Pemberton’s magnificent karri trees, with their towering height, smooth trunks, and high-canopy branches, provides a perfect environment for thrilling high ropes & zipline courses
PEMBERTON AERIAL ADVENTURE PEMBERTON AERIAL ADVENTURE PEMBERTON AERIAL ADVENTURE
PEMBERTON AERIAL ADVENTURE PEMBERTON AERIAL ADVENTURE PEMBERTON AERIAL ADVENTURE
A place rich in heritage, where nature and people thrive
Originally occupied by the Bibbulmun, Pibelmun and Wadandi people, tribes of Noongar Aboriginals who knew the area as Wandergarup, meaning ‘plenty of water', Pemberton evokes a timeless feel that's older than its majestic trees.
Pemberton's timber heritage is evident through its lovingly-preserved and Heritage-protected quaint streetscape. At the turn of the century, Pemberton was home to a vast timber industry which provided half a million sleepers for the Trans-Australian Railway that ran some 1700km from Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta. So well preserved are the homes that provided the backdrop for the film adaptation of Craig Silvey's ‘Jasper Jones’), which in turn was inspiration for the unique whisky bar, Jaspers, that now resides along the high street.
Today, you'd never think that so many trees were once felled as the area is still awash with pristine natural beauty and swathed in karri, marri and jarrah trees which rugged lines up alongside curated vineyards and seasonal farms – avocados, black truffles, cherries, finger limes, heirloom tomatoes, lavender, potatoes, purple garlic, strawberries, and dozens more varieties throughout the year. Flora and fauna abound beneath the surface of Pemberton's winding rivers, bubbling streams and crashing waterfalls, which are home to Rainbow and Brown Trout and the delightful 'river cray', Marron.
For a tactile, multi-sensory, farm-to-plate insight book the Southern Forests Food and Farm Experience which takes small groups and unfolds some of the regions stories and produce first-hand.
Image credits: Tourism Western Australia / Genuinely Southern Forests
Culinary delights, morning to night
Pemberton has culinary options to match the superb regional produce, from wholesome café-style breakfasts, vineyard view long lunches and cosy evening small bars and restaurants.
You need not venture far from the high street all day, with breakfast and lunch either end between Wild at Heart and Grumpy’s, daytime fine dining at Hidden River or Silkwood and a host of evening options including ChefIngo’s culinary haven, tapas-style eating and a superb wine selection at Tree House Wine Bar; seasonal casual dining at Jaspers which features THE greatest selection of whisky and bourbon in the South West; and Georgy Scott's Smoke and Grill, which delivers as the name says.
There's also cafés, Crossings Bakery, the long-standing pub which opened in 1920, the Sports Bar and bbq spots dotted around.
Drive out of town to pick up local produce at Pemberton Honey Co, who's rich honey is infused with forest flavours, devine hand-made chocolate at Southern Forests Chocolate Company and roadside stalls with farm-fresh, seasonal produce.
Image credits: Frances Andrijich / Jaspers Pemberton
Home to some of WA’s top vineyards
The rich soils and Mediterranean-style climate combine to offer perfect conditions for grape varieties ranging including Shiraz, Pinot and Chardonnay (and all that you can taste in between).
While some vineyards put their own names to their world-class wines, such as Picardy, Silkwood Estate and Ampersand Estates, some Pemberton vineyards harvest in part or exclusively for other premium wineries in WA, such as Below & Above who bottle just 5% of their harvest for themselves.
The rich red pinot varieties are celebrated each year at the Pinot Picnic festival, while they also provide the backbone for superb summer sparkling wines including Pemberley.
A number of cellar doors are opened with the brand new Pemberton Visitor Centre at the top of the hill the best place to check for opening times.
Image credits: Frances Andrijich / Jaspers Pemberton
The living, breathing heart of Pemberton
As PerthisOK! put it “We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lush national parks to explore in Western Australia.”
Home to the tallest tree species in WA – the third tallest flowering, in the world – the Gloucester National Park is particularly special and offers otherworldly scenes featuring these gentle giant Karri trees (Eucalyptus Diversicolor). With their smooth cream, yellow and pink coloured hard trunks, their delicate flowers and their bubble like canopies some towering at 90m, the majestic Karris are as precious a ressource nowadays as in the past.
Named after the Duke of Gloucester, who visited in 1947, this spectacular National Park showcases the Gloucester Tree which once served as the world’s tallest fire lookout. Credit goes to Jack Watson, a Gallipoli Veteran, who first climbed it in six hours, using only his belt and boots. Nowadays protected from logging and equipped with 150+ pegs the 60m hero tree is a major tourism attraction for the region.
The forest, being on one of the top 35 international biodiversity hotspots, is also home to a plethora of spring wildflowers, cheeky parrots, splendid fairy wrens, elusive mammals, native blue banded bees and world renowned walk and bike trails.
