Itinerary # 1
KARRI FOREST EXPLORER DRIVE
(Pemberton Forests)Karri Forest Explorer Drive is a practical way to see and explore the majority of Pemberton's main attractions. It is an 85km circuit, which can be joined at any stage so it can be done in its entirety or over the course of a few days.
The drive covers the following main natural attractions and a radio commentary is available on FM 100.0 at most of these attractions.
- Gloucester Tree
- Gloucester National Park
- The Cascades
- Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree
- Warren National Park
- Heartbreak and Maiden bush Trails
- Marianne North Tree
- The Warren River
- Beedelup National Park
- Beedelup Falls
- Big Brook State Forest
- Big Brook Dam
Local businesses including wineries, galleries, restaurants and Cafes are either on the drive or not far from the circuit. Maps are available at the local CALM office on 9776 1207, or from the visitors center.
Caution - the drive uses both sealed and unsealed roads. If you are hiring a vehicle, check your insurance covers you for gravel driving.
Click here to Open or Download Map
Itinerary # 2
FOREST DAY ADVENTURE - (Northern Forests)
Please read this in total before you start
This days outing starts from the Pemberton Visitors Centre, however this information can be utilised from all accommodation places in Pemberton. This trip does traverse 19km of gravel road so should you have a hire vehicle check to see you are covered by insurance. We suggest that you ensure you have adequate fuel for your journey, as it is not available again before you reach Manjimup.
This day trip of about 110 kms will take you through some of the most beautiful country in the southwest.
Travel North along Vasse Hwy towards Karri Valley. 15km from Pemberton is the Beedelup Falls road.
The gravel road leads you to a tourist’s delight of one of the largest waterfalls in the southwest. Here you will find an excellent facility with comprehensive information, great walk tracks, viewing platforms and a fun suspension bridge, designed to give great views of the falls. It is so relaxing listening to the sound of water. You will find this very peaceful.
On reaching the Vasse Highway again turn right at Karri Valley Resort
This complex has mini golf and a restaurant/café facility. Other activities that may interest you are canoe and bike hire. Look out for the emus and kangaroos in the paddock along the road.
Travel North past Karri Valley to Donnelly River Winery
Opens from 9.30a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily Donnelly River Wines have an attractive cellar sales cottage set amongst the vineyard overlooking a lake. In spring, the vines burst into leaf and add a different hue to the surrounding grassy farmland and brilliant wildflowers in the forest. You are sure to enjoy your wine tastings by relaxing on the veranda overlooking the lake or sitting in front of the cosy wood fire. Also available are fabulous Cheese platters or pate platters and you can also buy a cuppa!
Travel a further 6 km to reach Coronation Road. This is a 19km gravel road. This road leads through jarrah , marri forest and into Karri country. In the spring a wide range of wildflowers can be seen, although at any time of the year there is always something in flower. This road does have several branches coming from it but keep to the left. This road will lead to Graphite Road. Turn right and travel along this excellent sealed road. Just prior to the Four Aces is the Donnelly River Drive.
- The Four Aces are four majestic Karri Trees in a row.
- One Tree Bridge at Glenoran Pool is a great place to picnic or for a swim. At this point you will find the Graphiti Cafe. A lovely restaurant with scrumptious meals. Be prepared to spend a while.
- On route you may notice the tree trunk shaped like an elephant’s head!
Continue along this road till you read the town of Manjimup. You may choose to call into the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park off Rose Street.
Travel back via South West Highway. Turn right into Channybearup Road a most picturesque drive.
The first section is beef cattle farmland. You pass an area where Bunnings Tree Farms had a research plot planted in 1982. On through the forest to the picturesque Channybearup Brook where, in earlier days a flourmill was constructed and a water wheel was used for power. A disused bridge is a wonderful photographic subject.
A few kilometres further on, you will find Smiths Road on the left. This leads to a delightful picnic spot - the 100 Year Forest. Enjoy a bush walk. The wildflowers are spectacular in the spring.
