Category: Vacation

There is something wonderfully relaxing about stepping outside, climbing into a warm outdoor bath and simply taking in your surroundings.

At Tree Chalets, our private outdoor baths are tucked amongst the tall Rosegum trees, giving you the chance to slow down, switch off and enjoy a little luxury in nature. Whether you’re soaking in the afternoon sunshine, watching the colours change at sunset or lying back beneath a sky full of stars, the bath becomes part of the Tree Chalets experience.

And once you’ve experienced an outdoor bath here, you may find you don’t want to leave.

Outdoor bathing, surrounded by nature

Each of our three luxury chalets – Bluegum, Rosegum and Grandis – has its own private outdoor cast-iron bath.

Rather than being an indoor bathroom experience, the baths allow you to step outside and become part of the natural surroundings. Tall Rosegum trees surround the chalets, birds call from the trees and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot kangaroos nearby.

It’s peaceful, private and a little indulgent – exactly what you want from a relaxing getaway.

The baths also have privacy screens, so you can completely relax and enjoy your time without distraction.

A luxurious cast-iron bath for two

Our outdoor baths aren’t just beautiful to look at – they’re designed to be enjoyed together.

Each bath is a 1800mm-long cast-iron bath, making it spacious enough for two people to comfortably soak together. There’s something rather special about having enough room to stretch out and relax without feeling cramped.

The solid cast-iron construction also gives the baths that wonderfully decadent, traditional feel. Combined with the warmth of the water, the surrounding trees and the privacy of your own outdoor space, it makes for a truly indulgent experience.

The baths are filled with heated rainwater, and we provide local bath salts for you to add to your soak. Slip into the warm water, settle back and let the peaceful surroundings do the rest.

Soak at sunset

One of our favourite times to enjoy the outdoor baths is late afternoon.

As the sun begins to disappear, the light changes through the Rosegum trees and the whole setting becomes even more peaceful. Pour yourself a drink, take a grazing board outside and settle into the warm water while the day slowly winds down.

It’s the perfect time to put your phone away and simply enjoy being together.

And if you time it right, you can stay in the bath as the last of the daylight fades and the evening begins.

When the stars come out

Then comes the really special part.

Once darkness falls, the outdoor bath takes on a completely different feel.

With very little light pollution around the chalets, the night sky comes alive above the trees. On a clear night, you can lie back in the warm water and look up at the stars and, at the right time of year and under the right conditions, see the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

It’s hard to think of a better way to end a day in the Margaret River Region.

Warm water, cool night air and a sky full of stars.

Add a grazing board to your bath

If you’re going to relax, you may as well do it properly.

Our handmade grazing boards are designed to make those slow moments at the chalet even more enjoyable. Add one to your stay and take it outside to enjoy alongside your bath.

With local produce and delicious little treats to share, it turns an ordinary soak into something that feels like a special occasion.

And there is no need to dress up.

A warm bath, your favourite drink, a grazing board and the trees around you is all you need.

Outdoor baths in winter

Don’t think outdoor bathing is only for warm weather.

In fact, winter can be one of the most enjoyable times to use the baths.

Imagine stepping outside into the crisp evening air and lowering yourself into steaming warm water. Stay as long as you like, then wrap yourself in a warm bathrobe and heated towel before heading back inside to the warmth of your chalet.

And there’s a fire waiting for you.

Our chalets have cosy wood fires, with all your firewood supplied. So you can settle in front of the flames, warm and relaxed after your bath, and enjoy the rest of the evening together.

It’s one of those simple experiences that makes a winter getaway feel particularly special.

Daytime baths are pretty wonderful too

Of course, you don’t have to wait until sunset.

A morning soak can be a beautiful way to start the day, particularly when the bush is quiet and the birds are becoming active.

Or take a bath in the afternoon after exploring the Busselton and Margaret River Region. Come back to the chalet, slip into the warm water and let your day slow down again.

The outdoor bath is there whenever you feel like using it.

And that’s part of the luxury – having nowhere you need to be.

