Discover Carbunup River

Carbunup Reserve extends on both sides of Bussell Highway, just south of the Carbunup River bridge and Carbunup Store. It lies between Busselton and Margaret River.

Nature and the seasons

Along the Carbunup River, riparian vegetation provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife, including small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Carbunup Reserve is home to a wide variety of orchids during wildflower season. This is approximately around September and can vary from season to season. A 2002 management plan also notes that visitors regularly used the waterholes in the southeastern corner of the reserve, particularly during the summer marron season. The plan also mentions local residents regularly going on bushwalks in the reserve. Thus, seasonal use of the waterholes and regular bushwalks are presented as distinct historical forms of recreation.

The Marri forest is also a notable natural feature. A 2002 City of Busselton management plan described the reserve as the largest and highest-quality example of its Marri forest vegetation type remaining on public land. The orchids add a seasonal highlight, while the comparison with the Marri forest clearly refers to the historical assessment made in 2002.

Wadandi culture and local history

The Carbunup River is culturally and historically significant to the Wadandi people. The Wadandi Track also shares Wadandi culture and history along its route; one section runs from Busselton Jetty to Carbunup River. This offers a different perspective from the seasonal natural features: the focus here is on cultural history and how it is shared along a route.

Carbunup Store is a relatively well-preserved, single-storey timber-framed and timber-clad commercial building in the Interwar Vernacular style. Carbunup Hall holds social value for the people of Carbunup River and for communities further afield. Members of these communities have attended events and gatherings there since the 1920s.

The cultural themes differ in form: the Wadandi Track shares cultural history along a route, the Store represents building style and materials, and the Hall represents the social history of community events. This lets you distinguish between a route-based experience, architecture and community history.

Experiences and finding accommodation

Another option is the Snake Awareness Workshop at Discover Deadly. It includes an exhibition of local snake species, a live demonstration of an encounter with a venomous snake, and an opportunity to interact with non-venomous species. The exhibition, demonstration and interaction offer several different ways to engage with the subject. Check dates and booking options before travelling.

If you are travelling with varied interests, you can weigh these themes against one another rather than planning your entire stay around a single experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Scotsdale, Kalbarri, Murdoch, Darlington, Northam, Mullaloo, Wanneroo City, Jurien Bay

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.