Last Updated on 9 July 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Bridgetown, Western Australia, makes a lovely getaway from Perth or an easy stop on a South West road trip. The whole place has a beautiful country feel, surrounded by rolling green hills, farmland, and the Blackwood River.
In 2000, Bridgetown was granted Historic Town Status by the National Trust, becoming only the eighth town in Western Australia to receive the recognition. That heritage is still easy to see today, from the old shopfronts and historic hotels to the character-filled streets that make Bridgetown so memorable.
I’ve stopped in Bridgetown more times than I can count over the years. My kids absolutely love Bridgetown, and that’s because there are so many great spots for us to stop, stretch our legs, and, if we’re travelling with dogs, let them have a run.
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Bridgetown Weather
What makes Bridgetown feel different from many South West towns, though, is the climate. The town sits in a valley surrounded by hills, and winter temperatures regularly drop much lower than nearby coastal areas, sometimes falling below zero overnight. Years ago, Bridgetown even earned the nickname “Western Australia’s winter capital” because of how cold it could get in winter.
The town’s chilly reputation eventually earned it the playful nickname “Fridgetown”, complete with quirky displays of old fridges decorated in scarves around town. I’ve not really noticed those promotions in recent years, and maybe Bridgetown has moved away from leaning into the cold-weather angle quite so much. These days, it feels like the focus is more on being one of WA’s most picturesque towns, which is, honestly, an absolutely charming and historic country town.
Winter is also one of the prettiest times to visit, with Bridgetown, WA weather bringing cold mornings, misty hills, and colourful autumn-style leaves around town. Trees around this stunning hilltop town turn orange, red, and gold, creating a landscape that feels very different from much of rural Western Australia. Combined with misty mornings, a green countryside, and older heritage buildings, Bridgetown has a cosy country atmosphere that stands out in the colder months.
The Top Things to Do in Bridgetown, WA
One thing I love about Bridgetown is that it never feels like somewhere you simply drive through. You stop for coffee, wander into a few shops, stretch your legs by the river, and somehow end up staying longer than planned.
Bridgetown has the kind of heritage charm that makes even a simple coffee stop, riverside walk, or browse through the local shops feel like part of the experience. Like all small country towns, if you stop and spend a little bit of time in Bridgetown, you quickly realise there is so much more to do and see than you first expect.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway, travelling through on a South West road trip, or spending a few days exploring the forests and smaller country towns nearby, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Bridgetown, Western Australia:
1. Visit the Bridgetown Visitor Centre and Puzzle Gallery
Location: 11 Stewart Street
Located at the Brierley Jigsaw Gallery, the collection includes thousands of puzzles, ranging from vintage designs to detailed modern pieces from around the world.
I always find the setup around the Bridgetown Greenbushes Visitor Centre handy, especially when travelling with kids. On one side, there is the War Memorial area and public toilets near the RSL, and just nearby is another playground where the kids can burn off some energy before getting back in the car.
2. Stop at the Blackwood River Playground and Park
Location: 4 Hampton Street
If you need to take a break while passing through town, the Blackwood River Playground and Park is one of the best spots to stop.
The mighty Blackwood River runs directly through Bridgetown. As you come into town from the south, just before reaching the Blackwood River Bridge, there is a large riverside park with plenty of open space, picnic areas, and a playground for kids. My kids always love stopping here because there’s plenty of room to run around. There are also public toilets nearby, which makes it a really practical stop on a road trip.
3. Wander Bridgetown’s Historic Main Street
Location: Hampton Street
After crossing the Blackwood River Bridge, you arrive in Bridgetown’s historic main street, and it really is one of the prettiest country town centres in Western Australia.
Once you cross the railway tracks and head into town itself, you are surrounded by historic buildings, old shopfronts, and that relaxed feel that Bridgetown is known for.
Bridgetown was officially recognised as a Heritage Town by the National Trust in 2000, and you can feel that history as you walk around town.