Follow Channybearup Road, then Bamess Road - to Mountford Winery, cidery and art gallery - Open daily
Return to Channybearup Road and drive west towards the Vasse Highway - The road winds on past tree plantations, vineyards, open grazing and vegetable fields, an avocado orchard and along the Beedelup National Park boundary.
You will come pass Phillips Estate (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). This is a spectacular venue to have a meal or wine tasting. This winery looks over a 17 acre lake. It is well worth that detour.
Next door is the fabulous Silkwood vine yard. WOW! It is currently open by appointment only however will be open daily very soon. They have some fantastic top quality wines to try and buy.
OR
Travel via South West Highway south.
Visit Diamond Tree some 15 minutes south of Manjimup, a 51m tall tree that still is used today as a fire lookout tree. It may be climbed. There is no charge. Walk around the Jim Fox Adventure Trail.
Travel back the 16km along South-West Highway to the Vasse Highway where you turn Right, back into Pemberton. Enjoy the gorgeous countryside with more vineyards, wineries and galleries to explore.
Itinerary # 3
CRAFTY DAY
Pemberton is a mecca for those who enjoy art and crafts.
This day outing is based from Pemberton, however this information can be utilised from all accommodation places in Pemberton.
You may wish to park your car at the visitors centre and do the first part of this trip on foot.
Drop into the Pemberton Tourist Centre to view some of the good range of souvenirs available. You may also wish to purchase a map of the area to help with your trip. These are available for $3.95 each.
Botanica Art Gallery is located on the corner of Railway Tce and Brockman St just down the hill from the tourist centre. They have hand painted artworks of local flora and fabrics available for sale and are open Wednesday - Monday 10am - 4.30pm. You could easily spend an hour in here just browsing.
Walk down a little and on the other side of the street is the Mill House Café. Enjoy a cuppa or just visit and peruse the collection of framed photos of the area and other unusual hand made gifts
Walk back up the street to the shopping strip.
Gifts and Crafts is located on the main street next door to the Pemberton Chicken. It has a range of well priced gifts, many made by local Activ foundation members.
The Pemberton Discovery Shop is located next to the hardware, with a wide range of gifts, including Australian Geographic items, scientific items, kites and local products. This is also the place where you can enquire about tour bookings for Pemberton tours.
Almost next door is the Pitts General Store. This is a fantastic place to browse. Got some great gear here as well as a multitude of Souvenirs! You may pick up that little gem at the right price. It looks like you are stepping back in time.
Continue walking up the hill.
Pemberton General Store has a lovely selection of gifts.
Pemberton Post and News has a great selection of gifts.
Turn right into the street and just around the corner in Ellis Street you will find Fabrics Plus. This is a quilting store. They offer classes and weekend workshops.
Walk back the way you came to your car. Jans Café is on the way should you need a cuppa!
The Peter Kovacsy Studio is in Jamieson Street and is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, and displays beautiful works from this superb artist, designer and wood craftsman. Peter also conducts one to three day classes for those who may be interested.
A visit to the award winning Fine Woodcraft Gallery is a must. Again you could spend hours browsing this delightful gallery. The gardens here are exquisite, the design based on fen sui. Well worth a look. The Coffee Connection is next door and has a special ambiance and has a great selection of coffees and cakes.
The Gold'n Grape is located 5 km along the Vasse Hwy towards Manjimup. They have fine jewellery a comprehensive art gallery and a cafe. If you are thinking of getting married an exclusive wedding ring may be on the cards. The prices here are very reasonable. This café is a great place to relax amongst masterpieces.
Rosebank Cottage Crafts in Browns Road has delightful cottage crafts, a superb craft shop with exquisite home made gifts. A superb place to spend time browsing for that special gift.
The Barn Studio and Gallery is located in the Browns Rd area - down Plackett Drive and then onto Clarrie Jones Place. Clive Barnett has a range of exquisite photographs digitally enhanced and natural in frames and without to purchase. There is also a range of fine woodcraft.
The Lavender and Berry Farm just past Rosebank has an extensive range of lavender products and home made jams, chutneys etc. The setting is delightful and you may wish to partake in some morning tea, a berry pancake, lavender ice cream or a scrumptious lunch. Feed their friendly alpacas or pick your own berries in season.
