Cowaramup: Heritage Trail, Wadandi Track and Regional Food and Drink

When looking for a hotel in Cowaramup, it is worth deciding what you would like to focus on during your trip: are you interested in the history of the settlement, would you like to include a longer walking or cycling route, or are tastings of regional produce on your wish list? Cowaramup offers concrete ways to explore these interests—from the self-guided Heritage Trail and the Wadandi Track to a brewery and an olive farm.

Cowaramup’s history on the Heritage Trail

The Cowaramup Heritage Trail is a self-guided route through Cowaramup’s sights, hidden places and historic sites. It tells the story of Cowaramup’s origins as a settlement under the Group Settlement Scheme in the early 1920s and shows how dairy farming and timber work shaped the town.

The name Cowaramup also carries cultural significance: it derives from the Wadandi word “cowara” for the purple-crowned lorikeet and “up” meaning “place of”.

The trail also covers the 23 Mile Well. Established in 1894, it was an important supply point for travellers and livestock on the route between Busselton and Augusta.

Wadandi Track: Route and scenery

The Wadandi Track runs for 25 kilometres from Cowaramup via Margaret River to Witchcliffe. It passes through forests and farmland, with scenic spots along the way where you can stop. The track is relatively flat and suitable for both walking and cycling. It is also a good introduction to off-road cycling.

For trip planning, the focus differs: the Heritage Trail offers an insight into Cowaramup’s history, while the Wadandi Track provides a longer route for walking or cycling.

Brewery and olive farm: Food and drink experiences

Cowaramup Brewing Company offers tastings of handcrafted ales and lagers, as well as meals focused on regional produce. Behind-the-scenes tours are also available. You can meet the brewer, visit the hop garden and learn more about the brewing process.

The certified organic Olio Bello olive farm in Cowaramup covers 320 acres. It includes a gourmet tasting room, a farm shop and a Mediterranean café. There, you can experience a range of olive oils and sample farm-made spreads, chutneys, dips, marinated olives, sauces and tapenades. The café serves a farm-to-plate menu inspired by olive oil, regional produce and the seasons.

The difference between the two food and drink destinations lies in their focus: the brewery combines beer tastings and insights into the brewing process with meals made using regional produce, while Olio Bello centres on olive products, its farm shop and café.

Cow sculptures and a search challenge

Cowaramup is home to 42 life-size fibreglass models of Friesian cows and calves. You can take photos with them and search among the sculptures for the hidden Molly Moo Cow. Alongside the historical and culinary attractions, this offers a photo opportunity and a fun search among the figures.

Discover more destinations: Gnarabup, Augusta, Witchcliffe

For the broader travel overview: Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.