Top Spots include:
- Freemasons Hotel: One of the best-known hotels, and together with the Bridgetown Hotel, it adds so much character to the main street. There were pretty flowers on the outside, and it always looks so inviting when I drive past. There are always tempting specials on the blackboards outside, and it looks like a great place to eat, especially for a long pub lunch.
- Antique Stores and Quirky Shops: There are loads of these within the first couple of blocks from the playground area, along with artist studios, boutiques, gift stores, lolly shops, and places to stop for coffee. Wag Walters Emporium is a must-visit, always packed with all sorts of interesting and unexpected finds.
- Wattle Seed Barn Café and Florist: This is one of my favourite stops. It has a lovely mural on the outside, and inside, the florist section is absolutely gorgeous. I popped in while looking for flowers, but it is also a lovely spot to stop for coffee. It’s a very rustic, laid-back place where locals spend their time.
- Bridgetown Bakery: a pretty typical country bakery, and we enjoyed a cake. It was tasty, very tasty!
- Super Chook Carvery: Whenever we pass, my kids are always keen to go here. It’s Bridgetown’s very own answer to Kentucky Fried Chicken or Red Rooster.
4. Follow the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Art Trail
Perhaps one of the more underrated things about Bridgetown is its creative side. The Bridgetown-Greenbushes area has a buzzing arts scene. You’ll find galleries, artisan shops, sculpture spaces, and public artworks throughout town.
There are many interesting stops to explore, including places like:
- Down the Rabbit Hole
- Things We Make
- Perrier Sculpture Garden
- The Station Master’s Gallery
Around the main street, you will also come across smaller artisan shops selling handmade products, artworks, ceramics, gifts, and locally crafted items.
Another easy stop is the Goorbilyup Gallery inside the Bridgetown Visitor Centre, which showcases local artists and changing exhibitions connected to the region.
I think this part of Bridgetown suits slow travellers, couples, creative people, or anyone who enjoys finding something a little different while exploring smaller country towns.
5. Enjoy Time at FATS
FATS – short for Fats Attraction, Tea Orphan, Socialising – combines an art gallery with a café and has a wonderfully quirky atmosphere filled with colourful local artwork. If you’re into funky art, FATS is a must-visit!
It’s located on the Perth side, or past the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire and Rescue, on the way out of town.
6. Visit the Bridgetown Police Station Museum
Location: 148a Hampton Street
I highly recommend stopping by the Bridgetown Police Station Museum for anyone wanting to learn more about the town’s history. Set in one of Bridgetown’s older buildings, the museum features historical displays, photographs, and artifacts related to the area’s early settlement and policing history. This is where you can learn about how the town developed over the years, especially during its earlier farming and timber days.
7. Explore the River Markets
Location: 4 Hampton Street
If your visit lines up with market weekend, the Bridgetown River Markets are well worth stopping by. The River Markets in Bridgetown run on alternate Sundays at the River Park, and it’s often full of local shoppers and visitors. You will find stalls selling handmade crafts, plants, baked goods, coffee, and other items from local producers.
The beautiful riverside setting adds to the atmosphere, and it is a really nice way to spend a slow morning in town. My kids usually enjoy the open space around the park while I wander through the stalls looking at local products and homemade treats.
8. Have Lunch at The Cidery
Location: 43 Gifford Rd
If you want to get off the beaten track, there’s quite a lot to do, mostly around being out and about. One of my favourite spots for lunch is The Cidery, just outside Bridgetown. It’s a cute place with a really cool restaurant vibe, great food, and really nice ciders if you want to buy some to take on your way.
Apples have long been connected to this part of the South West, particularly with the development of the Pink Lady apple in nearby Manjimup, so it makes sense that cider became part of the local food scene here.
The Cidery is now also home to Blackwood Valley Brewing Company and Cellars. Alongside the ciders and fresh apple juice, you can also try locally produced beer and wines made using grapes grown around the region. There is an outdoor setting, perfect for sitting for a while and slowing down during a Southwest road trip.
9. Shop at Hillview Garden Centre
Hillview Garden Centre is also located on the way out of town. They specialise in proteas, banksias, and grevilleas, and have an amazing garden with a wide variety.