And there are still more…
Drive via Stirling Road to Channybearup Road. Turn right to Barness Road.
The Mountford Gallery, Cidery and Winery have a concert every Sunday afternoon. A great way to relax! (see Events Calender to see the latest offerings). View its current exhibition of fine drawings or paintings by local artists.
Travel right along Channybearup Road.
Cheap avocadoes can be purchased enroute in season along with vegetables in season.
Call into Phillips Estate winery. They have some upmarket type gifts on sale.
Continue along Channybearup to the Vasse Highway. Turn right to Pemberton.
Looking for a craftsman to make some furniture. Try Joel Lawrence on (08) 9776 0127 for a quote. He is highly experienced in Jarrah, Marri and other hardwood.
Itinerary # 4
TOWN CENTRE ADVENTURE
Visit the town of Pemberton.
Call in at Pemberton Discovery Shop and spend some time browsing through the material available on what to do, where to eat, galleries and craft shops to visit, vineyards and tours information to make your stay more memorable. Ask one of the helpful staff members for assistance or to arrange for any bookings of activities you would like to partake in.
Visit the Pemberton Visitors Centre and Karri Forest Discovery Centre to see the understorey of the Karri Forest and learn about the plants, animals and trees. Great for children and adults alike. Whilst at the Tourist Centre visit the historical museum and learn about our early pioneers. This knowledge will help when you take a stroll to the rear of the building to Forest Park near Pemberton Pool. Wow! Ask the help full staff for directions.
Forest Park at the back of town is recognised as one of the prettiest places in the South West with its Karri backdrop. Barbecue facilities, shelters and toilets are also provided. The walk trails are easily accessible. Good walking shoes are advisable.
Public toilets are available towards the top of the hill beside the central park and War Memorial.
The Timber Mill at the lower end of town is one of the largest sawing mills in Australia being built in 1913 and rebuilt after the original was burnt down in 1955.
Visit Gloucester Tree, at 61m tall it is the highest fire, lookout tree in the world - see if you can make it to the top! The views from the top are breathtaking and you can see the dunes in the background.
Enjoy a breathtaking ride deep into the towering forest country and learn more about the town's history on the tramway trip. It goes twice daily -at 10.45am and 2.00pm lasting 13/4 hours. Wear suitable bushwalking shoes as the tram stops twice on route for you to enjoy the forest. And during the winter months the steam train runs. Speak to the engine driver to ask if you can blow its horn!
If you decide to take the trip to Northcliffe this takes 5 and 1/2 hours. We can experience 4 seasons in one day so take along a jacket!
There are plenty of craft shops open and you may wish to try the Lavender and Berry farm for a berry pancake or some fresh marron for lunch at the Mill House Café.
The wineries in Pemberton with Restaurants have excelled themselves with Hidden River and the Gloucester Winery winning Gold Plate Awards. Mazz’s Café at the Hotel is also a superb place for that meal. You may wish to check out the Gig Guide for opening times for the galleries, craft shops, restaurants and wineries.
There are a number of restaurants in town, which are open for dinner.
Itinerary # 5
VINEYARD ADVENTURE DAY
This day outing is based from Pemberton, however this information can be utilised from all accommodation places in Pemberton.
PEMBERTON REGION
You may wish to book a tour at the Pemberton Discovery Shop. That way you don't have to flip the coin to see who will be skipper!
Otherwise
You should be able to pick up a wine map at any of the vineyards in the region. This will help you decide where to visit, and which way to visit.
APPOINT A SKIPPER OR GO ON A TOUR
Karri Tree's DO NOT MOVE!Most of the local wines are available at the Bottle shop at the Pemberton Hotel, and at the Pemberton Sports Club.
NORTH PEMBERTON
Lost Lake is an impressive winery located of the South West Highway about 10km north of Pemberton. The wines are excellent and so is the food. Eastbrook and Picardy (located across the road and next door) are both open by appointment - so visit them all!
WEST PEMBERTON
The Donnelly River Winery is some 33km from Pemberton on the Vasse Highway. It is a beautiful and relaxing venue to enjoy a cheese platter overlooking their lake. They are renown for their excellent port. It's not bad! They also have a range of local crafts for sale.
