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The Ferguson Valley is one of the 'hidden gems' of the south west. It is a mere 20 minute drive from the large regional centre of Bunbury.
Rolling hills, farms, bed and breakfast stays, wineries and pristine forests are just some of the attractions that draw people here from all over the world.
You can find accommodation ranging from 4 star comfort, to billion star tent camping under the milky way at places like Honeymoon Pool.
Listing all the attractions in this area would take a very long time but some of the best known include Crooked Brook Forest where you can find walk-trails and
picnic facilities with free BBQs.
Then there is Wellington Forest and the National Park which are loved by everyone who visits. Wellington Dam holds back the Collie River and has become one of the best
recreation dams in the whole south west.
From the dam wall you can drive along the river past Honeymoon Pool and on to the coastal plain following the course of the Collie River past rapids and tranquil
river pools.
For those who love the outdoors there are National Park campsites at Honeymoon Pool and Potters Gorge. The real bonus is that you can swim, fish and canoe in Wellington Dam.
Most dams are used for water collection for people and recreational activities on or near the water and prohibited. As this is an agricultural dam, people are free to enjoy water pursuits
with very few restrictions.
Other campsites in the area include Lake Stockton and Glen Mervyn Dam. At Glen Mervyn it is even possible to water-ski - if your have your own boat of course.
One name that has become synonymous with the Ferguson Valley is Gnomesville . We don't know the full story behind how this incredible place got started but the tale most often told
is that a gnome was placed beside the road as a silent protest against the building of a new round-a-bout.
One gnome became 2, 2 became 200 and 200 became, well you get the idea. This attraction is driven by the people who visit it and without thousands of people from all over the planet
coming to this quiet bush location and leaving gnomes, there would be nothing there at all.
We have been to Gnomesville a couple of times and it remains one of the most impressive attractions that we have seen anywhere.
There was an attempt to start something similar on a lookout near Wooramel in the Gascoyne region but the local council interfered and completely ruined the whole thing.
We sincerely hope that this never happens to Gnomesville.
The sad gnomes of the Gladstone Lookout near Wooramel.
If you have time, the Ferguson Valley is an excellent place to stay and explore in more detail. If camping isn't your style then you can try one of the many
farm stays, bed and breakfasts, chalets or resorts that dot the area.
Local arts and crafts venues include 5th Element Art Glass Studio and Gallery as well as Lyndendale Art and Antiques.
If you want to try some local produce visit Harvey Cheese, Ferguson Falls Wines Cafe, Ferguson Hart Estate or the Moody Cow Brewery.
There are so many wineries in the area that it might be a good idea to hop on to an escorted tour and that way
you can enjoy sampling the local wines (and beers) without running the risk of exceeding the .05 alcohol limit for drivers on our roads.
Best time to visit:
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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