Kenneth Slessor wrote: After the wheyfaced anonymity of river gums and scribbly gums and bush... not here, by gosh. Because of its height above sea level, yet its proximity to the tropics, the area has a cool climate which supports a unique collection of flora.

Yellow box, stringybark and red gums predominate, but there are cypress pines, a couple of strange species of banksias found only here, as well as grand but rare trees like the Wallangarra White gum. The woodland is open and there are thousands of bouldery outcrops. We dips our lids to the first farmers who came here. They would have done it tough in this country.

Beverley is 70% cleared for grazing, although we have plans to convert most of this to vineyards. Importantly, 30% is wonderful, unspoilt bush and gardens. The climate lends itself to European deciduous trees and many were planted around the homestead around a century ago, creating a riot of autumn colours.

Perhaps: Gnarly gums in flowery spinneys, rabbit scrapes and daffodowndilleys.