Things to Do in Nannup & Surrounds: The Ultimate Cosy Holiday Guide
Planning a relaxing holiday Down South? What about beautiful tranquil Nannup? Discover the best nature walks, local artisan eats, secret swimming holes, and hidden wellness spots in the Blackwood River Valley.
The Ultimate Guide to Nannup and Surrounds: Slow Down & Reconnect.
Welcome to Nannup, the heart of Western Australia’s South West💚
Nestled along the banks of the winding Blackwood River and embraced by ancient Jarrah and Marri forests, our charming timber town is a place where time slows down, the morning mist hangs low, and nature invites you to simply breathe.
Whether you are visiting Nannup for a quiet weekend getaway, an adventurous cycling holiday, or a peaceful nature retreat, there is magic to be found around every corner.
To help you plan your perfect escape, I’ve gathered our favorite local spots to explore, taste, and experience — including the ultimate way to nurture your soul while you're in town.
Whether you're staying in a rustic bush cabin at Jarrah Glen farm stay (just 5 min drive from The Sound Nest), a cozy B&B, or camping under the stars at a Lavender farm, I cannot wait to welcome you to our community.
🌿Immerse Yourself in Untamed Nature
Nannup is a certified Trail Town, making it a sanctuary for those looking to reconnect with the earth.
Barrabup Pool & St John Brook Conservation Park: Just a 10-minute drive from the town center, this historic, forest lined natural pool is perfect for a serene morning walk, a peaceful swim from the wooden jetty, or a quiet picnic under the canopy.
Kondil Wildflower Park: If you are visiting between September and November, the Wildflower Wander or Sheoak Walk loops are essential. You’ll be surrounded by vibrant kangaroo paws, native orchids, and the gentle chatter of forest birds.
The Blackwood River Walk: A gentle, picturesque trail starting right from the heart of town at the Old Railway Bridge. It features raised timber decks perfect for birdwatching and absorbing the river's calming energy.
🌿Taste the Local Flavours & Explore the High Street
Our historic main street feels like stepping into a cosier yesteryear, complete with weatherboard facades, verandahs, and stunning seasonal flower boxes.
A Taste of Nannup and Beyond: Pop in to discover incredible local wares, artisan soaps, and regional treasures (like the famous Tinderbox products).
Cambray Gourmet Cheese: Head out to the farm gate to sample award-winning farmhouse cheeses. Bring a bottle of local South West wine and enjoy a cheese platter in their tranquil rural surroundings.
Quaint Cafes & Country Pubs: Grab a traditional treat at the local family bakery, sit down for tea and scones at Nanna’s pantry, have a hearty meal at Pickle & O, or enjoy a delicious dinner by the open fire at the Forest & Fire restaurant.
🌿 Complete Your Holiday: Relaxation of Mind, Body & Soul.
After a day of exploring the forests and winding country roads, true integration happens in stillness.
Nestled in a cosy, nature-inspired setting, just 15 minutes drive from town, The Sound Nest offers private sound therapy sessions designed to help you deeply rest.
Melt away holiday fatigue and realign your energy through the grounding vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, and chimes, held within a space dedicated to deep relaxation.
Spaces are limited for weekend travelers.
Find more about Sound Healing Sessions at The Sound Nest Here.
🌿Experience Iconic Festivals & Seasonal Magic
Depending on what time of year you plan your holiday, Nannup transforms with vibrant community spirit:
🍂 Autumn & Winter: Wake up to misty mornings, crisp forest air, and roaring log fires. (Perfect for a cozy indoor sound healing session!)
The Nannup Music Festival (March Long Weekend): A world-renowned celebration of live music, street performances, and creative workshops, an absolute must go.
The Nannup Flower and Garden Festival (August): Witness the town truly bloom with incredible displays of tulips and vibrant garden trails.
Take a Scenic Drive Beyond Nannup
Nannup serves as the perfect central base to explore the "Golden Triangle" of the Southern Forests and Valleys.
