Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages

Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages is located 240 kilometres south of Perth. The property encompasses 6 newly renovated secluded cottages set in 25 acres of Jarrah and Marri Forest, perched high on a hilltop, offering stunning views over Balingup and the Blackwood River Valley. It has won the Gold Award for Best Self Contained Accommodation at the Perth Tourism Awards two years running and it’s not hard to see why!

Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages is owned and run by Brian and Deb Vanallen who reside in the gorgeous stone farmhouse located on the property. They are incredibly warm and welcoming hosts. I particularly appreciated receiving an email from them a few days before we arrived detailing local events that were taking place during our stay and opening times of nearby shops and restaurants.

Entry to Balingup Heights is via a steep and mainly unsealed 800-metre driveway. It’s a little daunting when you first lay eyes on it, but we made it up to the top no problem in our sedan. The views from the top are breathtaking!

If you are looking for peace and tranquillity you’ll find it here! Each cottage is located in its own corner of the forest, far away from any of the other cottages. You may just notice the twinkling of lights of your neighbour through the trees in the evening.

All the cottages have recently been renovated with new open plan kitchens, bathrooms and floor coverings. Three of the cottages are 1 bedroom with Blythe cottage having a cosy studio arrangement. The remaining 3 cottages are all 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 5 people.

Balingup Heights is the perfect place to visit all year round. During the cooler months, you can enjoy the cosy, pot-belly log fire. It was nice to sit in front of in the evening, keeping warm and watching the hypnotic flames. The cottages also have reverse cycle air-conditioning and a ceiling fan in the main living/kitchen area so you won’t overheat in the warmer months.

In the warmer months, you can relax on your own jarrah timber decked balcony area and enjoy the sweeping views of the Blackwood River Valley. Each cottage has its own gas BBQ on the deck.

The cottages are spotlessly clean and the beds super comfy with crisp white linen and warm blankets. There are even electric blankets on the beds to keep you toasty during the colder months.

The kitchen is well equipped including plastic plates and bowls for the kids. Along with a microwave, there is also a slow cooker and rice cooker provided. But please be aware that there is no oven, only a gas stove top.

If you are feeling a bit lazy and don’t fancy preparing a meal or even breakfast you can order a breakfast hamper or evening meal platter in advance. The produce is sourced from a range of local cafes, a local caterer and Newys Fruit & Veg!

If you are staying on the property during certain times of the year, you may be lucky to experience the magical mist that shrouds Balingup in the early mornings. The mists are a common occurrence between May to August.

If you are staying with children, or are an animal lover yourself, a highlight of the stay is the animal feeding that takes place every day 8.15am. During animal feeding, you are able to interact with all the resident farm animals.

The property also features a guests only lookout which offers a 270-degree panoramic view over the valley below. It’s pretty spectacular, and I could have sat there all day just gazing at the view! A night walk to the lookout is recommended as the clear air offers a fantastic view of the Milky Way. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening!

If you do wish to tear yourself away from Balingup Heights, you’ll find plenty of things to do in and around Balingup and the Blackwood River Valley. You might enjoy a stroll through the Golden Valley Tree Park, a swim in Greenbushes Pool or a visit to the Balingup Museum. We really enjoyed taking a drive along the Balingup – Nannup tourist drive. The scenery is stunning! For a full list of activities click here.

www.balingupheights.com.au