There’s also a cute little gift shop with lots of hanging ornaments, potted plants, and gifts, so it’s a great place to shop.
10. Walk or Cycle the Blackwood River and Forest Trails
Bridgetown is a lovely place to get outdoors, especially if you enjoy relaxing walks. Between the river, the surrounding forests, and the quiet country roads, there are plenty of ways to slow down and spend time outside while exploring the region.
One of the easiest options is to follow the Blackwood River Walk, which takes you along the river through town and lets you enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. There are also heritage walk trails around Bridgetown if you want to learn more about the town’s history while wandering through the historic areas.
For something more nature-focused, head to Bridgetown Jarrah Park. It has short walking trails through jarrah and marri forest, especially during WA wildflower season in spring. If you’re into mountain biking, there are also plenty of cycling routes around the Blackwood Valley.
11. Join a Bridgetown Ghost Walk
Location: 5 Civic Ln, Bridgetown Historical Society Inc.
If you happen to visit during one of the Bridgetown Ghost Walk evenings, I highly suggest joining this Bridgetown walking tour. It is such a fun and unique way to experience the town’s history. The Bridgetown Historical Society runs the walks and takes visitors through parts of town after dark.
The ghost walks usually take place around the historic streets and old buildings near the town centre, which honestly suits the atmosphere perfectly once the sun goes down. During the day, Bridgetown feels charming and historic. After dark, the quiet streets and heritage buildings give the town a completely different atmosphere.
One thing to know about these tours is that they are not really designed to be terrifying, despite the name. They are more about local history, old stories, and the personalities connected to Bridgetown over the years.
12. Sip Local Wine, Cider, and Spirits
The region has become known for delicious food, award-winning wines, artisan cider, and boutique distilleries, with plenty of smaller producers scattered throughout the countryside.
Places worth visiting, as well as The Cidery, include:
- Sunnyhurst Winery: This winery, surrounded by rolling countryside, is known for its cool-climate wines and delicious tastings.
- Shedley Wines: a smaller winery producing local wines in a scenic rural setting. It feels very much part of the slower pace that makes Bridgetown appealing.
- Roadside stalls: one of my favourite parts of a Blackwood Valley road trip is finding little roadside produce stalls selling fruit, vegetables, preserves, flowers, or homemade treats using honesty boxes.
- Farm shops: around the Blackwood Valley, you will also come across small farm shops offering local produce, honey, baked goods, and seasonal products that give you a real taste of the region.
13. Visit for One of the Famous Bridgetown Events
For a relatively small country town, Bridgetown has a surprisingly packed events calendar throughout the year. In fact, some visitors plan entire weekends around these festivals and community events because they completely change the atmosphere around town.
Here are the top events worth planning your trip around:
- Bridgetown Blues Festival: Bridgetown is probably most famous for the Bridgetown Blues Festival, held every November. It is a huge event for blues fans, with live performances and a fun country-town atmosphere. The entire main street gets closed off, there is music everywhere, and the vibe around town is, honestly, fantastic!
- Blackwood Marathon: On the other end of the spectrum, Bridgetown is also known for the Blackwood Marathon, which has been running for many years and remains one of the town’s major annual events. The marathon attracts runners and fitness enthusiasts from around Western Australia and takes participants through the scenic countryside surrounding Bridgetown.
- Fridgetown Fest: Bridgetown also hosts a winter festival, Fridgetown Fest, celebrating the town’s cooler climate with crafts, exhibitions, winter comfort food, and community events. One of the highlights is the popular Banquet on the Bridge, which brings people together right in the middle of town during winter.
Fantastic Day Trips, Bridgetown
There are lots of options if you want to use Bridgetown as a weekend getaway or a base for exploring other parts of the South West. There are smaller towns, forests, and family-friendly attractions all within a comfortable driving distance.
Here are some places I recommend for a day trip from Bridgetown:
14. Greenbushes
Greenbushes is a historic mining town near Bridgetown with many interesting attractions packed into a compact area. Also part of the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire, it’s the perfect place to visit alongside Bridgetown.
