What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Random day trip to Nannup proves to be unexpected delight during SW visit

Nannup is not a place I would have expected to put on a bucket list. But after my recent trip through part of the South West, I reckon the tiny town is worth a visit. I was staying in the little gem that is Bridgetown when I decided to head out for a bit of a day trip. And I am so glad I did. So much so, that I’ve already decided to organise an Airbnb in that part of the world next time around, close to the delightful settlement overflowing with character and charm. The scenery is pretty special, surrounding a little town that is quite quirky. First, there is the legend of the Nannup tiger. You actually would not be able to visit Nannup without becoming aware of this tale. There is even a dedicated spot in the main street that pays homage to the tiger. Now, when I say tiger, it reportedly looks very much like the Tasmanian tiger — a dog-type creature with stripes down the side of its body. According to thylacineawarenessgroupofaustralia.com.au, the thylacine (the scientific name for the Tasmanian tiger) has been sighted in several areas in WA, but there have been — literally — hundreds of reports close to Nannup. So, as you would expect, the town has embraced this, making the Nannup tiger it’s No.1 tourist attraction. The website says there is a great gift shop and “the local pub has gone so far as to have the distinctive thylacine stripes added to the staff uniforms and decor within the bar.” Enthusiasts can also take part in a Nannup tiger tourist walk if they want to enhance the experience. Amid numerous coffee and gift shops there is also something else that is a bit out of the ordinary. Something quite a bit different and unique is the soap shop. A little out of the way, on a side street off the main drag, is a ramshackle little hut made from rustic-looking corrugated iron. Venture inside and you enter a magical cavern of soaps and ointments, all locally produced. I bet even if you don’t intend to buy, you’ll leave the shop with a memento sold to you by some very interesting and notable characters that will without doubt make your day. People you didn’t ever know existed in a place that has a magical allure — a place known as Nannup. Cr Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday from 9am to noon and Fiorenza on Sunday from 10am to noon on Radio MAMA