Holiday houses in Harvey

With a giant orange hovering over the horizon of this town, it’s hard to miss Harvey. Head towards the Big Orange — a 10-metre tower with an observation deck shaped as the fruit — and you’ll find the fragrant orange orchards, rolling vineyards, and fertile farmland surrounding this town two hours south of Perth. This corner of Southwestern Australia showcases not only its beautiful landscapes, but its tasty delicacies as well. Freshly squeezed orange juice served with scones slathered in hand-churned butter is a delicious start to the day, and evenings with local washed-rind cheeses paired with a sampling of Shiraz from any of the area’s acclaimed vineyards. Harvey is nestled within Southwest Australia’s geographic wine region and boasts nine of them within the township area.

When you’re not enjoying the local food and drink, you can spend languid days stretched out on the beach or fire up the barbie for a picnic by the still waters and swaying grassland at the white sand beaches of Harvey Dam. Dip your toes in the sand or go for a trek on the nearby trails blooming with wildflowers. In the evening, snuggle-up in one of the cozy pubs to pass the time and plan for your next day’s adventure in Harvey.

Harvey is a great place to visit every season. In spring, colourful wildflowers bloom in the fields along the hiking trails of the Jarrah Forest. Autumn brings sunny but crisp weather, and the harvest season makes for a lovely time to take in the vineyards. The Harvey Agricultural Show draws visitors with fairground games, produce contests, and farm-themed fun in April. Harvey’s oranges are in season from June to October. Summer is the hottest time of year and an excellent time to book accommodations in Harvey and enjoy the waters of Lake Brockman and Harvey Dam.

Harvey Dam

Built in 1916, Harvey Dam is a local landmark and a beloved spot to while away warm-weather days. Here you can rent a kayak or canoe, paddle along the still water, hike through landscaped trails, or just relax and take in the view at the Visitor Centre. Free on-site barbecues are available for grilling up a burger (Harvey is known for its beef), and a picnic under the shade of a gazebo or an outdoor concert at the amphitheatre is always a treat.

The Big Orange

One of Australia’s Big Things landmarks, the Big Orange looms over its orchards below and becomes a larger-than-life symbol of Harvey’s most famous fruit. You can climb to the top to see panoramic views of the town and surrounding farmland. A glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice will reward you for your efforts.

Harvey Railway Station Museum

Housed in a former railway station, this museum offers a glance into the town’s railroad history that was the backbone of the rising and thriving dairy industry since the late 19th century. Learn through the voices of the passionate volunteers who run the museum, and see why the railway was pivotal to the town’s growth before the modern Australind train came about and led to its abandonment.