Here, you’ll find:
- Greenbushes Discovery Centre: A good starting point for learning more about the town’s mining history. Opening hours are limited, but it is well worth visiting to learn more about the region’s mining history and early settlement.
- Mine Lookout: A viewing area overlooking the enormous Greenbushes lithium mine, which is one of the largest hard-rock lithium mines in the world and one of the oldest mining leases in WA. I would recommend heading up to the top of the lookout. It was huge and fascinating to stand up there and read the information on it.
- Natural Pool: A swimming area surrounded by bushland that is popular during the warmer months.
- Schwenkes Dam: A quiet picnic and recreation area with walking trails, birdlife, and calm scenery.
- Community Garden: This is a lovely place to walk around, with gardens, plants, and community projects within Greenbushes.
- Skate Park: Perfect for families travelling with kids who want somewhere to ride scooters, skateboards, or bikes.
- Exchange Hotel and the Shamrock Hotel: Two traditional country pubs where you can enjoy classic pub meals, cold drinks, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
15. Nannup
Nannup is an easy drive from Bridgetown, taking less than an hour, with the route passing through forests, farmland, and winding country roads. It has a laid-back country feel, with cafés, artisan shops, and lovely river scenery.
16. Pemberton
For family-friendly day trips, I recommend Pemberton, especially if you are travelling with kids. There are plenty of outdoor attractions that kids will love here, including forest walks, giant karri trees, and places to stop for secret picnics and short adventures.
17. Manjimup
Manjimup is another popular stop in the Southern Forests region, known for fresh produce, forests, truffles, and family attractions. If you are looking for more things to do in Manjimup, you will find everything from wineries and walking trails to playgrounds, farm experiences, and events such as the Truffle Kerfuffle.
18. Balingup
Balingup is another charming country town that pairs well with Bridgetown on a South West road trip. You can easily travel to Balingup via the Golden Valley Tree Park, which is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves begin to change colour.
Accommodation in Bridgetown
Nelsons of Bridgetown
Location: 38 Hampton St
Many years ago, in a prior life, I used to stay at the Nelsons of Bridgetown Motel a lot. It became my regular base whenever I was working around the South West and needed somewhere comfortable and reliable to stay. So that was my chosen affordable stop.
It’s got a nice restaurant, and the rooms were spacious and very adequate; some even have a kitchenette. You can also enjoy the outdoor pool and garden.
Book a stay at Nelsons of Bridgetown on Booking.com
Woodlands
Location: 24122 S Western Hwy
In the past, I also stayed at Woodlands, a historic building at the northern end of town. Established in 1866, it is a luxury country house with such a strong old-world feel that it honestly suits Bridgetown perfectly.
The property is quite small, so it is often fully booked, but I always really enjoyed staying there because it feels quiet, cosy, and very different from standard hotel accommodation in Bridgetown. Even though it sits just outside town, it is still close enough to explore Bridgetown and the surrounding countryside easily.
Read reviews of Woodlands on TripAdvisor >>>
Sunnyhurst Chalets Rural Retreat
Location: 10 Doust St
In recent years, I have been looking at two accommodation options for the kids and me, and my number one choice has probably been Sunnyhurst Chalets Rural Retreat, just south of Bridgetown.
Sunnyhurst Chalets is a family-owned rural retreat set amongst the hills outside Bridgetown, and it honestly looks like one of the best accommodation options for families wanting a proper country escape.
The property offers a mix of chalet styles, ranging from smaller two-bedroom Swiss-style timber chalets to a much larger four-bedroom chalet suited to bigger families or group trips. It feels like more than a simple rural stay, with wooden cabins, log fires, a swimming pool, playgrounds for the kids, and even scheduled farm-animal feeding times.
Each chalet has its own balcony, cosy log fire, and modern country-style interiors, which really suit Bridgetown’s cooler weather. The chalets are fully self-contained with small kitchens. It’s also one of the most dog-friendly accommodations in Southwest WA.
What really makes Sunnyhurst stand out is how well it combines the atmosphere of traditional farm stays with family-friendly activities. Kids can feed the sheep, watch the dwarf goats, see the chickens, and even collect eggs around the property.
