Best 12 Things to do in Harvey WA 2024: Locals Guide 🍊
As a local who has had the pleasure of visiting Harvey (Korijekup) on multiple occasions, I want to share my experience of Harvey. This place often slips under the radar of mainstream tourism but deserves recognition and exploration.
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Top 12 Things to Do in Harvey
The picturesque farming town of Harvey is known for its production of oranges, milk and beef, as well as gourmet food and wine. Apart from food, though, there are other reasons to visit Harvey!
1. Harvey Dam
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Summer
🐠 Fishing: September to May for trout fishing
💵 Cost: Free
🐶 Dogs allowed
⏰ Open: 24 hours
Harvey Dam, which can hold up to 56 billion litres, is a man-made reservoir serving as a vital water supply for the region.
Besides its practical importance, Harvey Dam offers various activities, such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, making it a perfect spot for a day of leisure and relaxation.
The dam is a great place to spend an afternoon with barbecues, walking trails and a playground for the kids. Trout and marron fishing are also popular at the dam between September and May, but you’ll need a valid fishing license.
2. The Big Orange
⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5 Stars
📍 Location: 183 Third St
🍊 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Gold coin donation (for charity)
⏰ Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 10 am to 2 pm
🥾 62 steps
The Big Orange in Harvey is a quirky and iconic roadside attraction now located on the grounds of Harvey River Estate. As you approach the winery, you can’t miss the sight of the 10 m Big Orange, an eye-catching monument proudly representing the region’s fruit-growing heritage.
The large orange structure has 62 steps to the top, where you can view the Harvey Fresh orange orchards and the vineyard.
3. Harvey Heritage Walk Trail
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars (Trails WA)
📍 Location: Harvey Visitor Centre, 1 James Stirling Place
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
⏳Trail Length: 6.5 km return, 1 to 3 hours
⏰ Open: 24 hours
🥾 Trail Difficulty: Easy
🐶 Dogs allowed
The Harvey Heritage Walk Trail is a great way to explore the town’s history and natural beauty. The trail weaves through streets lined with well-preserved heritage buildings, providing a glimpse into the town’s architectural heritage and unique character.
From near the Visitor Centre, the trail takes you past the replica of Stirling’s Cottage, the Harvey River, the Internment Camp Memorial Shrine, the railway station and other historic landmarks.
4. Stirling Cottage Gardens & Cafe
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars
📍Location: South Western Highway, 1 James Stirling Place
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
⏳Trail Length:4.7 km return, 1 to 3 hours
⏰ Cafe: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
🥾 Walk Difficulty: Easy
🐶 Dogs allowed in the gardens
This beautiful 1850s replica cottage offers a glimpse into the life and times of Sir James Stirling, Western Australia’s first Governor. The original cottage, which ended up with just a few bricks left, was 500m away on the banks of the Harvey River.
One of Harvey’s earliest residents was May Gibbs, creator of the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie book series. May lived in Stirling Cottage with her family in the 1880s and was believed to draw inspiration for her stories from her time in Harvey.
The replica cottage, built in 1994, has a cafe with a balcony overlooking the river and picturesque gardens. Some of the best features of the Heritage Gardens are the 19th-century style fountain, mini orchard, and the enchanting secret garden.
5. Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee (Noongar Knowledge Path)
📍 Location: Stirling Cottage Gardens
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
⏳Trail Length: 900m, 15-30 mins
⏰ Open: 24 hours
🥾 Trail Difficulty: Easy
🐶 Dogs allowed
The Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee, also known as the Noongar Knowledge Path, is an interpretive walking trail featuring ten pieces of art created by the local Noongar people.
The trail starts by the Stirling Cottage Gardens, crosses the river, and then under the Harvey River Bridge.
6. Harvey Railway Station Museum
📍 Location: 15 Harper Street
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost:
⏰ Open: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month between 11 am and 3 pm
The Harvey Museum is housed in the old railway station, built in the 1890s, and features historical items from the town’s past.
The Perth to Bunbury railway line operated from 1893 until 1987, when the Australind train commenced.
7. Wildflower Ridge Walk 1.4 km
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars
📍 Location: Honeymoon Road
🌸 Best Time to Visit: Spring
💵 Cost: Free
⛔️ Prohibited: No Dogs
⏳Trail Length: 1.4 km return, less than 60 mins
⏰ Open: 24 hours
🥾 Trail Difficulty: Grade 3
The well-marked path is suitable for most hikers and provides opportunities for birdwatching and spotting various native fauna along the way. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Harvey Dam and the coastline.
As the name suggests, this trail is beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom.
8. Harvey Cheese
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars
📍 Location: 11442 South Western Hwy, Wokalup
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
⏰ Open: 7 days a week, 9.30 am to 5 pm
This family-owned and operated artisanal cheese producer handcrafts creamy, fresh batches of cheese in their Harvey factory.
