Crisp, clean air, cold nights to snuggle in cosy beds and rolling green hillsides - it's the stuff of an idyllic winter getaway.
In Western Australia, the Blackwood River Valley area is the perfect place to hibernate with a good bottle of red, a great book and your favourite person.
This fertile area is home to some of our most picturesque towns. Places like Donnybrook, Mullalyup, Bridgetown, Balingup, Boyup Brook and Nannup offer plenty of history and a range of charming accommodation possibilities.
Nested on the banks of the Blackwood River, the longest river in the south, the valley has some of WA's finest fruit orchards and is also known as prime cattle country. Dairy cows grazing on lush green pastures are a common sight and make for picturesque afternoon drives.
At the heart of the area, about a three hour drive from Perth, is the historic village of Balingup. With its tall oak trees and misty winter mornings, the town has been likened to an English Cotswolds village.
Balingup has long been known for its dairy farming, timber industry, fruit orchards and cheese making. In more recent times these staple industries are being complemented by new breed of businesses that have breathed new life into the town. Arts, crafts and antique galleries, collectables, herbal products and award winning fruit wineries are drawing new visitors in search of an alternative south west holiday.
Also making a mark on the area's art scene is Nannup, the historic mill-town located in the hills alongside the Blackwood River. The town is home to many crafts people with woodcraft, pottery and antiques popular.
Winter is the perfect time to visit Nannup, also known as Garden Village due to its beautiful private and public gardens, tulip farms and wildflowers. August is Nannup Flower and Garden month when the town turns on a colourful display of tulips and daffodils.
For scenic country drives and picnics in the afternoon sunshine, Nannup is a great spot. The road from Nannup to Balingup is one of the most picturesque in the region. There are many delightful places to stop along the way, either to lounge on a picnic rug or walk among the trees and flowers.
To the east of Nannup is Bridgetown - the place to head to for tranquillity and an escape from the everyday. Once the apple-growing centre of the state, Bridgetown is now better known for its lush green countryside, cool winter mornings and clear starry nights.
It's also one of the best places to access the mighty Blackwood River. Not surprisingly Bridgetown hosts some major water sports events including the longest powerboat race in the world, the Blackwood Classic and the Blackwood Marathon Relay.
Bridgetown's reputation for staging festive events is growing. The annual Blues at Bridgetown festival triples the town's population overnight, while others such as the Festival of Country Gardens and the Chamber Music Festival also draw large crowds.
Bridgetown, Balingup and Nannup are just three towns in the Blackwood River Valley area to offer some appealing winter holiday choices. There are many more.
Arm yourself with a road map, a copy of the Western Australian Tourism Commission's Winter Breaks guide and a sense of adventure and discover the allure of one of the most beautiful parts of our state.
For more information about holidaying in Western Australia phone 1300 361 351.