Even if you've never heard of Bedfordale, chances are that you have driven past it at some stage, especially if you've been to Albany. This semi-rural, sparsely populated suburb in the Armadale foothills may just look like a lot of bushland with a few 'Alpacas For Sale' signs dotted around and not much else, but it is actually home to some natural hidden gems and activities for families. There's so much more to Bedfordale than being 'North Albany' and here are ten awesome things to see and do.
The view from the top of Churchman Brook Dam.
96 Churchman Brook Road, Bedfordale
When? Open daily until 6pm (5pm during May to September)
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Churchman Brook Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam that is a lovely spot for a picnic. Not only can you enjoy views of the dam itself, you can also marvel at the surrounds below. It's a fairly easy walk up to the lookout point, or you can drive up there. July to November is one of the best times to visit and marvel at the stunning wildflowers in all their blooming glory.
The dam has a children's playground, including a tunnel for the kids to run in and out of. There are gazebos, shaded picnic tables and grassy areas, plus public barbecues and toilets.
Churchman Brook Dam, Bedfordale.
Admiral Road or Springfield Road, Bedfordale
When? Open daily until 6pm (5pm during May to September)
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Yep – Bedfordale is home to another expanse of water, Wungong Dam, which is a great spot for a peaceful kayak. Like Churchman Brook Dam, there are picnic spots, barbeques and gorgeous views from the top.
Wungong Dam.
Bedfordale Hall, Admiral Road, Bedfordale
When? Fourth Saturday of each month
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The delightful
Bedfordale Bush Market is a monthly market to support local businesses and connect them with community members and visitors. Each market centres on a theme, including the Motorbike and Car Show in May, which features some beautifully restored and maintained classics, while June is the Citrus Festival and July is of course, Christmas in July. At each market, you can buy local, fresh produce and handmade goods and gifts, and the kids can take part in free activities.
Take a bushwalk through Bungendore Park
Where? Access via Admiral Road or Albany Highway, Bedfordale
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This almost 500-hectares of bushland is part of Wungong Park and has four walking tracks that are marked with tree tags. Along the way, you might meet some Western Grey Kangaroos or, Western Brush Wallabies or an Echidna, along with eight different species of bats! The park is also home to around 100 species of birds, including threatened and priority.
Take a bush walk in Bungendore Park.
25 Canns Road, Bedfordale
When? Open for lunch and dinner daily
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The Last Drop Elizabethan pub is a charming, Tudor-style tavern that serves delicious, hearty meals for lunch and dinner. You can enjoy a
meal or sip on one of their own speciality, hand-crafted beers brewed on site, either in the lovely, shaded courtyard or while marvelling at the array of local and international beer coasters lining the timber beams above your head in the main bar.
The Last Drop Elizabethan Pub.
8 Waterwheel Road, Bedfordale
When? Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, or by appointment
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Do you love local art? The Waterwheel Gallery showcases work from talented locals and includes oil, watercolours and mixed media works, along with a range of sculptures. You can even come along and meet the artists at exhibition openings, and have opportunities to purchase their work. The gallery can also host functions and concerts!
Waterwheel Gallery.
Observation Circle, Bedfordale
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If you are into hiking or orienteering, Armadale Settlers Common is over 350 hectares of bushland that has a network of walking trails that are just perfect for these activities. There are picnicking areas and views of the city to enjoy, plus a wide variety of plants and animals to spot.
Get back to nature at Armadale Settlers Common.
7 Waterwheel Road, Bedfordale
When? Between 10am and 4pm during the season
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Call me uncultured, but I had never heard of the persimmon before visiting Bedfordale. This soft, jammy fruit isn't exactly popular in Australia, but it can be used in a salad or even stewed with cinnamon and ice cream. Delicious! You can visit the
Waterwheel Orchard on Waterwheel Road between 10am to 4pm every day during the Persimmon season.
Have a gathering at Rocksgate Winery
Where? 171 Canns Road, Bedfordale
When? Sundays 12pm to 5pm for small group bookings or functions and open Monday to Saturday by appointment to purchase wine.
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Red wine lovers can have their pick of the bunch at this boutique winery, which is so exclusive it only opens for small parties and functions. Choose from shiraz, cabernet and merlots while indulging in wood fired pizzas – you can hold a small group booking or function at the winery from 12pm to 5pm on Sundays, or you can make an appointment from Monday to Saturday to purchase wine.
Bedfordale is great for families with young children!
210 Carradine Road, Bedfordale
When? Timetable details are available
here
Website
Kookaburra Yoga is hidden away in the Bedfordale hills, making it a tranquil retreat for relaxing yoga. The centre offers a huge range of yoga classes, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Raja, plus pregnancy, post-natal yoga and even kids yoga. You can even practice meditation and Yogic Mindfulness. They also offer courses, training and retreats.
So take a trip 'up the hill' and enjoy all the spoils this delightful 'bush' suburb has to offer.
