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Just 3.5 hours south of Perth, Pemberton is one of the standout destinations in Western Australia's Southern Forests.
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5 min read
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Published
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By Jessie James
Best known for its towering karri trees and timber heritage, this historic country town offers far more than forest scenery. From outdoor adventures and walking trails to amazing food, wine and accommodation - Pemberton’s got you covered.
Watch the full Small Town Spotlight on Pemberton on the Horizons by RAC YouTube channel.
With a history closely tied to WA’s timber industry, reminders of Pemberton’s past can still be seen throughout the town centre, at the Pioneer Museum, and at Heritage Park on Brockman Street, where a retired steam locomotive and historic equipment are on display. Today, the streets are lined with cafés, restaurants, galleries, boutique shops and local businesses, creating a relaxed country atmosphere and the perfect base to explore the region.
Just a short distance from town is one of Pemberton's most popular attractions - Pemberton Pool. Originally built in the late 1920s for local timber worker families, the freshwater swimming spot is a great place to swim, picnic or connect with walking trails. For a short walk, you can take the 1.2 km Pemberton Pool Loop Walk, or for those wanting a little more adventure - the Bibbulmun Track passes nearby.
Pemberton’s own waterfall, Beedelup Falls, located in the Beedelup National Park, is a must-visit and only a 15-minute drive from town. From the car park, it's an easy 300-metre return walk across the suspension bridge overlooking the falls, to the viewing platform. Those looking for a longer hike you can continue on the 4.5-kilometre Beedelup Loop Walk.
The Beedelup Loop Walk also passes another local icon - the Walk Through Tree. Carved in the 1930s to allow visitors to experience the size of the region's giant karri trees, it's one of Pemberton's most photographed attractions.
Set on the edge of Lake Beedelup, RAC Karri Valley Resort is one of the region's most popular places to stay, offering misty morning views over the water and scenery beyond the brochures.
The resort offers hotel-style rooms overlooking the lake, as well as two and three-bedroom self-contained chalets set among the karri trees, catering to couples, families and groups. The best thing about this resort is that, once you're here, you don't need to leave. With plenty to enjoy on-site - from canoeing, kayaking and trout fishing to mini golf, general store, animal feeding experiences and scenic walking trails on your doorstep.
The iconic Lakeside Restaurant makes the most of its waterfront setting, serving fresh, seasonal dishes alongside uninterrupted views across the lake and a cosy fireplace in winter.
The Southern Forests region is well- known for premium produce and cool-climate wines. Ampersand Estates combines a winery, distillery, and botanical garden on one picturesque property, where visitors can sample award-winning wines, gin and feast on grazing boards loaded up with local produce.
For something sweet, Southern Forests Chocolate Company produces handcrafted chocolates, making it a popular stop for families and anyone who loves chocolate.
Adventure seekers are in for a treat in Pemberton. Aerial Adventure Pemberton offers one of Australia's largest high ropes courses, with suspended bridges, obstacles and ziplines weaving through the forest canopy. Courses cater for a range of ages and confidence levels, making it fun for the whole family.
Experience landscapes few visitors reach on their own on a guided adventure with Pemberton Discovery Tours. Travelling off road in purpose-built four-wheel drives on a variety of tours, guests head deep into the surrounding forests before crossing the Yeagarup Dunes - the largest landlocked sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere - and continuing to the coastline where the forest meets the Southern Ocean. It’s a unique way to experience a different side of Pemberton.
Another unique way to explore the region is with the Pemberton Tramway Company. The heritage 75-minute tram journey follows part of the former timber railway, winding through the forest across historic bridges to the Cascades while listening to stories of Pemberton's forest history. It’s a very fun and informative journey for all ages.
No visit to Pemberton is complete without seeing the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Standing 75 metres tall, this giant karri tree was once used as a fire lookout. Today, visitors can climb the first 20 metres using steel pegs wrapped around the trunk for panoramic views across the surrounding forest. If the climb isn't for you, standing beneath one of the world's tallest hardwood trees is impressive enough. Hot tip – hold on! Keep three points of contact with the ladder the whole time.
The Gloucester Tree re-opened on the 27th of June at the new height of 37 metres, so put that on your list too (it’s next door to Aerial Adventure).
Whether you're looking for a relaxing forest escape, an epic adventure outdoors, to sample great food and wine, or stay lakeside in premium accommodation, you’ll find it all in Pemberton - the jewel of the Southern Forests.
