The drive to Balingup takes just 45 minutes from Boyup Brook via Greenbushes. Make a beeline for Golden Valley Tree Park – it’s the largest arboretum in Western Australia where six hectares of trees from around the world provide colourful blooms all year round. Between late winter and early summer, nearby Racecourse Reserve is filled with native colours from the woody pear, golden shower, Clematis and yellow buttercups. In just over 15 minutes, the South West Highway brings you to Bridgetown and the picturesque Blackwood River Valley for a lunchtime feast of fresh local fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives, wine and cider. Here, where jarrah meets the marri forests, several walk trails lead you through clusters of kangaroo paws, orchids, wattles, buttercups, Bossiaeas, Hakea, blue native wisteria, native bluebells, Dampiera and orange-red Kennedia. You can pick up walk trail maps from the Bridgetown Visitor Centre. Venture deeper into tall-tree country, following the South Western Highway, and in less than half an hour, you’ll find yourself in Manjimup – the land of the giant karri trees and delicious black truffles. Treat yourself to a peaceful escape at a nearby farm stay or forest retreat.