Published for: Tuesday, 5/08/2008
Travel Guides -> Attractions -> Western Australia -> Southern Forests
Pemberton - Beedelup National Park is set amidst a beautiful forest in the state’s southwest. A highlight of the park is the Beedelup Falls. Ensure you bring your camera to capture the beauty of the falls which are spectacular in late winter when the brook is in full flow. In the springtime, you will witness some of the most prolific wildflowers in the area.
Close by is a suspension bridge crossing over the Beedelup Brook which provides superb views of the falls. The Park offers several excellent walk trai... read more
Pemberton - Big Brook Arboretum is on Rainbow Trail 10 kilometres from Pemberton. This is an unusual place to have a picnic. For this is a garden of trees, many of which are seldom seen growing in Western Australia. There are 32 different species including the King Radiata, which is the tallest pine in the state. It is 52 metres tall. Groves of trees are labelled for easy identification.
The arboretum covers an area of 16 hectares, which is criss-crossed with picturesque walking tracks.
Pemberton - Big Brook Dam presents a glorious setting for a freshwater swim, canoe and nature walk. Surrounded by Karri forest, it provides an idyllic location to soak in the crystal clear water or sunbathe on the sandy beach. Take out a canoe for a paddle or try your luck at fishing from the banks.
Start your visit with a four kilometre walk around the dam along the beautiful nature trail. Look out for kangaroos that can often be seen soaking up the sun on the banks of the dam. Cool off in the dam and the... read more
Pemberton - This provides an interesting reminder of the early days when timber was cut by hands. This sawpit has been restored to how it would have looked in about 1865.
In those days a 1.8 metre deep pit was dug and wooden beams were laid across it. The log to be sawn was then placed on the beams. One man stood on the top of the log to lift and guide the saw, while down in the pit, one or two men operated the saw from below.
It is not hard to imagine just how uncomfortable this work must have been, e... read more
Pemberton - The Cascades are a series of picturesque waterfalls that flow from the Lefroy Brook near Pemberton. Enjoy a lovely day wandering through the forest and fishing at the Cascades, then make use of the barbecue facilities to cook your catch.
Nestled in the Gloucester National Park, this tranquil setting is only four hours drive south of Perth.
Just off the Bibbulmun track, the walking enthusiast will enjoy the nine kilometre walk along the track from Pemberton to the Cascades. There is a trail w... read more
Walpole - Located on the Nornalup Inlet, Coalmine Beach is a quiet place for all ages. The spectacular scenery of the area can be seen along the Coalmine Beach Heritage Trail.
Barbecue and toilet facilities are available.
Pemberton - Remote and rugged D`Entrecasteaux National Park combines pristine beaches and tall tree forests in a wild and spectacular landscape along the southern coastline near Pemberton.
Here, you can go camping on an isolated beach and four wheel driving or bush walking through dense forest and coastal tracks.
The beach fishing is first rate, or you can try one of the several river and inlet systems throughout the park.
Mobile sand dunes move with the weather, so if you’re journeying through this pa... read more
Pemberton - For a bird’s eye view over the lush karri forests of Pemberton, climb the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree.
Once used as a fire lookout, today the 70 metre high tree is open to the public.
If you’re not too adventurous, there’s a platform about half way up, which still affords excellent views.
You can also go bushwalking through the forest – there are several walking trails nearby. Immerse yourself in nature and you’ll feel relaxed and recharged.
The bird watching in this neck of the woods is ... read more
Walpole - Deep River runs at least 90 kilometres southwards and flows into Nornalup Inlet. It runs through state forest and Mt Frankland National Park. The upper section of the river consists of broad pools seperated by rapids.
The river is an important feature of Western Australia as it is one of the few remaining fresh water rivers. Many rivers have increasing salinity due to catchment developments.
Deep River is a pristine waterway that shelters a wide range of plant and animal life. Canoeing is a ... read more
Manjimup - Located 10 kilometres south of Manjimup, the Diamond Tree Lookout is at the top of a 51 metre karri tree.
A wooden cabin was built at the top and was used as a fire lookout tower from 1941 to 1974.
Today, a popular tourist attraction, visitors can climb up to the wooden cabin atop.
Manjimup - This historic old building was built in 1896 by Thomas Giblett. It was used as both a school and church by the early settlers.