WINE LOOP
Jarrah Jacks Brewery and Woodsmoke Estate is located on Kemp Rd, off Golf Links Rd and has fabulous pinot. You will find their wine in local restaurants, however you cannot buy them outside of Pemberton. They do have a successful mail order initiative. They have a large restaurant, children's play area and cellar sales.
Hidden River is located 3km off the Vasse Highway just past the railway line as you leave town. They come highly recommended for that great coffee or luncheon. Try their wines. You will enjoy Phil and Sandy's company. Kid friendly!
Continue north via Big Brook Dam to the beautiful Channybearup Road and if you didn't visit Mountford Winery earlier with it's art gallery , it is time you paid it a visit. Meet up with Andrew the wine maker and taste some of his delights. They also specialise in cider. Sunday arvo is a good time to visit as they always have live music. Phone (08)97761435 to find out who is playing.
There is another good pinot available at Blue Loft, on Channybearup Rd just after Bamess Rd. They are open by appointment so call them on 9776 1566 before arriving.
On route Phillip’s Estate is a beautiful place to visit. They have cellar sales, meals and an art gallery. They are open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am - 4pm and are fully air-conditioned. They are kid friendly and overlook a huge lake.
One of the best wineries are Silkwood (08) 9776 1584 who's wines are amongst the best in Pemberton. Located next to Phillips, they are definitely worth a visit. I am extremely partial to their Sauvignon Blanc.
Knights Winery is a winery with a hidden agenda - it is mostly a Distillery and Chocolate factory - and these chocolates are delicious!
Treenridge Winery off the Vasse Highway is a great place to call in. Their wine tasting venue is in an interesting underground cellar. Say hello to Barry and Molly. They are a lot of fun and delightful people to meet.
A loop via the Pemberton Wine Centre on Old Vasse Rd will give you a chance to sample more wines from the region with a wide variety of tasters on offer. This is also a good way to start your wine tour.
Firetail Wines is a new winery just opened on Roberts Rd - opposite Glauders Rd (to the Cascades)
The Warren Vineyard is on Conte Road Pemberton just south of the town centre. Red wine is their speciality. Their new tasting rooms' mean that you can sit back and relax with air-conditioned comfort. They are open till late so ring and check if you are looking at kicking back someplace different: Ph: (08) 9776 1115
The Gloucester Ridge Winery is open for light meals or lunch. They are a gold plate winner and Western Australian Tourism Award winner in the Hall of Fame in the category of Winery Restaurants.
Piano Gully , Chestnut Grove, Picardy and Black George are all available by appointment. You will need to make a booking should you wish visit these venues.
Itinerary # 6
FISHING ADVENTURE DAY
This days outing is based from Pemberton, however this information can be utilised from all accommodation places in Pemberton.
A licence is required for trout and marron fishing and is available from the Post office.
Have you caught a BIG ONE!
Please let us know by email; pemberton@wn.com.au.If you do not wish to purchase a license you can try your hand at trout fishing at King Trout, open daily from 9.30am - 5pm. Cost is around $5.50 for rod hire and then you pay per kg fish caught. The good thing about this is that they will even clean and cook your catch for you should you wish to relax after a hard days fishing… It is not catch and release; you must pay for what you catch. The venue overlooks their large lakes. An organised tour of the hatchery goes daily from 11a.m.
VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FROM THE PEMBERTON DISCOVERY SHOPLicenses are available to purchase at the Post office in Pemberton. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
If you have your own equipment both the FUELS Garage and Shell Service Station in Pemberton have a good selection of lures and fishing equipment available, as well as bait.
For Surf Fishing, Pemberton Discovery Tours offer a fishing adventure that takes you off road to some of the more inaccessible beaches. Ph (08) 9776 0484
For rivers and tributaries, you may like to take a guided trip with Poachers Apprentice; Brendan can also teach you how to fly fish. Ph (08) 9776 0264
COASTAL
Tailor, Herring, Mulloway. Flathead and Salmon to name a few are there for the keen fisherman.
