At Highway Hideaway, nature isn’t just the backdrop, it’s the main feature. Nestled in the heart of Manjimup’s lush South West, our 42 acre property is a thriving sanctuary of native bushland, towering trees and seasonal colour.
Towering Giants of the Forest
Wander through our grounds and you’ll be greeted by the majestic presence of Karri and Jarrah trees, iconic hardwoods that define the ancient beauty of the Southern Forests region. Their towering canopies stretch skyward, filtering the sunlight and creating a cool, serene atmosphere beneath, the perfect setting for wildlife and campers alike.
Meet Our King Karri
Tucked away along our Discovery Trail, you’ll find one of our most treasured natural wonders, the King Karri. Towering above the rest, this magnificent tree is the largest Karri on the property and a favourite stop for visitors. Its immense trunk and sprawling crown stand as a living monument to the strength and age of these forests.
STAY WITH US YOU'LL FIND
Our bushland is bursting with life, a diverse mix of native wildflowers, understory plants, and hand-planted ornamentals that thrive in the fertile soils of Manjimup and the greater South West WA.
Depending on the season, you might discover:
Kangaroo Paw, Bottlebrush, Banksia, Peppermint Trees, Native Wattles, Grass Trees and the uniquely local Snottygobble.
Shady pockets filled with Agapanthus, Clivias, and Magnolias, adding colour and fragrance to our garden edges.
A stunning selection of ornamental trees located near our campsites, from fiery orange and crimson red leaves in autumn to the graceful canopy of Japanese Maples and other deciduous varieties that bring beauty year round.
Every plant has a purpose here, supporting the ecosystem and creating a natural haven for birds, bees, butterflies and even possums and kangaroos, who are often spotted enjoying the property just as much as our campers do.
At Highway Hideaway, nature is always close and that includes the wonderful wildlife that call our 42 acre sanctuary home. Our thriving forest corridors provide essential shelter for a variety of native species, some of which are sadly threatened or endangered in other parts of Western Australia. Here, they flourish.
Throughout the year, you may encounter:
Western Grey Kangaroos grazing at dusk, the elusive Mainland Quokka most famously known from Rottnest Island, but still surviving in small pockets of South West forest, Brush Tailed Possums and Southern Brown Bandicoots, often spotted at night. A wide variety of frogs, insects, and microbats that thrive in our clean, healthy ecosystem.
But perhaps most noticeable is our abundant birdlife. Wake up to the iconic call of the Kookaburra, listen to the chatter of Red Tailed Black Cockatoos, or spot Splendid Fairy Wrens, Rosellas, and Western Spinebills flitting through the trees. With so many mature Karri, Jarrah, and Marri trees, it’s a paradise for nesting birds and tree-dwellers alike.
Our commitment to preserving and nurturing these natural habitats helps ensure that vulnerable and lesser seen species like the Mainland Quokka, have a safe and thriving environment. Every tree, every hollow, every quiet corner plays a part in the ecosystem here.
Winter transforms Highway Hideaway into a wonderland for fungi lovers, as the cool, damp conditions and rich soils invite a spectacular variety of mushrooms and toadstools to emerge from the forest floor. Nestled under Maple trees, hidden among leaf litter or clustered near the base of towering Karri and Jarrah, these seasonal treasures add an enchanting touch around our campsites.
Among the many species you might spot:
A striking purple mushroom known as the Amethyst Deceiver, vibrant, velvety, and rare in most parts of WA. A bright orange flat capped toadstool, speckled with white dots.
The Amanita Muscaria, a deep red rounded mushroom with dramatic white dots, the classic “fairy tale” fungus. A range of Earth Stars, Coral Fungi, and Bracket Mushrooms on old tree trunks, adding fascinating shapes and textures to the forest ecosystem. Look out for delicate Ink Caps, Slippery Jacks, and Mycena species, popping up under deciduous trees like oaks and maples near the campsites.
At Highway Hideaway, we don’t just live among nature, we live with it. Our family tends to a growing patch of veggie gardens and fruit trees, producing fresh, seasonal food right here on the property. It’s a labour of love that connects us to the land and brings a unique farm to camp experience to our guests.
You’ll find a variety of produce depending on the time of year, including:
Citrus trees bursting with oranges, lemons and limes. Rows of lettuce, tomatoes, pumpkin, and more from our veggie gardens plus delicious feijoas, juicy figs, and other fruits.
Whenever possible, we love to share our harvest with campers, whether it’s a handful of fresh picked herbs for your camp cooking, or a bowl of sun ripened fruit. While we can’t guarantee that every visitor will receive produce (as it depends on the season and our small batch yields), we always do our best to include our guests in the abundance when it’s available.
Our gardens are a reflection of our values, living sustainably, reducing waste and encouraging others to eat seasonally and mindfully. There’s something truly special about enjoying food grown just metres from your campsite, and we love when guests experience that connection.