Walpole - Located on Beardmore Road (36 kilometres north-west of Walpole), Fernhook Falls are part of the Deep River, popular for canoeing and kayaking.
The falls are spectacular in winter and are also a popular swimming and picnic spot in summer.
Below the falls, at the river edge are boardwalks and a stairway into the river affords a safe canoe launch during the white water season of July to October.
Visitors can stay either in tents at one of several camping spots, or in one of the timber huts provi... read more
Pemberton - You are welcome to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Murray and Lillian Johnson`s multi award winning Fine Woodcraft Gallery. You`ll find our Gallery, gift shop and cafe nestled in a tranquil garden surrounded by Karri Forest.
Appreciate the unique hand-crafted works of over 290 Western Australian artisans covering many art-forms, furniture, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass and ceramics. Each piece is of the highest quality, and the gallery showcases the finest works from the south-w... read more
Manjimup - Located southwest of the Manjimup township, just seven kilometres along Seven Day Road, Fonty`s Pool Winery and Cellar Door facility offers an exciting range of premium wines for your enjoyment.
All of our wines are made from Estate grown grapes and free wine tastings are available in our architecturally designed cellar door facility overlooking our picturesque vineyard. The cellar door is situated right next door to our state-of-the-art winery, and tours of the winery can be arranged on reques... read more
Pemberton - Welcome to Forest Fresh Marron.
Pemberton Aquaculture Producers (trading as Forest Fresh Marron) is owned by local marron producers and is the worlds largest marketing body for marron. At the processing facility (located in Pemberton) marron are purged prior to sale to local, interstate and overseas customers.
Marron (cherax tenuimanus) are a gourmet freshwater crayfish. They only occur naturally in the high quality rivers and streams of the South West of Western Australia.
This gourmet foo... read more
Walpole - Go fishing, canoeing and kayaking at Frankland River near Walpole on the south coast.
At around 400 kilometres the Frankland is the longest river that flows into the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet. This estuary permanently opens to the sea and is a haven for water birds and other wildlife.
The Frankland River passes through picturesque farmland and virgin bush.
It’s a popular spot for water sports – take to the river in a canoe or kayak and be surrounded by nature. Fishing in the Frankland River is... read more
George Gardner Rock Collection
Northcliffe - Located at the Northcliffe Tourist Centre is the magnificent George Gardner rock collection, one of the largest in Western Australia. One section is devoted to local rocks.
An Aboriginal display is also located here.
Pemberton - For sensational views over the tall timber forests around Pemberton, climb the famous Gloucester Tree.
Once used as a fire lookout, these days the 60 metre high Gloucester Tree is one of Pemberton’s best loved tourism attractions – and if you make it to the tree’s lofty crown you’re rewarded with a certificate to commemorate your feat, available from the Visitor Centre.
The karri is the tallest tree species in Western Australia and the third tallest in the world. It can grow up to 90 metres in... read more
Pemberton - Your hosts Phil and Sandy Goldring who have been involved in the tourism industry in this beautiful area for the last 14 years, have combined some of the essence of what Pemberton is all about - a place where you can have a bit of fun, relax and enjoy some laid back music, magnificient water/forest views, great food (using local produce) and our selection of handcrafted boutique wines.
Some of our customers are so relaxed, they arrive for morning tea with a paper or magazine in their hands and ... read more
Jarrah Jacks Brewery and Woodsmoke Wine & Cafe
Pemberton - Jarrah Jacks Brewery and Woodsmoke Wine & Café is the only brewery situated on a picturesque vineyard in Western Australia. Jarrah Jacks Brewery together with Woodsmoke Wine & Café caters for the beer lover and wine drinker, also offering customers a selection of mouth watering dishes from their award winning chef.
Conveniently located just three kilometres outside of Pemberton, Jarrah Jacks and Woodsmoke Wine & Café is open everyday from 0900. Child friendly with inside and outside play area. ... read more
Pemberton - Discover the magic of the Karri Forest Walk through the Discovery Centre garden which depicts the understorey of a Karri Forest that changes with the
seasons.
Watch the film and enjoy the interactive displays, then explore the majesty of the Karri Forest through a 122 hectare forest park with walk trails, bird
hides and interpretive panels that depict the birds and trees of the forest.
