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Destination - Bridgetown, Western Australia

It sounds like the name of a British historical tv series, but Bridgetown, in Western Australia's South West with its steep hills, deep valleys and the magnificent Blackwood River, is in fact a historic and eccentric town in Western Australia's South West with everything you'd possibly want in a country escape.

An explorer’s delight. here you'll spend your days walking, mountain biking, canoeing and taking bridle trails. Stroll down Bridgetown’s main street and you’ll be enamored by the quaint shops, quirky Jigsaw gallery and our resident artists at the Rabbit Hole. 

Partake in the Art Trail and enjoy street art and murals. Bridgetown offers a relaxed country atmosphere with a good dose of serenity. So much so, that many past visitors have made the ‘tree change’ to Bridgetown, setting up hobby farms, in search of that peaceful country living that Bridgetown has in spades. 

Located on the banks of the Blackwood River, the town is surrounded by green rolling hills and tall jarrah and marri forests. With nature so close by, the changing seasons have a truly beautiful effect here. Experience enchanting misty mornings in winter, refreshingly cool summer nights, a blaze of colour through the deciduous trees in autumn and bursts of new colour in spring. 

The town is self-dubbed the ‘winter capital of Western Australia’, making winter the absolute best time to visit as the town celebrates with the three-month Bridgetown in the Winter Festival or Fridgetown Fest. Each winter weekend there’s a line-up of crafts, exhibitions and winter comfort food; most notably the Banquet on the Bridge, which is a popular annual sell-out.

Visit Search and Stay to choose from a variety of holiday rentals in Bridgetown, most notably the exceptional Le Petit Chateau.

Historic Bridgetown township 

Many of the first buildings in Bridgetown were constructed in the mid to late 19th Century including the post office and two hotels, which are still standing today, lending a rustic charm to the main street, and cementing the entire town as a Heritage Town in 2000 by the National Trust. Bridgetown main street

Farming and gold brought an increase in settlement to the town in the late 1800s, and as such, the town has many heritage sites including Bridgedale House; the oldest building in town. The National Trust now administer the building, and guests can take a lovely walk through the gardens and along the banks of the Blackwood River.

Things to do in Bridgetown and surrounds 

1. Spend a lazy afternoon at The Cidery

In winter, there’s a roaring fire to sit beside or enjoy the sun in the garden on a fine summer’s day. The Cidery produce real, all-natural apple ciders and handcrafted beers.

2. Stroll the main street shops.

There are plenty of quirky shops to pop into, from Ooh La Lollipop to quaint boutiques, homewares and antiques. In between shopping, there’s plenty of spots to stop for afternoon tea and scones – a must while in the Blackwood River Valley!

3. Visit the Jigsaw Gallery

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Jigsaw Gallery, which is exactly as it sounds, a gallery where hundreds of jigsaw puzzles have been collected since the 1950s. You won’t find another gallery of this nature anywhere nearby. Apparently, this is the only collection of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere!

4. If you can’t visit during winter, plan your stay during one of the other annual events

Every November, the Blues at Bridgetown Festival attracts thousands of music fans, while the ‘Festival of Country Gardens’ in autumn and spring attracts nature enthusiasts. 

5. Spend some time outdoors 

There are several walking trails around town, and the nearby Blackwood River offers up beautiful scenery from a canoe.

6. Meet friendly farm animals

There are several farm stay around Bridgetown, which make for great family accommodation. There are usually daily feedings, and kangaroos come out at dawn and dusk.

Need somewhere to stay in Bridgetown, book The Petit Chateau at Bridgetown now or chose from other holiday accommodation in Western Australia now at Search and Stay

For more information about a visit to Bridgetown, try visit WA.

Source: Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.

Images:  Tourism Western Australia 

 

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