Make the outdoor bath part of a special occasion

Sometimes a getaway is about more than simply taking a break. It’s about celebrating the people and moments that matter.

Our outdoor baths have become a beautiful setting for special occasions and memorable moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or another milestone, sharing a private soak beneath the trees gives you a chance to make the occasion feel a little more special.

Looking for a way to give someone a special experience rather than another present? Our Tree Chalets gift vouchers are available for occasions including newlyweds, Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries – or simply “because you’re special.” It’s a lovely way to give someone the chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy their own outdoor bath experience among the trees.

[Explore our gift vouchers]

For couples, the baths can also be a wonderfully romantic part of a getaway. Imagine arriving for an anniversary stay, enjoying a grazing board and a glass of something special in the bath as the sun sets, then staying outside to watch the stars appear.

And for an even bigger moment, the privacy and beautiful natural setting can provide a memorable backdrop for a marriage proposal.

There’s no audience, no schedule and no need to make a grand production of it. Just the two of you, surrounded by the Rosegum trees, with the night sky overhead.

Whether it’s a big milestone or simply an opportunity to celebrate being together, sometimes the simplest moments become the ones you remember most.

Three chalets, three private outdoor bath experiences

All three Tree Chalets have their own private outdoor bath, so you can enjoy the experience regardless of which chalet you choose.

Chalet Bluegum offers a secluded escape among the Rosegums, with a private outdoor bath and plenty of space to relax.

Chalet Rosegum is surrounded by nature, with beautiful views from the chalet and its own private outdoor bath.

Chalet Grandis, our premium chalet, offers an elevated luxury experience among the trees, with its own romantic outdoor bath and beautiful views across the surrounding Rosegum plantation.

Each chalet is designed for two adults, giving couples the privacy and space to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

How to make the most of your outdoor bath

If you’re planning a stay at Tree Chalets, here are a few of our favourite ways to enjoy the experience:

• Choose sunset for beautiful changing light through the trees.
• Add the local bath salts provided for your soak.
• Take a grazing board outside and enjoy something delicious while you relax.
• Bring your favourite drink and make an occasion of it.
• Stay until dark and watch the stars appear.
• In winter, have the fire ready for when you come back inside.
• Leave your phone inside and give yourself permission to completely switch off.
• Don’t rush. The bath is best enjoyed when you have plenty of time.

More than just a bath

While the outdoor baths are certainly a highlight, they are just one part of the Tree Chalets experience.

You can spend the morning exploring the walking tracks across our 90-acre property, enjoy a breakfast hamper filled with local produce on your deck, watch kangaroos grazing nearby or simply curl up with a book and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Later, you might head out to explore Busselton, discover some of the Margaret River Region’s wineries and local producers, or take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.

Then come back to your chalet, light the fire and finish the day with a soak beneath the stars.

That’s what we mean by luxury in nature.

Slow down and make time for a bath

Life can be busy. A getaway doesn’t have to be.

At Tree Chalets, our outdoor baths are an invitation to slow down, spend time together and enjoy the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature.

Whether you soak beneath the afternoon sun, watch the sunset through the Rosegums, celebrate a special occasion or lie back beneath the night sky, an outdoor bath is one of the best ways to experience the peaceful side of the Margaret River Region.

Come for the trees, stay for the luxury, and make time for a bath beneath the stars.

 

 

There is something particularly lovely about putting together your own picnic when you’re staying down south. Rather than rushing off to a restaurant, you can spend a little time browsing local food shops and farm stores, choosing the things that catch your eye, then take your haul back to Tree Chalets and enjoy it at your own pace.

Perhaps you’ll find some beautiful local fruit, a fresh loaf of bread, a few cheeses, something sweet and a jar of chutney. Add a bottle of Margaret River wine and you have everything you need for a leisurely afternoon picnic.

Each of our three chalets has its own gorgeous picnic basket and large picnic blanket, ready to be packed up and taken out onto the property. And if you’d rather stay close to the chalet, our handmade wooden Tree Chalets grazer boards are perfect for creating your own grazing feast.

