The early settlers began to arrive in the Southern Forests and Valleys in the 1850s, drawn by the potential for farming, timber-milling and prospecting.

While there was plenty of water and fertile land, the heavily forested landscape offered many challenges too. The hardscrabble legacy of the pioneers can be explored in a number of ways, from climbing a bushfire look-out tree and peering into one of Western Australia’s earliest open-cut mine, to browsing museums filled with vintage photographs and machinery. 

Explore all Agriculture, Mining & Industry

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    Boyup Brook is rich in history and the people of the district have contributed much to the development of Western …

    Boyup Brook District Pioneers’ Museum

    25 Jayes Road, Boyup Brook WA
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    Join us for an enchanting journey back in time at the Bridgetown Greenbushes Heritage Festival! Immerse yourself in the rich …

    April

    Bridgetown-Greenbushes Heritage Festival

    8th - 14th April 2024
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    Test your nerve and climb 65m up this enormous karri tree and into the forest canopy.

    Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree

    Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, Yeagarup WA
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    Welcome to The Flax Mill at Boyup Brook, a living testament to history. Erected in 1941, this monumental structure played …

    Flax Mill Museum

    112 Jackson Street, Boyup Brook WA
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    Make sure you visit the ‘Heart of the Wood’ where you can learn how the oak, cedar of Lebanon, ash and laurel have changed the course of history.

    Foresters Wood

    Glenoran WA
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    Calling all foodies and culinary adventurers! Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and embark on an genuinely extraordinary journey …

    Genuinely Southern Forests

    1 Johnston Crescent, Manjimup WA
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    EXPLORE PARKS PARK ALERT The Gloucester Tree within Gloucester National Park is closed for climbing until further notice due to …

    Gloucester Tree

    Gloucester Tree, Burma Road, Pemberton WA
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    The Greenbushes Discovery Centre provides a fascinating insight into the natural and cultural environment of the south west. The Centre …

    Greenbushes Discovery Centre

    38 Blackwood Road, Greenbushes WA
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    Looking for an exciting and educational outing? Located in the heart of the South West, the Greenbushes Mine Lookout offers …

    Greenbushes Public Mine Lookout

    Mine lookout, Telluride Street, Greenbushes WA
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    Discover the many stories of Manjimup and the Southern Forests as you explore the 12 hectare Manjimup Heritage Park featuring …

    Manjimup Heritage Park

    151 Giblett Street, Manjimup WA
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    The Pioneer Museum has an outstanding collection of original items used by the Northcliffe Group Settlers more than 80 years …

    Northcliffe Pioneer Museum

    Jubilee Park, 1 Windy Harbour Rd, Northcliffe WA 6262
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    All aboard at the Pemberton Railway Station for these return services which meander through towering Karri and Marri over trestle …

    Pemberton Tramway

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    Immerse yourself in a captivating fusion of education and entertainment as you explore our state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive displays, and hands-on …

    Power Up Electricity Museum

    Power Up Electricity Museum, Giblett Street, Manjimup WA
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    The Award-Winning State Timber Museum Explore Manjimup’s rich timber heritage at our Timber Museum, a vital tribute to the timber …

    State Timber Museum

    State Timber Museum, Rose Street, Manjimup WA
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