The location also works well for exploring nearby attractions around Bridgetown and the Southern Forests region. Places like Donnelly River Village and Big Brook Dam are easy day trips, and both are great spots for seeing kangaroos, emus, and some of the South West’s beautiful forest scenery.
Read reviews of Sunnyhurst Chalets on TripAdvisor >>>
Lucieville Farm Chalets
Location: 25115 S Western Hwy, Glenlynn
Another place that has been on my agenda for a few years is Lucieville Farm Chalets, located at Yornup just outside Bridgetown. The property has these really cute little A-frame chalets beside a lake, and while they are probably starting to show their age a little now, they still look like such a fun and relaxing place to stay in Bridgetown, WA. Located around 8 km from town along the South Western Highway, it also works really well as a base for exploring the wider South West region.
The property offers a mix of accommodation styles, including open-plan chalets, larger two-bedroom chalets, and spacious country cottages suited to families or longer stays. What makes Lucieville appealing is its quiet rural setting, wide farm views, and slower pace, which fit Bridgetown perfectly.
Read reviews of Lucieville Farm Chalets on TripAdvisor >>>
Serenity Gully Glamping
Location: 230 Polina Rd, Kangaroo Gully
Serenity Gully Glamping is one of the most unique places to stay around Bridgetown. It combines off-grid countryside camping in Bridgetown with a more luxurious style of accommodation.
The property features a small collection of luxury tents set amongst the hills outside Bridgetown, with each one well away from the others for extra privacy. One of the standout features is the outdoor stone bath at each tent, which honestly looks incredible at sunset with a glass of local wine and views across the surrounding countryside.
Book a stay at Serenity Gully Glamping on Booking.com
Map of The Top Things to Do in Bridgetown, WA + Accommodation
How to Get to Bridgetown, WA
Bridgetown, WA, is one of the best inland stops to include on a Southwest Australia road trip, especially if you want a break from the coastline and somewhere with a completely different atmosphere. The town sits within the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
If you’re travelling from Perth to Bridgetown, the most direct route is via the Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway. The 270km journey takes you south via Bunbury before continuing inland. Depending on traffic and stops along the way, the drive usually takes 3-3.5 hours.
Bridgetown also works really well as part of a larger road trip loop through the South West, especially if you are visiting towns like Pemberton, Nannup, Margaret River, or Manjimup. If you are already staying closer to the coast, the drive from Busselton to Bridgetown is also straightforward and scenic, passing through forested areas, farmland, and smaller country towns.
Final Words
Bridgetown is one of those South West towns that feels easy to return to again and again. For me, Bridgetown has always been a reliable road trip stop where the kids can have fun, we can grab something good to eat, and there is always something new to notice around town. Whether you visit during winter, festival season, or as part of a longer South West road trip, Bridgetown still manages to hold onto the relaxed atmosphere that keeps people returning year after year.
FAQs
Yes, especially if you enjoy heritage towns, scenic countryside, and slower-paced travel in the South West. Bridgetown has a historic main street, rolling hills, cottage gardens, and a laid-back country atmosphere.
Bridgetown has historic pubs, cafés, local galleries, river walks, playgrounds, boutique shops, wineries, and attractions like the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Visitor Centre and the Brierley Jigsaw Gallery. The forests and farmland of the Southern Forests region also surround it.
Spend the day wandering the historic main street, stopping by the river park, visiting local galleries and shops, and enjoying lunch at The Cidery. Bridgetown also works really well as part of a longer valley road trip through the South West.
Bridgetown is known for having some of the coldest winter temperatures in the South West and was once promoted as Western Australia’s winter capital. During winter, overnight temperatures can occasionally drop below zero due to the town’s location in a valley.
The region around Bridgetown was known as Geegelup to the Kaneang, Pibelmen and Wadandi people. The name is believed to refer to the freshwater gilgies found in the river.
Early settlers living in the area during the late 1850s requested that the name be changed to Bridgetown after the SS Bridgetown. The ship had docked in Bunbury to load the first consignment of wool from the area.
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