Here are five of our favourite places around Busselton and Margaret River to stock up on delicious local treats.

1. Bunbury Farmers Market – Vasse

📍 4 Orchard Place, Vasse

If you’re driving down from Perth, Bunbury Farmers Market in Vasse is a very handy first stop. Located in the Vasse Village shopping precinct, it’s just minutes from Busselton and makes an easy place to stock up before heading to Tree Chalets.

This is the place to come when you want plenty of choice. You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, seafood, cheeses, wholefoods, snacks, desserts and a large selection of ready-made meals. Their Vasse store also has a café if you fancy a coffee before continuing your journey.

For a picnic, we’d be looking for a colourful selection of seasonal fruit, cheeses, something savoury and perhaps a sweet treat or two. There is also plenty here to stock up the chalet for a longer stay.

Our tip: If you’re arriving from Perth, make this one of your first stops. Pick up your picnic supplies before heading south and you’ll arrive at Tree Chalets ready to relax.

2. Caves Farm – Cowaramup

📍 5103 Caves Road, Cowaramup

For a taste of farm life, make a stop at Caves Farm on Caves Road. Formerly known as Margaret River Venison Farm, Caves Farm is now home to a farm shop featuring produce from its own farm and the wider South West.

The farm shop has a lovely selection of premium meats, venison, Angus beef, smallgoods, cheeses, local produce, artisan goods, pantry favourites and ready-made meals. There is also an onsite bakery producing fresh pies, pastries, artisan breads, cakes and sweet treats.

It’s a particularly good stop if you’re putting together a more substantial grazing board. Think good local meats, cheese, fresh bread and something delicious from the bakery.

And if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably find a few extra things that somehow make their way into the shopping bag for later!

3. Western Growers Fresh – Busselton

📍 99 Causeway Road, Busselton

For fresh fruit and vegetables, Western Growers Fresh is one of our go-to spots in Busselton. You’ll find it at the corner of Causeway Road and the Bussell Bypass, making it an easy stop when you’re heading towards Tree Chalets.

This is a particularly good place to visit if you’re planning to make the most of your Tree Chalets wooden grazer board. The shop has an extensive range of fresh South West produce, fruit and vegetables, local meats, smallgoods, cheeses, dairy, seafood, honey, bread, eggs and artisan products.

And don’t overlook the patisserie. Everything from pastries and tartlets to cakes and other sweet treats is made onsite, using local ingredients wherever possible.

Our tip: Keep an eye out for whatever beautiful seasonal fruit is available. Local cherries are wonderful when they’re in season, and little fresh vegetables such as mini cucumbers are perfect for adding a fresh, colourful crunch to a grazing board.

And if you spot their Portuguese tarts, grab some. They make a very good addition to a picnic!

4. Providore – Metricup

📍 448 Tom Cullity Drive, Metricup

If your idea of holiday shopping involves wandering around shelves filled with jars, bottles and delicious things you probably didn’t know you needed, Providore Margaret River is well worth a visit.

Set amongst vineyards, olive groves, orchards and organic gardens, Providore is a beautiful place to stock up on things to enjoy during your stay — and to take home afterwards.

Their range includes gourmet jams and curds, chutneys, relishes, sauces, dressings, olives and olive oils, chocolates, coffee and other artisan products, along with wines from their Coward & Black vineyards. There are also complimentary tastings, so you can discover a few new favourites before choosing what to take home.

This is a particularly good stop if you want to buy something that will last beyond your holiday. A jar of chutney, local olive oil, preserves or something sweet tucked into your luggage can bring a little taste of the South West home with you.

Our tip: Providore is also a great place to pick up a few ingredients for a DIY picnic. Their homemade chutneys and olives are perfect alongside cheese, fresh bread and fruit on a Tree Chalets grazer board.

5. Kent Street Bakery – Busselton

📍 5/60 Kent Street, Busselton

Sometimes all a picnic really needs is a beautiful fresh loaf of bread.