Visit the Harvey Cheese factory to sample some of their cheese and buy some to take home. The shop also sells accompaniments, ice creams and locally made crafts and preserves.
9. Wineries
As you venture into the Harvey wine region, you’ll be welcomed by rolling vineyards, stunning landscapes, and charming cellar doors. Each winery has its own unique character and wine-tasting journey.
From crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Chardonnays to robust Shiraz and Merlot, the wineries in Harvey produce a diverse range of varietals.
In addition to exquisite wines, some wineries in Harvey have on-site restaurants or picnic areas, so you can indulge in delicious food pairings while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Skipworth Wine Company
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars
📍 Location: Hoffman Road Yarloop
⏰ Open: 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays
🥇multi-award-winning boutique winemaker 🍷
Vineyard 28
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars
📍 Location: 270 Bagieau Rd, Yarloop
⏰ Open: 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday to Monday, for bookings only
💵 Cost: Wine Experiences start at A$10pp
🐶 Dog Friendly
Harvey River Estate
⭐️ RATING: 4.2/5 Stars
📍 Location: 183 Third Street
⏰ Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 10 am – 2 pm
💵 Cost: Free
10. Logue Brook Dam/ Lake Brockman
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars
📍 Location: Logue Brook Dam Road
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
🐶 Dog Friendly
⛔️ March flies can be bad in warm weather
Activities
Logue Brook Dam, also known as Lake Brockman, is a stunning reservoir surrounded by jarrah forest.
The dam was constructed in 1963 to supply water for drinking and irrigation to the region. Today, it is a popular recreational spot, attracting visitors with its shimmering blue water and beautiful forest.
Water activities take centre stage at Lake Brockman, with boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. Anglers will find various fish species, including trout and marron, but permits and seasons apply.
Several walking trails and picnic areas around the dam provide an ideal setting for a walk or a relaxing picnic.
Camping facilities are available at the new campground or the Lake Brockman Tourist Park, which also has cabin accommodation.
Wellington District Recreation Sites Map.
11. Bridges Walk
⚠️This trail is now closed due to the ALCOA mining operations.
12. Harvey Mosaic Trail
📍 Location: Harvey region
🚘 Drive Length: 140 km
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
🐶 Dog Friendly
⏳Allow: Half-day
The Harvey Mosaic Trail takes you on a journey through the region, where you can find a collection of vibrant and intricate mosaics adorning various public spaces. Created by local artists and community members, each mosaic depicts the town’s history, culture, or natural beauty.
Stop for a picnic, coffee at a cafe, or browse in the shops along the way.
List of artworks and where to find them.
Places to Visit near Harvey
If you’re in Harvey for longer or want to explore further afield, these destinations make great day trips.
1. Old Coast Brewery Mini Golf
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars
🚘 Driving Time: 15 minutes
📍 Location: 1238 W Break, Myalup
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Fine weather
💵 Cost: Adults – A$20, Children – A$10, Family Groups – A$50 (2 adults + up to 3 children)
🐶 Dogs only allowed on the lawn with their owner
⏳Allow: 1 hour
⏰Open: Thursdays from 11 am – 3 pm, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm
The 18-hole mini-golf course features creative holes, each with a different Western Australian attraction. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the course is enjoyable for everyone.
After a round of mini-golf, you can head to the brewery’s onsite restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy delicious meals and sample handcrafted beers (the brewery prides itself on its locally brewed beers).
For families, the brewery is on a 60-acre property with a playground and a large grass area for children to play.
2. Myalup
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars
🚘 Driving Time: 20 minutes
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Summer
💵 Cost: Free
🐶 Dog Friendly
The white sand Myalup Beach is approximately 20 kilometres from Harvey and is well known for summer fishing (Tailor, Sand and Yellowfin Whiting, Herring, Flounder, Gardies, Flathead, and small Sharks). Myalup General Store sells bait if you don’t have any.
Four-wheel drive vehicles can drive onto the beach, and you can even bring your dog. Look out for dolphins that frequent the coast.
If you’re hungry, pop into the Crooked Carrot – the large playground is excellent for kids.
3. Binningup Beach & Skate Park
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars
🚘 Driving Time: 25 minutes
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Summer
💵 Cost: Free
🐶 Dog Friendly
Binningup Beach is a good swimming beach because the Binningup Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach at weekends and public holidays between October and April. Snorkellers will love exploring the reef parallel to the beach.
Throw a line from the beach for fish such as Bream, Tailor, and Yellow Fin Whiting.
Kids will enjoy the pirate playground, and the Binningup General Store is a convenient stop for snacks, drinks, and any essentials you might need during your visit. There’s also a small skate park and playground in Kane Place.