Local fishing haunts are:
- Salmon Bay near Windy Harbour,
- Yeagarup Beach
- Warren Beach
- Mouth of Donnelly River (only accessible by boat)
- Jasper Beach
- Black Point
- Margaret River,
- Hamlin Bay
- Yallingup
To gain access to the mouth of the Warren you will require a 4-wheel drive. Pemberton Discovery Tours does a tag-along to get you there. As they have all the necessary equipment they can provide you with a fun filled fishing experience. They will take you to the following inaccessible spots and even over night camping trips to Black Point, Mouth of the Warren River, Lake Jasper or Jasper Beach. This is a great father/son bonding adventure! WOW!
INLAND
Fish for Trout and Redfin Perch:
Lefroy Brook
Donnelly River
by boat from Boat Landing Road on the Donnelly River
Warren River
Big Brook Dam
Where Heart Break Trail hits the Warren River
Barlee Brook
Blackwood River
Fly Brook.
Open season for trout is 1st September to 30th April. From 1st May to 31st August trout fishing is only permitted in the main rivers or from the commercial trout farms. Trout are most difficult to catch in January, February and March when the water is warm. Best spots are fast moving water below rapids.
Why not hire a guide - Brendon Eliot from Poachers Apprentice can take you to locally known spots where you can learn from a person who loves to fish!
Bream-In the inlet of Donnelly River near rocks.
Cobbler- In Donnelly River- Use worms in the evening.
Marron- Donnelly River, Warren River, or I’m not telling you!!! - only during the season.
Flathead- Warren River
Red Fin Perch - No size limit - considered a pest so please do not throw back what you catch. It is very good eating.
Marron are freshwater crayfish found only in Western Australia. They live in many rivers or streams in the area. During the day marron hide in deep water and at night they move to more open areas.
Open marron seasons are subject to change, so check before venturing forth on a Marroning expedition or a hefty fine may result. Bag limits apply. They can only be caught or carried with a licence in season - check the requirements as well as some places will only allow you to marron with a snare - no nets. Please leave the natural vegetation untouched and release female and undersized marron for our future generations.
If you haven't tried smoked trout before, it is quite a delicacy. This may be purchased from King Trout or try the local Holy Smoke Pate available from all local stores.
And if you haven't had a chance to taste a meal of marron before, this may be a good opportunity. Try the King Trout Cafe, Pemberton Mill House Café next to the Mill in town, Forest Fresh Marron next to the Caravan Park, the Shamrock or the award winning Gloucester Ridge - Marron is always on the menu. Most other local restaurants often serve marron in season. At some at these venues you are able to buy freshly cooked or live marron.
Itinerary # 7
NORTHCLIFFE - WINDY HARBOUR DAY
This days outing is based from Pemberton, however this information can be utilised from all accommodation places in Pemberton. As there is little in the way of shopping in Windy Harbour it is advisable to take with you sunscreen, bathers, fly repellent, suitable walking shoes, a jacket, perhaps a barbecue or picnic and drinking water. There is no petrol station after Northcliffe.
This trip would take approximately 45min minutes in driving time. (one way ) However you could easily spend 4-6 hours taking this trip.Drive via Pemberton to Northcliffe Rd and head towards Northcliffe. Before leaving the area though, a stop at the Cascades is a must. (A great place to explore or picnic). Have your fishing line handy for that big trout! (A licence is required)
Barbecue facilities are well set up. Make time to follow the wonderful bush trails. Good walking shoes are required.
In Northcliffe, call into the Northcliffe Visitors Centre where they have an interesting rock collection and Museum. Ask for directions to the Muirillup Rock walk.
The Forest Park Drive is well worth the visit. The drive loops around to return back to town. It is well sign-posted and great for walks in the spring. Don't miss the Hollow Butt and giant twin karri, which is 50 metres from the fire look-out tree.
Continue southbound and you may wish to call into the Boorara Tree and Lane-Poole Falls for a picnic or bush walk. Winter is the best time however like the majority of Karri Forest haunts there really is not a bad time of the year for enjoying the forests.