Kent Street Bakery is a Busselton favourite and a regular feature in the breakfast hampers we provide for our guests at Tree Chalets. It’s one of those places where you can pop in for something simple and leave with considerably more than you planned!

The bakery makes fresh bread and pastries, as well as pies, sausage rolls, cakes, slices, sandwiches and a selection of Asian and Vietnamese food.

For a Tree Chalets picnic, we particularly love picking up one of their freshly baked loaves. Slice it up and serve it alongside cheese, local meats, dips, chutneys and fresh fruit on your wooden grazer board.

There’s something wonderfully uncomplicated about tearing into a fresh loaf of bread outdoors with a beautiful view around you.

Make your own South West picnic

One of the nicest things about staying at Tree Chalets is that you don’t need to plan every moment of your stay.

Pick up a few local treats while you’re exploring Busselton and the Margaret River region, then bring them back to your chalet. Fill the picnic basket, spread out the big picnic blanket and find a quiet spot amongst the trees.

Or stay right on your deck and arrange everything on your handmade Tree Chalets wooden grazer board. Add a glass of Margaret River wine, put your feet up and let the afternoon unfold.

And there’s no need to finish everything in one sitting. The beauty of buying local is that you can take some of the South West home with you too — a jar of something delicious, a bottle of wine, fresh bread or a few special treats to share with family and friends.

After all, one of the best souvenirs from a holiday down south is something delicious to remember it by.

Staying at Tree Chalets?

Our three adults-only chalets are tucked amongst the beautiful Rosegum trees just outside Busselton, with plenty of space to slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings.

With a picnic basket, large picnic blanket, handmade wooden grazer boards and a complimentary breakfast hamper provided, you can make your stay as simple or as indulgent as you like.

Bring home some local goodness, unpack it at the chalet and make your own little South West feast.

FAQ

Where can I buy local produce near Tree Chalets?
There are several great places to pick up local produce close to Tree Chalets, including Western Growers Fresh and Kent Street Bakery in Busselton, Bunbury Farmers Market in Vasse, and Providore and Caves Farm further towards the Margaret River region.

Where can I buy fresh fruit and vegetables for a picnic near Tree Chalets?
Western Growers Fresh in Busselton and Bunbury Farmers Market in Vasse are both great choices for fresh fruit and vegetables. Depending on the season, you may find beautiful local produce such as cherries, berries and small vegetables that are perfect for adding to a picnic or grazing board. Both are also worth visiting if you’re stocking up on other treats for your stay.

Where can I buy fresh bread near Tree Chalets?
Kent Street Bakery on Kent Street in Busselton is a favourite with Tree Chalets guests. Their freshly baked loaves are also included in our breakfast hampers, and they’re perfect for serving with local cheeses, meats, dips and preserves.

What should I buy for a picnic at Tree Chalets?
Pick up a selection of fresh bread, local cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruit, dips, olives, chutneys and something sweet. Add a bottle of Margaret River wine and you’ve got everything you need for a relaxed picnic. Each Tree Chalets chalet also has a picnic basket and large picnic blanket for guests to use.

Can I make a grazing board at Tree Chalets?
Absolutely. Our handmade wooden Tree Chalets grazer boards are perfect for creating your own grazing platter using local produce picked up during your travels around Busselton and the Margaret River region.

Ready to create your own South West picnic?

Pick up a few local goodies, pack the Tree Chalets picnic basket, spread out the blanket and find your favourite spot amongst the trees. Or bring everything back to your chalet and create your own grazing feast on one of our handmade wooden grazer boards. Sometimes the best holiday moments are the simplest ones.

 

One of the best things about staying at Tree Chalets is that the journey begins the moment you leave the driveway. Tucked away among towering Rosegum trees, we’re perfectly positioned to explore some of the South West’s most beautiful back roads—quiet country roads that wind through forests, farmland, wine country and charming country towns.

While many visitors stick to the highways, we love sharing our favourite scenic routes with guests. They’re slower, quieter and showcase a side of the South West that many travellers miss.