4. Australind
🚘 Driving Time: 30 minutes
💵 Cost: Free
One of the main attractions in Australind is the Leschenault Estuary, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the water’s edge, spot birdlife, and admire the stunning estuary views. It’s also an excellent place to crab in the season due to the large population of blue swimmer crabs.
Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park encompasses coastal heathlands, wetlands, and woodlands, providing a habitat for various flora and fauna.
5. Bunbury
🚘 Driving Time: 40 minutes
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
Bunbury is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, dolphins at Koombana Bay, and the scenic Leschenault Inlet. Visitors can take a guided dolphin cruise, climb Marlston Hill Lookout Tower for views over Bunbury, and walk along Koombana Foreshore – there are plenty of things to do in Bunbury for the day.
6. Gnomesville
🚘 Driving Time: 45 minutes
📍 Location: LOT 4059 Wellington Mill Rd, Wellington Mill
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year
💵 Cost: Free
🐶 Dog Friendly
⏰ Open: 24 hours
🥾 Easy
Gnomesville is a unique and quirky tourist attraction with thousands of gnome figurines placed by visitors over the years. It started with one gnome but has grown into a unique and whimsical display in the heart of a forest.
7. Ferguson Valley
🚘 Driving Time: 30 minutes
🌸 Best Time to Visit: All Year (but I like winter & spring)
Head to Ferguson Valley, a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and gourmet food. Enjoy wine tasting at boutique wineries, savour delicious local produce, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
8. Wellington National Park
🚘 Driving Time: 40 minutes
🌸 Best Time to Visit: Spring & Autumn
💵 Cost: Free
⛔️ Prohibited: No Dogs
⏰ Open: 24 hours
Discover the natural beauty of Wellington National Park – go for a hike or a swim in the serene Honeymoon Pool, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the forest.
Wellington Dam is one of the main attractions within the national park. The large reservoir, formed by the Collie River, is surrounded by beautiful forested hills. Its best feature, though, is its painted wall, the largest mural dam painting in the world.
Where is Harvey? 📍
Harvey is a town in southwestern Western Australia, approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Perth.
How to get to Harvey 🚘
To get to Harvey from Perth, you can take a road trip:
- Head south on Kwinana Freeway (State Route 2) from Perth.
- Continue onto Forrest Highway (State Route 2) towards Bunbury.
- Take the exit onto Old Coast Road (State Route 1) towards Bunbury/Harvey.
- Follow Old Coast Road until you reach Harvey.
The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Using a GPS navigation system or a map app for precise directions and real-time updates is recommended.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Harvey
Harvey welcomes tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and interests.
Spring (September to November)
Spring in Harvey is a magical time when the landscape comes alive with a burst of colours and new life. The temperatures are mild, ranging from 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F), making it pleasant for outdoor activities. The iconic Western Australian native wildflowers make spring the ideal season for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Summer (December to February)
Summers in Harvey are warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 31°C (64°F to 88°F). While it can get hot during the day, evenings offer a more comfortable temperature. Summer is perfect for exploring the stunning coastline, enjoying water-based activities, and visiting Harvey Dam.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn in Harvey brings milder temperatures, ranging from 11°C to 25°C (52°F to 77°F). Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors.
Winter (June to August)
Winter is the region’s wettest and coldest season, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). It’s an excellent time to explore the forests and national parks, such as Wellington National Park, where the misty atmosphere creates a captivating ambience.
Additionally, the colder weather allows you to enjoy cosy evenings by the fireplace with a glass of local red wine.
Harvey’s famous oranges are in season from June to October.
How Long to Stay in Harvey
You can squeeze Harvey’s main attractions into one day, but it’s best to stay the weekend to explore the surrounding Harvey region.
Harvey Accommodation
Lake Brockman Tourist Park
Just 10 minutes north of Harvey lies the Lake Brockman Tourist Park, a spot best known for its picturesque lakeside campsites. Situated beside the banks of the Logue Brook Dam, the park provides great access for canoeing, swimming, trout fishing and marron catching. The lake’s tent sites, caravan spots and cabins book out fast, so reserve your spot before you set off.
Where to Eat Near Harvey
Try some of these places that are not too far from Harvey:
- Old Coast Brewery
- Brugan Brewery in Wokalup
- The Wokalup
- The Crooked Carrot Cafe
- Stirling Cottage Kitchen
Facilities in Harvey
- Grocery (Super IGA)
- Hospital
- Bank
- Post Office
- Pharmacy
- Shops
- Cafe/bakery/takeaway
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Fuel Station
What to pack
Wear light casual clothes in spring and summer, and pack some light outerwear for autumn. Harvey can be prone to frost in cooler months, so pack plenty of warm layers if you’re visiting in winter. Suitable footwear is recommended no matter the time of year, as many walking trails and attractions cross through sections of forest.
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