Image credits: Frances Andrijich
Location, location, location!
Pemberton is nestled in the heart of the Southern Forests, 90 minutes from either Margaret River or Walpole, and less than four hours from Perth, in one of only five Mediterranean-type ecosystems to be listed as globally significant.
Take a scenic drive 25 minutes to reach Manjimup in one direction, and Northcliffe (home to the excellent Understory Art Trail) in the other, which is also the halfway point to the charming coastal gem of Windy Harbour.
Currently, Pemberton is the southernmost point of the RAC Electric Highway, with charging points in the centre of town opposite the pub, and at the RAC Karri Valley.
If it's an off-road adventure you crave, then the dunes of Yeagarup in D'Entrecasteaux National Park are the place to go. Yeagarup Sand Dunes are the largest land-locked shifting dune system in the southern hemisphere, and can be enjoyed on a day trip with Pemberton Discovery Tours. Drop a line into the ocean for salmon, or try the rivers among the national parks and Big Brook Dam for freshwater and fly fishing.
With new luxurious accommodations, such as the Forest Lodge Resort and Serenity House, this is the perfect place to explore and restore for a few days on your road trip experience whichever way you are going to or from.
Image credits: Tourism Australia / Frances Andrijich
There’s a lot to pack in
Twice daily, jump aboard the Pemberton Tramway Co, which rumbles through acres of pristine forest over huge wooden trestle bridges out to the Cascades, while your driver unfolds the history of the people and the forest.
Brought your bike? Head over to the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park and challenge yourself with dozens of competition-quality courses, before a refreshing swim at the adjacent natural Pemberton Pool.
For more forest adventure, paddle and canoe at Big Brook Dam or the RAC Karri Valley Resort, and Warren River, or book ahead to enjoy a relaxing river cruise run by Donnelly River Cruises who meander along a 12km section accessible only by boat all the way to the beach.
If you want some unique tangibles to bring back as souvenirs, local artisan made and crafted gifts can be found at the Mill House Collective as well as various art galleries sprinkled in the shire.
Image credits: Tourism Western Australia / Tourism Australia
The Munda Biddi and Bibbulmun
Pemberton is one of the only places where these two epic trails cross over, and both pass right by us at Aerial Adventure Pemberton. Running from Mundaring in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast, the 1050 km Munda Biddi Trail is the longest continuous off-road cycle trail in the world!
Its 1000 km walking compatriot, the Bibbulmun Track, runs its course from Kalamunda to Albany, with its Pemberton to Northcliffe section a very doable three-day, two-night 45km.
Explore it all at your own pace with the 86 km Karri Forest Explorer Drive that winds through the natural attractions including Big Brook Dam, Gloucester Tree lookout, and Beedelup Falls from the suspension bridge. You’ll find trail-side information to guide you through the forest, including a series of tourist radio stops on 100 FM.
Image credits: Tourism Australia / Frances Andrijich
Perth to Pemberton Drive & Adventure
We've got the perfect itinerary from Perth to Pemberton.
Arrival Perth Airport and hire a car. Awaken your senses with one of the best specialty coffee at Laveen. Head over to Urban OM for an exquisite yoga class and a shower before embracing a large view of the Swan River from Elizabeth Quay. After an early lunch or brunch at The Island you’ll be ready for your adventurous voyage.
Cruise along the freeway heading South and three hours later you will arrive in Bridgetown just in time for your check in an exclusive retreat at Serenity Gully. You'll be able to enjoy locally grown produce and delicate ciders at The Cidery.
Get some rest for the next day in Pemberton in the heart of Karri Tree country, an hour away. You can gently move your chi levels at Lavender Berry Farm before heading for a transformative and energising matinee at Aerial Adventure Pemberton.
Enjoy a refreshing swim at the local Pemberton Pool or the Big Brook Dam before your lovely wine tasting can be done at Silkwood Estate finishing with a restful night at the Forest Lodge Resort.
In the morning you continue discovering Pemberton and its history with Pemberton Discover Tours with their amazing Yeagarup Sand Dunes climb. Enjoy a bit of spontaneous gift browsing with locally crafted jewellery, hats and more on the main street before booking in for world-class seasonal food and an unrivaled choice of whiskies at Jaspers.
The next morning head over to the Pemberton Honey Co a sweet treat and a beverage at the Southern Forests Chocolate Co. Discover a unique display of art as you wind through the towering forests at Northcliff's Undertory Art Trail before winding through the rolling hills towards Nannup and back towards Perth.
If you want to lengthen your stay at Stargazers or RAC Karri Valley Resort and further upskill with a guided biking tour in Nannup before taking to the highway again to reach Perth just in time for a shower and select dinner at the famous Twenty Seats restaurant in Highgate.
Image credits: Tourism Western Australia / Jaspers Pemberton / UrbanOM