Whether you’re heading out for a half-day adventure or a full day of exploring, these are some of our favourite drives.

Tree Chalets to Nannup via Sue’s and Mowen Roads

Driving time: Around 30 minutes

If you’re looking for a peaceful country drive, this is one of our favourites.

Leave Tree Chalets and head to Sue’s Road, travelling through picturesque farmland and native bush. Take a left at Mowen Road and travel 20 minutes before arriving in the historic town of Nannup.

Known as the ‘Garden Village’, Nannup is full of character with heritage buildings, boutique shops, cafés, beautiful gardens and now a Brewery. It’s the perfect place to wander, enjoy a coffee and browse the local stores before continuing your adventure.

The drive itself is wonderfully relaxing, with very little traffic and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the changing landscape.

The Spectacular Nannup–Balingup Road

Driving time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes

This is one drive we recommend to almost every guest who asks about epic country road drives.

Starting in Nannup, the Nannup–Balingup Road winds through rolling hills, towering forests and some of the most picturesque countryside in Western Australia.

Every season offers something different.

In winter, mist hangs between the trees and streams flow alongside the road. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while autumn paints the countryside in rich shades of gold and amber.

There are countless places to pull over, take photos or simply enjoy the scenery.

If you enjoy scenic drives, this one deserves a place on your itinerary.

The Back Roads to Margaret River

Driving time: Around 40 minutes

Rather than taking Bussell Highway, we encourage guests to discover a quieter and far more scenic route into Margaret River.

From Tree Chalets, travel via:

• Evans Road
• Jamisons Road
• Payne Road

These peaceful country roads weave through vineyards and grazing farmland before connecting with the Margaret River wine region.

It’s a beautiful drive that perfectly captures the relaxed character of the South West.

Along the way you’ll pass grapevines, protea farms and seasonal farmland, making it easy to stop and explore at your own pace.

Once you reach Margaret River, spend the day visiting wineries, enjoying long lunches, browsing local galleries or discovering gourmet food producers before taking the same scenic route home.

Tree Chalets to Augusta via Sue’s Road and Brockman Highway

Driving time: Around 60 minutes

Augusta is famous for its rugged coastline, historic lighthouse and the meeting of the Southern and Indian Oceans.

While many visitors travel via the highway, our preferred route follows Sue’s Road before joining Brockman Highway.

The drive is incredibly diverse, taking you through:

• Beautiful state forest
• Rolling farmland
• Towering native trees
• Quiet country roads
• Small rural communities

The scenery changes constantly, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Once in Augusta you can visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, explore Flinders Bay, watch for whales during the migration season or simply enjoy lunch overlooking the water.

Following the Blackwood River

One of the great advantages of staying at Tree Chalets is being so close to Australia’s longest river in Western Australia—the magnificent Blackwood River.

There are numerous quiet roads that follow sections of the river, revealing peaceful picnic spots, river crossings and beautiful natural scenery.

Whether you’re exploring towards Nannup or simply taking an afternoon drive through the surrounding countryside, the Blackwood River region offers a slower, more tranquil side of the South West that many visitors never experience.

It’s an ideal way to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.

Slow Down and Take the Scenic Route

One of the greatest pleasures of staying at Tree Chalets is discovering that getting there really is half the experience.

Instead of rushing from one destination to the next, take the roads less travelled. Watch vineyards give way to towering forests, pass through peaceful farming communities and stop whenever a view catches your eye.

These quiet back roads are where you’ll find the true beauty of the South West.

After a day of exploring, return to the peace of Tree Chalets. Pour a glass of local wine, light the wood fire in winter, soak in your private outdoor cast iron bath beneath a canopy of stars and listen to the sounds of the surrounding bush.

It’s the perfect ending to a day spent discovering some of Western Australia’s most scenic drives.

Stay Somewhere Worth Exploring From

Tree Chalets offers more than luxury accommodation—it’s a peaceful base from which to experience the South West at a slower pace. With the Blackwood River, Margaret River wine region, Augusta, Nannup and countless hidden gems all within easy reach via scenic country roads, every drive becomes part of the holiday.

