Perched above the mist line on a tranquil hilltop just outside the Balingup townsite, Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages is a gorgeous family escape in the Blackwood River Valley. Around 2.5–3 hours’ drive (about 240km) south of Perth, this multi award-winning property combines sweeping valley views, cosy bush cottages and a real “back to nature” experience that kids and adults will love.
Set on 46 acres of natural jarrah and marri forest, the six self-contained cottages are spaced well apart for privacy, so it really feels like your own little slice of bushland. From the moment you turn up the 800m steep, mostly unsealed driveway and reach the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Balingup and the Blackwood River Valley that set the tone for a peaceful, slow-paced stay.
The cottages themselves have been thoughtfully renovated with open-plan kitchens, fresh bathrooms and modern flooring, while still keeping a rustic bush feel. Inside, everything is spotlessly clean with super comfy beds, crisp white linen, warm blankets and electric blankets for those chilly nights.
In the cooler months the pot-belly log fire becomes the heart of the cottage – perfect for snuggling up with the kids, playing board games and watching the flames. For warmer days, there’s reverse-cycle air-conditioning and ceiling fans in the living areas to keep everyone comfortable.
Each cottage has its own jarrah deck with a BBQ, overlooking the forest or valley below. It’s a lovely spot to start the morning with a coffee, listen to bird calls drifting through the trees and watch the valley wake up. In the evenings, parents can enjoy a glass of local wine while the kids spot stars in the clear country sky.
The kitchens are well-equipped for families, including plastic plates and bowls, a microwave, slow cooker and rice cooker, plus the essentials you need for easy meals. There isn’t an oven – just a gas stovetop – so it’s worth planning simple stovetop or BBQ meals. If you’d rather have a break from cooking, you can order breakfast hampers or evening meal platters in advance through their hampers and platters options, making it easy to arrive and relax straight away.
Families are well catered for with lots of homely touches. Children will love finding a special teddy bear waiting on their bed to look after during the stay, and there’s a small toy box, along with board games, books and DVDs for quiet time. The property is very much about kids getting outside and into nature, but it’s great to have indoor entertainment on hand for early mornings or wet weather.
One of the biggest highlights for kids is the daily animal feeding, held each morning at around 8.15am. Little animal lovers can help feed friendly sheep, a llama, rescue horses, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks, and might even be treated to freshly laid eggs for breakfast. Old clothes and gumboots or sturdy shoes are a must – staying clean while feeding animals is almost impossible, and that’s half the fun!
Hidden in the middle of the forest is the Secret Garden, a magical nature play space inspired by Nature Play WA. Think bush cubbies, fairy corners and plenty of natural materials for imaginative play. Kids can easily spend hours here building, pretending and exploring. It’s a beautiful way for children to unplug and have classic, simple outdoor fun.
Guests also have access to a special lookout on the property with a 270-degree view of the valley. It’s stunning any time of day, but particularly magical at sunset or on a clear night when the Milky Way puts on a show. Bring a rug and some snacks and settle in for a bit of stargazing.
In the cooler months you may be treated to Balingup’s famous morning mists rolling through the valley – an unforgettable sight if you’re up early enough.
Another lovely seasonal treat is the occasional communal bonfire evening in the cooler months. When conditions allow, guests are invited to gather around the fire to roast marshmallows, chat with the hosts and meet other families staying on the property. It adds a real sense of community and country hospitality to the stay.
Balingup Heights also works beautifully as a base to explore the wider region. Within a short drive you’ll find the Golden Valley Tree Park for beautiful walks among heritage trees, Greenbushes Pool for a swim, local wineries and farm gates, and the pretty Balingup town centre with its cafés and shops. Donnybrook’s Apple Fun Park is a must-do if you have Playground-loving kids, and the Balingup–Nannup tourist drive is one of the most scenic routes in the South West. The owners share plenty of up-to-date information on local events, attractions and seasonal highlights, and often send a helpful pre-arrival email with ideas tailored to your stay dates.
Throughout, what really stands out about Balingup Heights is the warm, genuine hospitality and the focus on connection – to nature, to each other and to the local area. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a small group trip or simply want to give your kids a taste of farm and bush life, this hilltop hideaway offers a beautiful mix of comfort, adventure and calm.
Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages
Address: 65 Balingup–Nannup Road, Balingup WA 6253, Australia
Opening hours: Accommodation by booking; check-in and check-out times provided at booking
Website: https://balingupheights.com.au
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
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