The best things to do in Manjimup, Western Australia

The best things to do in Manjimup, Western Australia, include truffle-hunting, tasting fresh fruit, swimming at Fonty’s Pool and enjoying the museums at Manjimup Heritage Park.

6 best things to do in Manjimup

The best things to do in Manjimup are:

Learn about the Western Australian timber industry at Manjimup Heritage Park.
Go truffle-hunting at Truffle Hill.
Taste ultra-fresh fruits direct from the farm gates.
Swim at Fonty’s Pool.
Marvel at forest giants such as the Four Aces and the King Jarrah Tree.
Go for a cruise along the Donnelly River.

Where is Manjimup, WA?

Manjimup is a small town in the Southern Forests region of Western Australia. It lies between Bridgetown and Pemberton and is on National Highway 1 – the main route from Bunbury to Albany.

What to do in Manjimup, WA: Manjimup Heritage Park

The main attraction in Manjimup is Manjimup Heritage Park. This park incorporates several museums and a heritage hamlet full of reconstructed historic buildings.

The museums concentrate on electrical power, steam power and the Western Australian timber industry.

For kids, the highlight of Manjimup Heritage Park will be the adventure playground with an enormous slide.

Truffle-hunting in Manjimup, WA

There’s plenty of fertile land around Manjimup, although it is most famous for growing truffles. If you’ve ever fancied joining a truffle hunt, Truffle Hill offers two experiences.

The first is an hour-long truffle hunting adventure costing $75. The second is a more in-depth offering, with the truffle hunt followed by a tasting and paired wines. The full two hour truffle experience at Truffle Hill costs $120.

Bookings can be made via the Truffle Hill website. All prices are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change in the future. Hounds and Hunter Fine Foods also offers truffle-hunting tours.

Those who really, really like truffles can visit Manjimup for the Truffle Kerfuffle Festival in June.

Things to do in Manjimup: Farm produce

It’s not just truffles that grow well in Manjimup. All manner of fruit does, too. The world-conquering Pink Lady apple was developed here, and the original tree still stands at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute.

You can taste plenty of the local produce at the Tall Timbers Restaurant, which also owns the Tall Timbers Brewpub across the road.

Several fruit farms sell produce to passing visitors. Two of the favourites are the Guadagnino and Co Cherry Farm and the Fontanini Fruit and Nut Farm.

Things to do in Manjiump: Fonty’s Pool

The Fontanini Fruit and Nut Farm is next to Fonty’s Pool, a large, spring-fed outdoor pool. The pool is on land owned by the Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park, but non-residents can pay a token $3 entry fee to go for a dip.

Fonty's Pool in Manjimup, Western Australia. — Fonty’s Pool in Manjimup, Western Australia. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

The Four Aces and the King Jarrah Tree

Manjimup is surrounded by tall forests, and there are a couple of excellent spots where you can take in the giant native trees. To the west of town, the Four Aces are four enormous karri trees that have grown in a completely straight line. A short walk through the forest brings you to them.

The King Jarrah Tree, to the north-east of town, is thought to be more than 500 years old. It’s more the 45 metres tall, and a 600 metre looping walking track will take you there. Come in spring, and you can admire the wildflowers along the way.

Bigger still is the Diamond Tree, to the south-east of Manjimup. This forest giant was once a fire lookout tree and open to visitors for climbing. Alas, it is now closed for safety reasons. If you want to climb a really tall tree, try the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park near Pemberton.

Things to do in Manjimup: Donnelly River Cruises

A short drive outside of Manjimup, the Donnelly River weaves through D’Entrecasteaux National Park. Donnelly River Cruises offers boat trips along a 12km stretch of the river. Emphasis is firmly on the natural setting, whether tall forests or high limestone cliffs. The four hour cruises cost $75 at the time of writing.

The best places to stay in Manjimup

The best Manjimup accommodation options are:

For heritage and charm: Dingup House.
For cottages with fireplaces and a trout lake: Clover Cottage Country Retreat.
For a solid motel: Kingsley Motel.

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