It is a 5 kilometre return walk to visit the 12 metre sleuce-like falls. To reach them the walk takes you through thick virgin bush. It is advisable not to leave the track. The best photography is in the early afternoon and between April and December.
Climb Mt Chudalup 6 Kilometres south of Northcliffe. It is a 190-metre granite dome, which is amongst the Karri trees forest with unique rock flora. It is an excellent area for general rambles. Great views from the top.
Follow the Wheatley Coast Road south to Windy Harbour 27 km from Northcliffe. It is a small holiday and fishing settlement. It has good snorkelling, launching ramps, fishing (mainly boat) some beach and rock, a camping ground with no power and no petrol. It is a very popular spot in the summer.
There is a scenic drive to the lighthouse and Salmon Beach. This is a solar lighthouse unlike the one in Augusta. At the lighthouse there is a wheelchair/pram friendly walk trail hugging the cliffs this scenic walk has a number of "balconies" over hanging the limestone cliffs. Simply awesome! Whales, dolphins and seals are often sited from these viewing platforms.
On the way back into town you will pass the turn off to Salmon Beach. Again, it is a gravel road but suitable for 2 wheel drive. There are fabulous paths along the escarpment with decking overlooking the ocean offering panoramic views of the ocean. Here you will find barbecue and toilet facilities and can enjoy that much deserved leisurely stroll along the sandy beach paddling in the Southern Ocean before heading home. Please bring home all your rubbish.
The southwest is known to have both dugite and tiger snakes. Please wear appropriate footwear and stay on designated paths.
Further information on Northcliffe is available on the Northcliffe website www.northcliffe.org.au
Itinerary # 7
FARM - CRAFT HINTERLAND ADVENTURE!
This days outing is based from Pemberton however this information can be utilized from all accommodation places in Pemberton.
Drive through Manjimup, Balingup and Nannup -A 'good days' outing.
Be warned - many of the roads are bitumen, but some do have a gravel surface.
Drive to Manjimup along Vasse and then South West Hwy.
This pleasant drive takes you past forests, farms and vineyards. You may wish to call in at a number of vineyards on route. The Manjimup Swimming Pool may benefit you on that hot day! Visit Manjimup Tourist Bureau on the main street and the Manjimup Timber Park - including the Timber Museum and Age of Steam Museum in Rose Street. Drive north to Bridgetown to discover some of the delights of this area.
- Visit King Jarrah enroute - a 600 year old Jarrah Tree.
- Visit Lauren Brook Winery open between 11 and 4 daily except Wednesdays. It also sells a variety of local crafts.
- Brierley Jigsaw Gallery, housing a unique collection of jigsaws from around the world.
Return via Brockman Highway to Nannup (or you may wish to continue up to Balingup and after visiting the new Heritage Cheese Factory travel via the spectacular scenic drive on Balingup Road to Nannup. This road has been widened recently. On route you will pass Tathra, a beautiful spot for that hungry tummy. The birds are stunning here)
August in Nannup offers you the Daffodil and Tulip festival. Call into the Nannup Tourist Bureau for local information and see the birds being fed. And over the road call into Blythe Garden that is open for viewing. The Blackwood Cafe is good value for money for that quick meal. You will love Hamish's Cafe just by the river. The Mulberry Tree is a quaint little restaurant with wonderful food- It is on the main street. The Blackwood Winery has a superb setting - it is just after the BP garage to the right. They also have a bocce court and sell antiques. Visit Old a quaint setting in the main street for a light meal. The setting is very special. There are a number of galleries for you to brows at in the main street along with a furniture maker.
- Visit the private Gem and Stone Museum over the road from the oval.
- Keep on the Vasse Highway as you head the 72km back to Pemberton.
- You will pass by the new Houghton’s Winery.
- Visit Blackboy Studio 3km South of Nannup on Vasse Highway to see their lovely work.
- Buy chestnuts in season on route.
- Purchase tulips and fresh fruit in season at "Dicksonville" on route.
- Stop for a tasting at the Donnelly River Winery.
- Call in to view the beautiful Lake Beedelup and the Beedelup National Park and waterfall.
- You may care to call into Treenridge Winery for that final tasting before you make your way back to town.