If you’re looking to escape busy highways and discover the South West like a local, we’ll be happy to point you towards our favourite routes when you arrive.

FAQ

Are the scenic drives suitable for all vehicles?

Yes. All of the scenic routes featured in this guide are suitable for standard two-wheel drive vehicles. While some sections include well-maintained gravel roads, the majority of each drive is on sealed roads.

The drive to Nannup via Sue’s and Mowen Roads includes approximately 3 km of gravel road, while the scenic route to Margaret River and the drive to Augusta are almost entirely sealed. We regularly travel these routes ourselves and are always happy to recommend the best option based on current road conditions.

Where are the best places to eat in Nannup?

Nannup may be a small country town, but it’s home to some fantastic food and coffee.

Our favourites include:

• The Barista and the Blackwood Bread – A favourite with both locals and visitors, serving exceptional coffee alongside artisan sourdough, pastries and freshly made sandwiches. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave without trying, it’s their famous Reuben sandwich—it’s become a destination in itself and is well worth the drive.
• Forest and Fire – Perfect if you’re staying later in the day. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, smoked meats and relaxed country atmosphere, it’s an excellent spot for a long lunch or casual dinner.

After lunch, take some time to browse Nannup’s woodcraft galleries and artisan stores or enjoy a stroll along the Blackwood River before continuing your scenic drive.

Is there somewhere to stop for lunch in Balingup?

Unlike many South West towns, Balingup isn’t known for its pubs, wineries or breweries. Instead, the real attraction is the journey itself. The spectacular drive from Nannup, the peaceful village atmosphere and the beautiful surrounding countryside are what make a visit so rewarding.

We recommend collecting some local produce along the way—perhaps artisan bread, cheese, olives or fresh fruit—and finding a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic. Whether it’s beneath the magnificent trees at Golden Valley Tree Park or at one of the many scenic rest areas along the drive, slowing down and soaking up the scenery is all part of the experience.

Where are the best places to eat in Augusta?

After exploring Augusta or Cape Leeuwin, consider stopping at:

• Little Hand Dumplings – A hidden gem serving handcrafted dumplings, noodles and authentic Asian flavours. It’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike and well worth seeking out.
• The Colourpatch Café & Bar – A fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch or a relaxed drink overlooking the Blackwood River. On windy afternoons, it’s one of the best places to watch the colourful kite surfers and wing foilers carving across the river mouth.
• The Ragged Robin – A cosy café known for great coffee, delicious breakfasts, homemade cakes and friendly country hospitality.

If you’re travelling back towards Tree Chalets, it’s also worth stopping at one of the wineries or cellar doors you pass through on Brockman Highway and the surrounding wine region. Many offer seasonal platters and long lunches in beautiful rural settings.

What hidden gems can we discover along these scenic drives?

One of the best reasons to take the back roads is discovering places you simply won’t find if you stay on the highway. Here are a few of our favourite hidden gems:

• Nannup – Wander through the town’s collection of woodcraft galleries and artisan shops, where you’ll find handcrafted timber furniture, woodturning, gifts and locally made pieces that reflect the area’s rich timber heritage.
• Balingup – Step inside Tinderbox, an iconic herbal apothecary that has been delighting visitors for decades with its handcrafted botanical skincare, herbal remedies and unique gifts. It’s unlike any other shop in the South West and well worth a visit. Also make time to visit Golden Valley Tree Park, one of Western Australia’s most beautiful arboretums. Wander beneath magnificent trees from around the world, enjoy a picnic or simply soak up the tranquillity. It’s especially spectacular in autumn when the deciduous trees transform into vibrant shades of gold, orange and crimson.