The Balingup-Nannup-Bridgetown Drive (Tourist Drive 251): Widely considered the most beautiful scenic drive in Western Australia, this winding road hugs the Blackwood River, offering breathtaking valley views and rolling green hills.
Donnelly River Village: A short drive away, this historic mill town lets you step back in time, where you can walk among friendly resident kangaroos and emus grazing at dusk.
🌸 Spring (September – November): This is when Nannup truly comes alive with color. The forest floor explodes with native wildflowers, orchids, and vibrant kangaroo paws. The mornings are crisp, the days are beautifully mild, and it is the absolute peak season for bushwalking along the Blackwood River or hiking the local trails before the summer heat sets in.
🚲 Discover Nannup’s World-Class Trails (On Two Wheels).
Nannup is rapidly becoming a premier Australian Trail Town and a mecca for cyclists, gravel riders, and mountain bikers looking for an off-road escape.
Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park: Located just outside of town, Tank 7 offers world-class, fast-flowing single tracks and gravity trails through the pine and native forests, suitable for everything from family fun to thrill-seeking riders.
The Munda Biddi Trail: Nannup sits as a key hub on this world-famous, long-distance off-road cycling trail. The section connecting through Nannup utilizes the historic Sidings Rail Trail offering a beautifully gentle, flat ride through the Jarrah forest.
The Timberline Trail: A fantastic 22km loop following a disused 1909 timber railway line between Nannup and Cambray Siding. It’s a wonderful option for a day-long gravel ride or a rewarding hike.
🚴Post-Ride Recovery at The Sound Nest:
Hours in the saddle or hiking the hills can leave your muscles tight and your nervous system overstimulated.
Sound Bath is an incredible, non invasive way to fast track your physical recovery. The deep, resonant frequencies of our sound bowls and chimes help release deep-seated physical tension and induce the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' state.
🌻 Summer (December – February): Summer in the hills is all about long, balmy evenings, clear starry nights, and seeking out cool forest shade. It is the perfect time of year to pack a picnic basket, escape the coastal crowds, and slow down under the cool canopy of our ancient trees.
🏊The Ultimate Summer Escape: Barrabup Pool & Workmans Pool
When the summer sun warms the South West, locals and travelers alike head straight into the timber country of the St John Brook Conservation Park.
Barrabup Pool: This deep, tranquil, forest-lined natural swimming hole is a must-visit summer sanctuary. Surrounded by towering trees that keep the water beautifully refreshing, you can spend the day swimming out from the historic wooden jetty, or simply sitting on the banks soaking in the peaceful energy.
Workmans Pool: Just a short walk downstream along the old railway line, this smaller, shady pool offers a quieter, more secluded spot to dip your toes in and listen to the gentle flow of the brook.
After a refreshing afternoon swim at Barrabup Pool, it is time for an evening escape after the midday summer heat — step into the tranquil sanctuary of The Sound Nest.
A restorative Sound Bath session is the perfect way to relax and deeply rest your body and mind after a day of exploring.
Other unique places to see around Nannup:
The Blackwood Valley Farm Gate & Artisan Trail
For foodies and lovers of slow, sustainable produce, the countryside surrounding Nannup is packed with hidden gems where you can buy straight from the grower.
Nannup Lavender Farm: Located along Graphite Road, take a stroll through the fragrant purple fields (gorgeous in summer!) and sample their locally made lavender tea and essential oils.
🌰 Chestnut Brae: A stunning 70-acre sweet chestnut farm. In autumn, you can experience the harvest, and year-round you can taste unique chestnut honey, syrup, and artisan goods.
🛍️ Nannup Farmers Market: Held fortnightly on Saturday mornings on the main street. It’s the perfect place to grab fresh local fruit, hand-made crafts, and meet the quirky, warm locals who make our town so special.
Have questions about the local area or want to combine your stay with a deeply restorative sound therapy session?
Get in Touch with me ( Nadia ) today,
or explore my Sound Therapy offerings.

