Golden Wattle Bakery

If you're passing through Walpole in Western Australia and want a proper feed, Golden Wattle Bakery is the bakery in town that locals and travellers both seem to find. It sits tucked back from the main road, and we hear a fair few people only discover it because they've pulled in for petrol nearby and spotted the sign.

Pies are the main drawcard. Locals rate the beef and curry for its chunky filling and pastry that arrives properly hot, and one visitor was won over by the meat pasties, which carry a pleasant hint of Asian flavour. Sausage rolls, a potato-topped pie and ham and cheese croissants all get a mention too. Things come fresh from the oven, and the cabinet is the kind that makes you order more than you planned.

The sweet side has its own following. Cheesecakes come up again and again, with peanut butter and Biscoff the ones people rave about, and there's also vanilla slice, lemon tart, zucchini tart and muffins to choose from. We've heard the Turkish bread sandwiches are worth a stop too, and the staff are happy to toast them for you.

It's more than a grab-and-go counter. You can dine in or take away, and the kitchen does breakfast and lunch, with the big breakfast earning praise for eggs cooked just right. Coffee gets good words as well. Travellers heading to the Tree Top Walk often stop here on the way, and people doing the Manjimup, Walpole and Denmark loop say they've been calling in for years.

Staff are generally described as friendly, and prices are considered fair for what you get. We should be honest that it's not flawless: one long-time visitor had an off day with a curt counter experience, and the interior is a bit dated, though most locals will tell you the food makes up for it. Some of the apple pies are called pleasant but ordinary, so the savoury pies are the safer bet.

It's open daily, with a free car park and street parking close by. The entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible, and cards and tap-to-pay are accepted. Check the hours before you go, especially if you're planning a late lunch.