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Say 'cheese', why Harvey has so much to smile about
Only 90 minutes from Perth - Harvey is a small town guaranteed to make you smile.
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5 min read
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Explore
5 min readExplore
Only 90 minutes from Perth - Harvey is a small town guaranteed to make you smile.
Published
5 min read
Text size
Published
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By Jessie James
Harvey is a small town guaranteed to make you smile, and not only because it serves up some of the South West's best cheese, wine and fresh produce. Behind its deep farming roots, lies a collection of hidden gems, from bushland trails and secret gardens to historic landmarks, and signature views. And the best part – it’s only 90 minutes from Perth.
Watch the full Small Town Spotlight on Harvey on the Horizons by RAC YouTube Channel.
For a first taste of the region’s natural beauty, make a stop at Lake Brockman (or Logue Brook Dam) along the way. Built in 1963 to provide irrigation water, this turquoise blue Instagram-worthy lake is a popular recreation spot and is also dog friendly. By day, you can take part in just about any water sport from swimming to wake boarding and by night, camp beneath the stars and towering jarrah trees. For the more adventurous, get your heart pumping on the Munda Biddi Trail - one of the world’s longest off-road cycle trails.
From here, it’s only 20 minutes to Harvey, and the next stop is a local standout, tucked away on the highway. Bizee Hands is a not-for-profit community craft and gift shop where almost everything is made or grown within the Shire of Harvey. Proud volunteer Robyn, who greets us with a big local smile, proclaims this popular little shop has “one of almost everything.”
Bizee Hands has been busy been celebrating the region’s artisans for over twenty years. Browsing the abundant local wares and fresh produce, my hands were very busy with jars of orange marmalade, cauliflower mustard pickle, knitted animals, and a sensational jam and coconut slice, made from Robyn’s grandmother’s recipe.
Next stop is the heart of every country town – the bakery. Behind the counter of Harvey’s Italian-inspired Harper Street Bakery is 21-year-old owner Kulaiya, who has turned her lifelong love of baking into a thriving local business. “I grew up baking cakes and cupcakes,” she explains offering up a Sponge Kiss, a sweet treat that comes served with a big country smile.
Harvey’s truly iconic landmark is one you really can’t miss – it’s the17-metre high Big Orange sitting proudly on the grounds of Harvey River Estate. Climb its 62 stairs for stunning views across Harvey’s agricultural landscape.
At the base of the towering structure, owner Kevin Sorgiovanni shares how his father arrived in Harvey from Italy in 1928, and laid the foundations for a family enterprise encompassing citrus orchards, fruit juice manufacturing, and even beef farming. Today the family are also wine growers. At the cellar door, the Sorgiovanni’s passion for wine blends with their Italian heritage through varieties such as Barbera and Montepulciano.
This fruit-first town also has its own Brewery. Drop into Brugan Brewery for a bite to eat and sample local craft beers made by Bruce and Megan (hence the name Bru-Gan). The roasted miso and sesame pumpkin beer was a favourite.
Of course, you can’t come to Harvey and miss the delicious Harvey cheese. Owner, Charl, whose family also has deep farming roots, explains that the region offers the perfect combination of fertile soils, abundant pasture, and ideal weather conditions for cheesemaking. In wine, they call it ‘terroir’ - basically the taste of the place, and according to Charl, Harvey serves up the ‘perfect storm’ when it comes to cheese.
Tucked off the highway, on the banks of Harvey River is the beautiful Stirling Cottage Gardens. Rich in history and country charm, this enchanting site is linked to both the regions early colonial history and beloved Australian children’s Author May Gibbs – can you believe the Gumnut babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie were made in Harvey?
Need to walk off that cheese? Head to the Wildflower Ridge Walk. This 1.4km loop trail offers breathtaking panoramic views over the hills to the Harvey Dam. Take a seat on one of the many benches or pack a picnic for a relaxing lunch in nature.
Another popular picnic hot spot is Harvey Dam. Walk along the dam wall for stunning views or even better – arrive on sunset for a beautiful golden light show. You can access the dam for water activities such as canoeing or fishing (permits required), and if you’re lucky, catch a show at the impressive Gibbs Pool open-air Amphitheatre.
To end a long day exploring, Harvey Hills Farm Stay was easily one of the highlights of the trip. Armed with a bucket of carrots left inside the self-contained chalet, the door was opened to a welcoming committee of alpacas, goats, chickens, a Shetland pony and a very vocal donkey named Dinkie. It's a simple yet delightful concept, particularly for families. Between feeding the animals on the doorstep, to a dip in the pool, and the stunning ever-changing colours across the valley, it was a special experience.
For this trip, spring was in the air, but no matter what time of year you visit Harvey, this town will give you many things to smile about.
