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Fawkes Country Spa Retreat
Gardens
Explore the 1.6 acres of stunning
heritage garden. Wander through the meandering paths of the sun-dappled spinney,
surrounded by camellias, rare hellebores, narcissi and primroses. Relax within
the walled, formal, heritage rose gardens with views over adjoining vineyards,
or discover the extensive native gardens.
Croquet and boules can be enjoyed on
the lawn, originally the tennis court c.1920. Take tea or a cooling beverage on
the wide, sheltered verandahs of the main house, or relax with a good book
beneath rare, flowering trees.
The gardens attract many species of
birds throughout the seasons, and display a profusion of Spring flowering bulbs
and Autumn colour.
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Ideally
situated at the heart of the Darling Range National Park, the secluded garden
and surrounding
valley attract an impressive selection of
birds. From the massive, majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle
to the tiny Thornbills, this
corner of Western Australia has much to offer both birdwatchers
and nature-lovers.
Endemic Species
Of the Twelve species of
native bird found only in south western WA, seven can be seen in Carmel,
with a further two only a
short distance away. The call of the spectacular Red-capped Parrot
can be heard throughout the
gardens and the quiet Western Rosella is another frequent visitor.
Often seen flitting amongst
the flowers is the lively Western
Thornbill and the valley frequently
resounds with the calls
of the Long-billed (Baudin’s) Black Cockatoo.
More than 50 species of bird
have been recorded in and above (in the case of the Little Eagle,
Black-shouldered Kites,
Square-tailed Kite) the beautiful gardens. A pair of resident Scarlet
Robins
can often be seen hopping
around the scrub and diminutive Laughing Turtle Doves
take advantage of any perch
to give their bubbling call. Introduced into Perth in 1898 they are found
only in this “corner” of
Australia. Noisy Western Wattlebirds forage amongst the blossoms.
Other species regularly seen
include: New Holland Honeyeater, Striated Pardalote, Sacred Kingfisher,
Port Lincoln Parrot,
Twenty-eight Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, White-cheeked Honeyeater,
Rufous Whistler and Splendid
Fairy-wren.
Weddings
Fawkes House is an
idyllic place for a wedding with its stunning gardens, large lawns and its wide
verandas.
