Things To Do in Bridgetown WA
If you’re looking for things to do in Bridgetown, Western Australia, my guide provides tips on when to visit, how to get there, what to do, and where to stay.
As a Western Australian local, I have visited Bridgetown on numerous occasions.
Bridgetown (Geegelup), in the Blackwood River Valley, is the only heritage-listed town in the South West region of Western Australia. The quaint historic country town has forests, steep rolling hills, and the longest-flowing river in WA.
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The Best Things To Do in Bridgetown
Bridgetown WA is a small picturesque country town with some interesting and quirky places to visit. This map will help plan your itinerary for your trip.
1. Bridgetown Walks and Trails
Bridgetown Jarrah Park is about 20 km from Bridgetown by Brookman Highway. There are four walks to choose from, varying from 20 minutes to 2 hours. During wildflower season, there are wisteria, yellow flags, wattles, hovea, coral vines and orchids. The trails take in Jarrah, Marri, and WA Blackbutt forest trees.
Some wildlife you may come across, if you are lucky, are kangaroos, western brush wallabies, honey possums, and western pygmy possums. Be aware of venomous dugite and tiger snakes, especially when they are most active in the warmer months. For birdwatchers, look out for honeyeaters, white, yellow, and scarlet robins, fantails, wrens, striated and spotted pardalotes, wattlebirds, ravens, kookaburras, red and white-tailed black cockatoos, golden and rufous whistlers, shrike thrushes, and purple crowned lorikeets.
The Town Heritage Walk is a 2 km easy walk through the historic town of Bridgetown town centre.
The Blackwood River Walk starts in Bridgetown in the Blackwood River Park. It’s an easy to moderate 5.7 km to 8 km walk, including a boardwalk detour through bush and wetlands. An 8-metre suspension bridge crosses the river. Western Australian wildflowers found here are native buttercups, peas, snowdrops, and orchids. It’s a lovely walk with plenty of wildflowers in spring. The kids enjoyed the suspension bridge, although it was stable, unlike the bridge at Beedelup Falls, Pemberton!
The Old Rectory Walk is a moderate to easy 1.7 km walk by the Bridgetown timber bridge. The trail takes you under the railway and timber bridges following the river. Standing under the bridge and seeing the construction and huge timber posts is amazing. The quaint 100-year-old church, St Paul’s, is in the town.
Walks are one of the most popular free things to do in Bridgetown and are very scenic. Download this booklet for more information, trail maps, and other walks.
There are also some great mountain bike trails in Bridgetown. With its stunning natural landscape, this region offers some exciting rides for any level of biker. The area features a variety of terrain, from rolling hills to steep climbs and descents, making it ideal for riders who love a challenge. The views are beautiful, with old-growth forests, wildflowers, and wildlife sightings adding to the experience.
The Warren Blackwood Stock Route is a renowned 320 km bridle trail. This iconic route served as a significant avenue for cattle drovers, connecting farming towns between Nannup and Walpole, including Bridgetown, Manjimup, Quinninup, Shannon and Willow Springs.
The trail traverses through stunning landscapes of dense forests, rolling hills, and scenic valleys, offering an authentic outback experience.
2. Bridgetown High Street
Bridgetown High Street has a few historic buildings, seen on the Bridgetown Heritage Walk (above).
There are shops, a bakery, The Bridgetown Hotel, The Rabbit Hole, and a Jigsaw Gallery. It would have been nice to stroll along, looking in the arty shops, but the weather was against us.
The Rabbit Hole (87 Hampton St) consists of artist studios, where art is created and for sale. Get lost down the rabbit hole and be amazed at the talented, creative artists.
Brierley Jigsaw Gallery holds the title of being the only public jigsaw gallery in the Southern Hemisphere. Jessie Brierley started the collection over forty years ago, which has been continually added to. The heritage museum and gallery are open Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm, and Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 10 am – 1 pm. There is a small entrance fee, but it didn’t appeal to us.
Paper Planes Co. is a treasure trove, perfect for gift shopping. Choose from roller skates, toys, shampoo bars, books, clothing, and lots more.
Totem Rustic antique shop features a rustic collection of barn finds, antiques, and vintage furniture.
3. Bridgetown Art Trail
Bridgetown is full of creative and accomplished artists who have day jobs here. The Bridgetown Art Trail was started with the idea of showcasing some of these artists around the town. A trail of artworks stretches along four kilometres of Bridgetown’s streets. The hope is for new pieces to be added and the trail to continue to grow.
Download an art trail map and detailed information on each piece here.
4. Bridgetown Police Station 1880 Museum
This museum (previously known as the Old Gaol) is open Saturdays from 10am to 1pm and from 9 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are visiting Bridgetown at this time, visit this museum for an insight into what it was like as a prisoner in the 1880s.
This site was the town’s police station and lock-up from 1880 to 1973, with remains of the first courthouse to the left and police housing to the right.
It can be seen on the historic walk along the town’s main street.
5. The Cidery Bridgetown
The Cidery specialises in producing premium boutique ciders and beers.
If you’re looking for what to do in Bridgetown when it’s raining, head here for lunch. In winter, sit by the roaring fire to enjoy one of their multi-award-winning beers. They are outstanding.
The interior is crafted from local wood, including Jarrah, Marri, Blackbutt, and pine timbers. Partner Peter Vowles handcrafted the Jarrah tasting bar and the dresser.
Their ciders use Pink Lady apples to produce 100% natural ciders and apple juice.
Award-Winning Ales and Stouts are produced by Mark Hollett, winning over 25 International and State awards since 2007. We decided to try the Tasting Paddle, which included five 350ml drinks for $17-50. I chose the Special Bitter, Irish Red Ale, Blackwood Nut Brown, Blackwood Stout Porter, and Bitter Sweet cider. I loved all the beers, they reminded me of the great bitters and stouts we have back home in the UK, but I wasn’t that keen on the cider (although I’m not a huge fan of cider anyway).
Bookings are recommended as numbers are limited (telephone 9761 2204).
We had the Burgers, which were delicious and great value. The service was excellent and friendly. I highly recommend lunch here; the food, beer, and service were all spot on.
6. Ford House & Wag Walters Emporium
Ford House is a luxurious retreat on 5 acres of gardens on the Blackwood River’s edge. The history of the house can be found on the Ford House webpage.
Don’t despair if you can’t stay here, though, as visitors are welcome to their shop.
Wag Walters Emporium is a homeware and gift store with a beautiful selection of gifts and unique treasures.
7. Sunnyhurst Winery
Suunyhurst is a boutique winery – grapes are grown, hand-picked, processed, and bottled (a local artist designed the labels). Visit the cellar door Thursday to Sunday and public holidays from 11 am to 5 pm to sample some of their award-winning wines and chat with the owner and winemaker Marie-Pierre Dussaul. The Bordeaux-style vineyard grows French varieties like Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Bridgetown Festivals
Blues at Bridgetown
Blues at Bridgetown is one of Australia’s longest-running music festivals held in spring. The town comes alive over three days of acoustic and electric blues.
Check the Blues at Bridgetown site for information on the artists playing this year.
Spring Festival
This annual country garden festival showcases the local gardens of Bridgetown, Balingup and Greenbushes.
👉 Bridgetown Travel Guide
👉 Bridgetown Accommodation
