If you’re looking for things to do in Harvey, Western Australia, you’ve come to the right place. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, unique attractions and wide array of activities, Harvey is the perfect destination for a memorable weekend getaway. From outdoor adventures to cheese tastings, here are the best 8 things to do in Harvey, WA.
1. Climb the Iconic Big Orange
One of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’ is nestled in the heart of Harvey, sat 10 metres high overlooking the Harvey Fresh citrus orchards. The Big Orange is an iconic roadside attraction and popular photo spot which is definitely worth a visit when you’re in town. If you’re looking for something truly unique and quintessentially Aussie, The Big Orange is the place to go!
Besides just gazing in awe at The Big Orange, for a gold coin donation (which goes to charity) you can climb it. At 62 steps to the top, once you reach the viewing area you’ll have a fantastic view of the surrounding orchards. The oranges that are in the surrounding orchards are still handpicked and delivered straight to Harvey Fresh who turn them into delicious orange juice.
The Big Orange is located at the Harvey River Estate, so we encourage wine lovers to ‘make a day of it’. Sample their premium, award-winning range of wines and learn about the history of the family-owned Harvey River Estate winery.
2. Have a Picnic at the Harvey Dam
Located just outside the town of Harvey, the Harvey Dam is an impressive sight. Built in 1916, the dam was created to supply irrigation water to the surrounding farms and towns. After multiple expansions the dam is now 56 billion litres with a surface area of 553 hectares at full storage, making it one of the largest in the area.
The dam features numerous lookout points and walk trails so visitors can marvel at the sheer size of the dam while admiring the stunning surroundings. Pack a picnic and make a full day of your visit. The dam has an abundance of facilities including a fenced playground, picnic areas with gazebos and BBQs, toilets and an amphitheatre for concerts and cultural events. Keen anglers can pack their rods as fishing for trout and marron is allowed during the designated seasons.
So whether you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot or just want to admire the beauty of the area, the Harvey Dam should definitely be on your list of things to do in Harvey!
3. Cheese Lovers Rejoice at Harvey Cheese
Cheese lovers rejoice! Stop by family owned and operated Harvey Cheese who specialise in making gourmet cheeses, especially moulded cheeses, fetas and firm cheeses.
Enjoy a tasting of their award-winning cheeses, view their friendly farm animals and go for a factory viewing. Afterwards make sure to pick up a gourmet cheese platter for a picnic in the nearby parks or for a special occasion. Harvey Cheese also have a range of local produce on offer. So don’t forget to grab some local produce and your favourite cheeses to take home on the way out.
Harvey Cheese also occasionally host cheese making classes for the true cheese enthusiasts. Besides having a day of fun as you take on the challenge of making your own gourmet cheese, the class will teach you everything you need to know about cheese making from food hygiene and sanitation to where to buy cheese making equipment and how to mature cheese. At the time of writing this (December 2022) the cost of their cheese making class is $185.
4. Revisit History at the Stirling Cottage
Revisit history at the Stirling Cottage, a replica 1850’s cottage that was home to Sir James Stirling and May Gibbs, the creator of the popular children’s book series Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. At the Stirling Cottage you can learn more about May Gibbs and her work and feel what life was like in the 1850s.
After exploring the cottage, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the peaceful atmosphere. View the 19th Century style fountain, mini orchard and river walk.
While visiting make sure to indulge in a delicious breakfast or lunch at the Stirling Cottage Kitchen. The Stirling Cottage Kitchen serves up mouth-watering dishes in the most tranquil setting. It’s open from 9am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3:30pm over the weekend. Note that the kitchen closes at 2pm but they still have takeaway coffee and yummy cakes on offer after 2pm.
5. Get out in Nature and Take on a Walking Trail
If you’re looking for a great way to explore the natural beauty of Harvey then going on a walking trail is the perfect way to do it! Harvey has several different trails to choose from, each offering its own unique experience. We’ve included more information on some of the popular Harvey trails below.
The Dick Lofthouse Rotary Trail is one of the most popular trails in the area, offering a picturesque trek across the Harvey Dam wall. Enjoy incredible views out over the dam and across the surrounding farmland. The trail is just 1.9km, taking less than an hour to complete.
The Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk is another must-see, offering visitors a chance to see some of the vibrant wildflowers that grow in the region. This trail takes you past large granite outcrops, and features incredible views over the backwaters of the Harvey Dam. The trail is a relatively easy walk at just 1.4km.
The Harvey Heritage Walk Trail is the perfect way to explore the town of Harvey and its history. The trail takes you through some of the town’s historic sites such as the replica Stirling Cottage, the Internment Camp Memorial Shrine and the Harvey Town Hall. Along the way, you will learn about the area’s unique history, including its development and the stories behind some of its historic landmarks. The trail is 6.5km taking a couple of hours to complete, however we recommend making a full day of it and stopping somewhere for lunch along the way.
