R&R Bus Retreat, Ferguson Valley

If you’re anything like me, you’ll love a getaway that’s a little bit different. I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels, cabins, a canal boat and even a tiny house or two.

My latest adventure in the fab Ferguson Valley takes the cake for my “quirkiest stay” yet! Buckle up to find out all about R&R Bus Retreat Ferguson Valley…

Let me introduce you to the brand-new R&R Bus Retreat – a pair of lovingly restored vintage buses, parked up on a peaceful Wellington Mill farm, with the kind of countryside views that make you want to slow down, breathe deep, and forget about your inbox for a while.

I’ve been eyeing off a stay in the Ferguson Valley. As well as it being a very underrated region to stay in south west WA and within an easy 2-hour drive from Perth, it is also where my lovely Mr H grew up. He’s often reminiscing about his childhood, growing up on a Pile Road hobby farm, right in the heart of rolling green hills, boutique wineries, and untouched bushland.

The Ferguson Valley has a real sense of country calm. No crowds, brilliant foodie spots you’ve never heard of (but should!) and so very close to Perth. Mr H speaks of the Ferguson Valley with so much warmth, I wanted to check it out for myself, and see it through his eyes. So, when I heard about the new R&R Bus Retreat, the stars aligned perfectly and we packed our bags eager to check it out.

A Retro Bus Retreat in the Ferguson Valley

R&R Bus Retreat is found in the tiny farming hamlet of Wellington Mill – also famous for another quirky spot – Gnomesville! The retreat is adults-only, so it’s perfect for a romantic escape or even a much-needed solo recharge. There are two buses to choose from: Betsy the Blue Bus, who’s bold and full of character, and Charles the White Bus, who’s all about quiet, riverside cosiness.

Mr H and I stayed in Charles. From the moment we drove down the green paddock flanked gravel drive, and stepped aboard, we were smitten.

Think retro touches, and a surprising amount of space – it’s like stepping back in time, but with all the mod cons you need for a comfy stay. At the back, there’s a plush bed, and at the front of the bus there’s a cute (and functional) kitchenette, plus plenty of spots to sit and relax. A private bathroom and loo separates the two spaces.

It’s obvious that the owners Simon and Judith have poured so much love into the place – from the eco-friendly touches (think local produce, solar power and upcycled materials) to the thoughtful extras like board games, books, and a welcome bottle of local wine.

The well-appointed kitchen has a fridge, two gas burners, sink, a kettle, over flame toaster, coffee plunger and all the utensils and unique pottery-style crockery that you’ll need. Plus, there’s a BBQ on the deck.

We spent the first night at the bus’s table for two, chatting and sipping a Green Door SBS and indulging in a platter of 3 Harvey Cheeses (because when in the Bunbury-Geographe region – wine-not), plus crackers, chorizo, dip and more.

Our stay was during a very wet mid-winter thunderstorm, which only amplified the bus’s cosiness. There’s a compact wood fire, which does a brilliant job of quickly warming the space. There are also split systems for heating and cooling – but you can’t beat a roaring fire! If the weather was dry, I would have made use of the little deck and BBQ too, cuppa in hand, watching the creek and listening to the gentle rustle of leaves.

At the back of the bus, a very comfy queen bed is topped with luxe linens, pillows for every preference, and faux fur throws. In the mornings I liked to sit in bed and watch the resident sheep through the window, with a cuppa.

A small, but perfectly formed bathroom has a good lighting, a basin and a hot shower. If you’re extra tall, like Mr H (who’s six foot two), this may be snug. A separate loo is just across the hallway.

It may be handy to know, there is no wifi, but good phone reception, if you can’t fully disconnect.

Outside, an outdoor claw-foot bath on the private deck overlooks a winter creek and shady trees. Mr H took a well-deserved soak and loved it. An outdoor bath is one of my most favourite things, but sadly I was getting over a bad chest infection, so didn’t want to set it off again, being outside on a chilly winter’s afternoon.

A soak under the stars would be just blissful here. Evenings at R&R are something special. With no city lights to compete, the night sky is absolutely dazzling.

Things to Do in the Ferguson Valley

Being right in the heart of the Ferguson Valley, it would be rude not to explore a winery or two. We spent a lovely day meandering between cellar doors, as well as MR H’s old town of Dardanup.

There are plenty of walking trails nearby too, if you fancy working off your cheese platter. Here’s what we got up to…

Ferguson Valley – here you’ll find wineries with cellar doors and delicious restaurants. Plus, there’s a couple of breweries too. Be sure to check opening times, as many only open Fridays and weekends. We loved our lunch at St Aiden Wines – chunky brisket sliders for the win!

Take a drive around the winding roads and be sure to stop at the lookout (and impressive sculpture) halfway up Pile Road. The view over the valley is just stunning.

Dardanup – this little town is the gateway to the Ferguson Valley. Stop here first to visit the Visitor Centre and get insider tips from the friendly locals. Pop into the epic Dardanup Bakery – their pie and doughnut line ups are legendary.

The Dardanup Tavern is open 7 days for meals – handy if you stay mid-week like us. They have tasty pub meals and a lovely beer garden too.

Wellington Dam – Take a drive through the state forest to Wellington Dam and its famous 8,000 square meter giant mural painted by internationally renowned artist, Guido Van Helten. You can walk along the wall on weekends and public holidays.

Bush Trails – the Ferguson Valley is home to many trails for all abilities. We took a short stroll along the Jabitj Trail to “Little Rock” on the Collie River to take deep breaths of the forest air and listen to fairy wrens and other native birds amongst the trees.

Gnomesville – I was excited to check this spot off my list! It was larger than I had expected and well maintained, with many little pathways and nooks, plus picnic areas and a stream running through thousands of gnomes.

Honeymoon Pool – a beautiful spot for a picnic. Stop on the way to Wellington Dam for a look.

There’s so much to see and do in and around the Ferguson Valley, if you like to explore.

All in All – A Wonderful Stay!

I really appreciated the retreat’s seclusion in this beautiful corner of WA. Slow mornings cooking breakfast in the galley kitchen, exploring the area’s uncrowded attractions hand in hand with my own “Dardy” expert and getting away from my busy full-time day-job, was just perfect.

After two nights, we left feeling completely recharged – just like it says on the tin! R&R (rest and relaxation) Bus Retreat a quirky place to sleep; an experience, a chance to slow down, connect with nature and make memories with your other half. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, with nostalgia and a whole lot of heart, I recommend a few nights here.