 44kms east is Nyabing, where you can stop for lunch at the Nyabing Hub (accommodation also available). 40kms on is Pingrup, with its amazing Silo Art, part of https://www.publicsilotrail.com You can stay the night in the new Pingrup CBH accommodation which has family units.
56kms south of Pingrup is the town of Ongerup. The Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm. Journey back through history in the centre’s world-class Fowl Play Mallee exhibition, explore the beautiful bush and wildflowers on the centre’s walk trail, the kids can enjoy the new outdoor play area, and grab a delicious lunch at the Fowl Play Café.
Follow Chester Pass Road 70kms south west to Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park at the base of the Stirling Ranges. Set up camp and choose from a number of great and challenging hikes before retiring to the ‘Bluff Knoll Ski Club HQ’ for a bbq and fireside chat. .
If you want more action then make you way 60kms on to the Porongurup National Park and enjoy the challenge of the Castle Rock Skywalk.
If there are cricket enthusiasts in the family then you need to visit Narrikup. 33 kms from Castle Rock, the Narrikcup Cricket club is home of the giant cricket bat and wonderful cricket bat fence. Poachers Ridge Winery is close by if the parents need a bit of a reward too. Cellar door open Fri – Sun and accommodation available.
For a great inland water experience make your way to the beautiful Lake Poorrarecup, near Frankland River. Camping is available at the lake and camping fees apply during peak periods. There will be lots of opportunities along this drive for a beautiful golden canola crop photo.
Get back onto Albany Highway and it’s 317km north to Perth. Be sure to call into Kodja Place, Kojonup, on the way, which has a brilliant interactive display, rose maze, café and very popular playground next door.