No matter which trail you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring the beauty of Harvey. So grab your hiking boots and head out for an adventure!
6. Enjoy the Outdoors at Logue Brook Dam
Logue Brook Dam is a great spot for anyone who wants to get outdoors and have some fun. Jam packed full of activities and must-visit if you’re in Harvey. Here are some of the best things to do at Logue Brook Dam:
Swimming – Logue Brook Dam is the perfect spot for swimming, with clear, calm waters that make for an enjoyable swim. It’s also a picturesque spot as the stunning clear waters are surrounded by the Jarrah forest.
Fishing – Fishing enthusiasts will love spending time at Logue Brook Dam, which is stocked with trout all year round and marron in season.
Kayaking – Bring your own kayak and explore the Logue Brook Dam, its calm waters are perfect for a relaxed day paddling around. There are a number of different places around the shore where your kayak can be launched.
Camping – If you plan on staying overnight, Logue Brook Dam has an incredible campground where you can pitch a tent and spend the night in the great outdoors. It is managed by Lake Brockman Tourist Park who are well stocked with caravan and camping facilities, ablution blocks, a laundry and a camp kitchen. There’s nothing better than spending a peaceful night here under the stars.
Water Skiing – Logue Brook Dam is the perfect spot for water skiing with a designated water ski area and a boat launching spot. Water skiing is allowed between sunrise and sunset only. So pack the skis and have a great time.
Cycling – Not only does Logue Brook Dam connect to the Munda Biddi mountain biking trail there’s also a great bike trail that goes around the dam. Allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forest while listening to the calls of the birds that sit high in the trees.
Scenic Driving – An alternative to the activities listed previously that still allows you to experience the beauty of Logue Brook Dam, is going on a scenic drive. A scenic drive around the dam still offers spectacular views.
7. Get Some Golf in at the Harvey Golf Club
Harvey Golf Club is a great place to visit if you’re looking to get some golfing in during your time away. Located just 10 minutes away from the heart of Harvey, this lush green golf course offers an exciting game for all levels of play.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, the 18-hole course will keep you entertained for hours. If you’d like to brush up on your technique or learn the basics the Harvey Golf Club also offer professional lessons.
No matter your skill level, a visit to the Harvey Golf Club is sure to give you a great experience. From perfecting your swing to enjoying the scenery, you won’t regret visiting this beautiful golf course in Harvey.
8. Appreciate the Towns History at the Harvey Railway Station Museum
If you’re looking for an interesting place to visit in Harvey, the Harvey Railway Station Museum should definitely be on your list. Previously a central point in Harvey, in 1987 with the introduction of the modern Australind train, the Railway Station was no longer needed so closed.
The station now houses a museum which is full of fascinating historical items that give visitors an insight into the rich history of this small town.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something fun to do in Harvey, the Harvey Railway Station Museum is a great choice. With its fascinating displays, it’s sure to be a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy Your Trip to Harvey, WA!
Harvey is sure to provide you with an incredible experience no matter how long your stay is. With all these wonderful attractions, you’ll be wishing you had longer to explore all that Harvey has to offer. So get out there and enjoy!
If you’re interested we’ve also put together some answers for frequently asked questions about Harvey, WA below.
How Far is Harvey WA from Perth?
Harvey WA is approximately 140km from Perth, which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive away (depending on traffic and which route you take).
Is Harvey WA Worth Visiting?
Definitely, there’s something for everyone at Harvey with a variety of different things to do. Gourmet food and wine lovers can do premium wine and cheese tastings, outdoor lovers can go swimming, water skiing or cycling at the Logue Brook Dam, nature lovers can go on a walking trail that immerses them in the tranquil surroundings, history buffs can visit historic sites and learn about Harvey’s past and families can go to iconic spots like the Big Orange before settling down at the dam for a picnic. No matter what you enjoy doing you’ll love your visit to Harvey, WA.
What Region is Harvey WA in?
Harvey WA is in the South West region of Western Australia.
What Shire is Harvey WA in?
Harvey WA is in the Shire of Harvey.
What is the Population of Harvey WA?
Harvey WA has a population of 3,462 (according to the 2021 Census).
Hey! I’m Lydia and I have been travelling full time with Wehan since 2022. Alongside documenting our travels on YouTube, we put together comprehensive travel guides on the locations we visit here on our website. We also put together guides on other aspects of our travels, such as detailed information on the gear we use, specifics on our van build and tips for van life. Our goal with this website and the guides we write is to help others travel.
At the moment we are currently doing the big lap of Australia in our self converted Sprinter van. Our goal is to continue to push ourselves outside our comfort zone; seeking new adventures, learning about new cultures and seeing as much of the world as possible.
