Donnybrook, Western Australia

Greetings, fellow travellers! Today, we took a delightful day trip from the picturesque coastal town of Mandurah to the charming countryside gem, Donnybrook. 

We were able to experience  local delights, historical landmarks, and delicious culinary experiences.

We started with morning tea at The Crooked Carrot, Myalup.  As we arrived at this quirky café, we were greeted by a colorful and vibrant atmosphere. All manner of machinery decorates the grounds, including a yellow plane.  The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted through the air, enticing us to indulge. With a variety of pastries, cakes, and artisanal coffees on offer, it was the perfect pitstop to start our day.  We decided on Carrot Cake and gluten free Persian Orange Cake and it was beautiful .  The cafe is  pet and family friendly with a wonderful playground and many interesting decorative areas throughout the gardens.  The Melbourne Trams are a highlight within the grounds.  

Continuing our drive, we reached the historic town of Donnybrook. It  is set amidst rolling hills and lush orchards.  Donnybrook boasts an interesting history dating back to the 19th century. Once a hub of the timber and fruit industries, the town has retained its old-world charm while embracing modern-day amenities.

The highlight of our Donnybrook visit was the awe-inspiring old Oak Tree standing proudly in the heart of the town. Estimated to be over 100 years old, this majestic tree has witnessed generations come and go, making it a true living testament to the passage of time.  No one knows who planted the Oak tree but it wasn’t uncommon for settlers to plant trees that reminded them of their distant homes.  This Oak most likely dates back to 1893 when the railway was constructed and Donnybrook was declared a town. 

Before  lunch, we took a leisurely stroll around Donnybrook, exploring its quaint main street and historic buildings. The town exudes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia. 

Ready to eat  we headed to the PARK Donnybrook for a delectable lunch.  This unique dining destination seamlessly blends nature and culinary excellence.  The menu offered a tantalizing array of dishes, from gourmet salads to extravagant toasties catering to a range of palates. The tranquil ambiance and friendly staff made our dining experience all the more enjoyable.

As we wrapped up our day trip, we couldn't help but reflect on the seamless blend of history, nature, and culinary delights that Donnybrook offered. From the ancient Oak Tree to the modern culinary haven, this town truly captivated our hearts.

So, if you're seeking a day trip filled with alluring history, delightful culinary experiences, and a touch of rural charm, don't miss the opportunity to venture  to Donnybrook. Until next time, fellow travellers—happy exploring!

Links : 

The Crooked Carrot : https://crookedcarrot.com.au/

PARK Donnybrook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065857221330

Donnybrook: https://donnybrookwa.com.au/

 

Henley Brook, Western Australia

 

There's a certain magic in road trips – the wind in your hair, the open road ahead, and the promise of new experiences around every corner. This sentiment was perfectly captured this week when we embarked on an unforgettable journey from Mandurah to Upper Swan, Henley Brook in Perth, Western Australia. 

As we set out we had no idea that we were about to uncover hidden historical gems and indulge in delectable culinary delights.

Our first stop once we arrived in the idyllic Swan Valley area was a charming morning tea at a local treasure, The House of Honey and The Sticky Spoon Cafe. This quaint cafe is known for serving delightful treats infused with the natural sweetness of honey. Our morning tea consisted of a delicious Devonshire tea with a delectable honey treat to trickle atop the scones. The coffee was lush and creamy and the venue was pet friendly with many lovely areas to sit and enjoy the morning.  The venue also has an amazing shop with all manner of honey and bee related wares, including honey ice cream and mead.  

With cameras in hand, we then made our way to All Saints Church, the oldest Church in Western Australia. This historical gem, standing as a testament to the passage of time, is steeped in stories that date back to the early colonial days.  We took a rather somber walk through the colonial graveyard and around the church grounds trying to imagine what it must have been like for early settlers in the area.  

Next stop was lunch at Belgian restaurant, The Abbey, a charming restaurant that provided the perfect ambiance for a leisurely lunch. We had steak sandwiches and peppermint tea before we were joined by a friend for more tea and a joyful afternoon chatting. 

 All Saints Church, Western Australia 

              Lunch at The Abbey 

Links :

The House of Honey and The Sticky Spoon Cafe : https://www.thehouseofhoney.com.au/

The Abbey Swan Valley : https://www.the-abbey.com.au/site/