UNIQUE EXPERIENCES DONNYBROOK

Brookhampton Estate is located just south of Donnybrook in the heart of Western Australia's Geographe wine region, the estate is set on a spectacular 420 acre property. The combination of the classic Marri and Jarrah soils of the area and the temperate climate provide ideal growing conditions to produce wines with richness, elegance and refinement. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are the main varieties grown. Smaller areas of Tempranillo, Barbera and Viognier are also showing great promise as niche market varieties. While a significant proportion of the grape crop is committed to a major Australian wine producer, the Estate enjoys a keen interest in its stylish fruit driven wines sold through the cellar door and mail order. Brookhampton Estate is also home to the largest grassed outdoor entertainment venue in South West of Western Australia, that is actually set in amongst a working vineyard. The outdoor concert is staged amongst the estate's fruit laden vines and with a natural amphitheatre; it provides excellent acoustics in a breathtaking setting. As the sun sets into an often brilliant display on the second weekend in February each year, the evening lifts that curtain on the ultimate outdoor concert experience.

The Memorial Hall in Donnybrook is a delightful old building built in 1919 from local Donnybrook sandstone. Originally built as a dedication to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, it makes for an impressive photograph from across the street. Wander around the exterior of the building to examine the brickwork before walking inside to read the marble honour board, with the names of those that fought and lost their lives in World War I. Memorial Hall also houses Donnybrook's public library. Feel free to spend some time glancing through books about the history of the town. Alternatively sign up for a dance or karate class or take in one of the many community events that take place inside the hall throughout the year. Known as the Apple Country of the Southwest, Donnybrook is two and a half hours south of Perth and just half an hour east of Bunbury. Extremely popular with backpackers during harvest time, there are a variety of attractions and activities to entice all visitors.

Take one the many Donnybrook Balingup Scenic Drives to witness some of the most beautiful countryside in the state's southwest. Thanks to the heavy rainfall in the area, there is a profusion of colour most of the year round. Depending on your time schedule each drive can take between one to three hours to complete. If time permits make sure you allow for a stop in some of the local towns as you pass through. Donnybrook is one of the state's primary fruit growing areas and there is an abundance of alluring orchards that you will pass on your drive. Stop and purchase some locally grown fruit from one of the many roadside stalls and enjoy a fresh local sample of Western Australia's fine produce. Walk-trails throughout the region allow you to take a break from the car and get some fresh air. Discover some of the area's beautiful flora and fauna and stop for a break at one of the many picnic areas. If time permits visit Donnybrook and try some of the region's apples in liquid form at the Cider Factory, or take a look at a variety of historical buildings made out of the renowned Donnybrook stone.

Established in 1993, Thomson Brook Wines are located seven kilometres east of Donnybrook, in the Preston Valley, a district of Western Australia's Geographe wine region. Thomson Brook Wines is a small family owned and managed operation.

They produce a range of fine quality wines, made from hand picked grapes which are grown in the rich loam soils of the Donnybrook region.

Donnybrook is traditionally renowned as Western Australia's premier apple growing region, but in recent years the region has established a steady reputation as a new and vibrant viticultural area.

Friendly Donnybrook is a pleasant two and a half hour drive from Perth and is located in a truly picturesque and unique rural setting.