• Augusta – Visit the Augusta Boat Harbour, home to the world’s first commercial ocean-grown greenlip abalone sea ranch. Depending on availability, you may be able to purchase premium locally grown abalone directly from the outlet—an opportunity to take home one of the South West’s most celebrated seafood delicacies. Before heading home, stop at The Colourpatch Café & Bar for lunch or a coffee overlooking the Blackwood River. If you’re visiting on a breezy afternoon, you’re likely to be treated to the spectacular sight of kite surfers and wing foilers gliding across the river mouth—a favourite local spectacle and one of the best views in town.

These hidden gems are part of what makes exploring the South West by car so rewarding. Slow down, take the scenic route and you’ll discover a side of the region that many visitors never experience.

Local’s Tip: When you check in at Tree Chalets, ask us for our hand-picked scenic drive recommendations. We regularly update our favourite routes based on the season, wildflowers, road conditions and new cafés, wineries and hidden gems we’ve discovered. It’s one of the little extras our guests love most.

The South West is home to some of Western Australia’s most spectacular waterways, from the mighty Blackwood River to its crystal-clear tributaries that weave through towering forests and peaceful bushland. The Blackwood itself stretches more than 280 kilometres, making it the state’s longest continually flowing river and a defining feature of the region’s landscape.

While these destinations are perfect for a refreshing swim in the warmer months, they’re just as captivating in winter.

• Picture mist rising from the water on crisp mornings,
• lush green forests,
• riverside picnics,
• scenic walks and
• quiet lookouts where you can simply pause and take in the beauty around you

Best of all, each of these hidden gems is within an easy drive of Tree Chalets, making them ideal for a leisurely day trip before returning to the comfort of your private chalet and cosy wood fire. Whether you’re visiting for a winter escape or a summer adventure, these three free nature spots offer a wonderful way to experience the region’s stunning rivers, brooks and forests.

Barrabup Pool – A Freshwater Oasis Near Nannup

Just a 35-minute drive from Tree Chalets, Barrabup Pool is one of the South West’s hidden gems and the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Nestled on the banks of the Blackwood River near Nannup, this picturesque freshwater swimming hole features easy access via steps into the water and a spacious picnic area surrounded by forest.

Barrabup Pool is also located along the Old Timberline Loop Walk Trail, making it an excellent stop for those wanting to combine a scenic bushwalk with a relaxing riverside visit. The trail winds through stunning native forest, passing beautiful banksia trees and offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the South West.

• In summer, adventurous visitors can leap from the dive platform into the cool water.
• In winter it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a quiet picnic, stretch your legs on the walking trail or simply admire the tranquil riverside scenery.

Sue’s Bridge – Picnic, Paddle and Swim

Just a short drive from Tree Chalets, Sue’s Bridge is a beautiful spot to reconnect with nature along the banks of the Blackwood River. Surrounded by towering karri trees, it offers plenty of shady places to roll out a picnic rug and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

• During the warmer months, the river is often calm and shallow enough for a refreshing swim, while the gentle waters also make it a lovely place to launch a kayak or simply paddle along the shoreline.
• The peaceful setting and picnic facilities make Sue’s Bridge an ideal destination for couples, families and anyone looking to experience the slower pace of the South West without spending a cent.

Chapman Pool, Warner Glen – Swim, Unwind and Soak Up the Views

Nestled within the tranquil forests of Warner Glen, Chapman Pool is another fantastic free spot to explore during your stay at Tree Chalets. The sandy river beach provides an easy entry into the crisp, refreshing waters of the Blackwood River, perfect for a cooling dip on a warm day.

• After your swim, wander up to the lookout and take in the sweeping views across the river and surrounding bushland.
• Bring along a selection of tapas, pour yourself a glass of your favourite vino, and settle in for a relaxing afternoon in one of the South West’s most picturesque settings.
• With picnic facilities, peaceful surrounds and easy access to the water, Chapman Pool is a hidden gem well worth discovering.

Whether you’re packing bathers for a summer swim or a thermos and picnic rug for a crisp winter outing, these beautiful nature spots showcase the very best of the South West. Best of all, they’re free to visit and all within easy reach of Tree Chalets, making them perfect additions to your itinerary. After a day spent exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to your private chalet, lighting the wood fire and relaxing among the trees.