| Overview of Bridgetown |
Located approximately 268 km south and about 88km south of Bunbury, on the South Western Highway, the heart of the southwest, at Bridgetown is less than 3 hours drive from Perth or Albany.
Bridgetown is nestled amongst the hills on the banks of the Blackwood River and has the rare combination of old world charm, fantastic luxury accommodation and modern facilities. Many fine old buildings have been restored to their former glory, including the post office, old goal, police quarters and "Bridgedale", the home built in 1862 by one of the areas first settlers, John Blechynden. Bridgetown is one of only eight towns given ‘Historic Town’ status by the National Trust of Australia. Bridgetown’s other attractions include The Brierley Jigsaw Gallery, Jarrah Park, Suttons Lookout, Blackwood Environment Centre (housed in the old railway station), the River Park, scenic drives and walk trails.
The town has been the site of several bridges across the Blackwood River. The most recent was built in 1891 and is the last of the large wooden bridges to be built in Western Australia. It is the colossal jarrah structure stretching 127.5 metres, the longest in the State.
Rich, red clays and loan soils mean that many plants grow well in Bridgetown. The town is renowned for its gardens and hosts the annual Festival of Country Gardens., The Blackwood Chamber Festival, The Blackwood Marathon and a host of other events.
Bridgetown boasts 4 art galleries, 3 wineries, a cidery, cafes, restaurants, a range of accommodation, including Ford House, the winner of the Merit Prize for the Best Hosted Accommodation in WA in 2004.
Greenbushes, just 10km north of Bridgetown is a mining town established in 1888. Visitors can experience many breathtaking drives and picturesque walks. Take in spectacular wildflowers, jarrah forests or stand in awe at the view over the open cut mine still operating for over a century. Key attractions are the Greenbushes Heritage Trail and the Eco-Cultural Discovery Centre. There is an enormous amount of history and natural beauty on Greenbushes and evidence still remains of the towns past glories.