Manjimup - The King Jarrah tree is an awesome 600 year old tree and is the centrepiece for a number of forest walks. It is set in jarrah forest three kilometres from Manjimup.
The King Jarrah Heritage Trail explores some of the tactics that plants of the Jarrah Forest use to survive and reproduce.
Suitable for wheelchairs and pushers, the sealed trail leaves a barbecue area and meanders for 650 metres through the understorey of the jarrah forest.
A covered rest area is provided half-way along the tr... read more
Walpole - Three kilometres east of Walpole in the Nornalup-Walpole National Park. This five kilometre drive provides panoramic views of both inlets, passes through a beautiful karri forest, a provides good picnic and fishing spots. There are short walks cross the Knoll and maps are available at the tourist bureau.
Barbecue facilities are available.
Lane Poole Falls and Boorara Tree
Northcliffe - A steep and attractive waterfall nestled deep in the heart of the karri forest on the Canterbury River. Accessible by a five kilometre walking trail through karri forest. Allow one and a half hours for the return walk. At its best in winter and spring.
Also in this area is the historic Boorara tree which is home to a fire lookout.
Walpole - See the shipwreck of the Norwegian vessel the Mandalay, at beautiful Mandalay Beach near Walpole in the south. The ship was wrecked there in 1911 and when the tide is low you can see parts of it exposed from the beach. There’s an interpretive display which tells you more about the wreck.
This stretch of coastline also offers great views of Chatham Island which looms out of the water three kilometres offshore. Fishing is popular at Mandalay Beach, but even if you don’t fish, a visit is worth it ... read more
Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park
Manjimup - At Manjimup Timber Park you can bring your own food and enjoy a barbecue or picnic under shelter amongst the magnificent south west wildflowers. Play with your children among the historic displays and on the playground equipment, or just enjoy a stroll along walk trails under the shady trees beside cool waterways. Browse amongst the arts and crafts, wander through the Age of Steam Museum, the Forest Visitors Centre and Timber Museum with its old machinery and tools on display.
Please note the... read more
Northcliffe - A particularly picturesque section of the Warren River, with rock pools and rushing waters in winter. Can only be crossed by four wheel drive vehicles in summer only. Was originally used by the early settlers as a river crossing for cattle.
Picnic and parking facilities exist at the crossing.
The Bibbulmun Track passes close by and meets the local Blackberry Pool Walk Trail.
A brochure can be obtained from the Northcliffe Visitor Centre.
Northcliffe - Mount Chudalup is a massive 187 metre granite outcrop on the road to Windy Harbour and within the D`Entrecasteaux National Park.
There is a walk trail, from the picnic and barbecue site, to the summit. It is a fairly easy climb through coastal karri forest and over moss and lichen covered rock, and the views from the summit are quite spectacular over the D`entrecasteaux National Park, Meerup Dunes and coastline.
During the spring an abundance and variety of orchids are around and on the rock.
Walpole - Drive 29 kilometres north of Walpole through the farming area to Mount Frankland. At the base of Mount Frankland there is also a small camp ground featuring a timber hut.
Visitors can enjoy a walk trail around the base of Mount Frankland or make a more strenuous climb to its peak for a breathtaking view of the surrounding forested hills and valleys and, in clear weather, views to the south coast and the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges, north of Albany. At the top there is a fire lookout post,... read more
Northcliffe - For stunning bushwalking through beautiful karri trees and wildflowers head to Northcliffe Forest Park near the town of Northcliffe in the south west.
The famous hiking trail the Bibbulmun Track passes through the park, and is an ideal way to explore the forest.
Thought to be one of the tallest trees in the world, the karri tree can grow to 60 metres or more in height. At Northcliffe Forest Park you’ll see hollow butt and twin karris as well as beautiful wildflowers in late spring. There are ... read more
Northcliffe - The Northcliffe Pioneer Museum displays artefacts, together with comprehensive written and pictorial displays on the founding and history of Northcliffe. Concerned with the group settlement days.
The building is an old Group School, with Teacher`s cottage alongside.
School and special groups can be catered for by prior notice, a member of the Museum Committee is available to give a talk to such groups.
One Tree Bridge and Glenoran Pool
Manjimup - One tree bridge dates from 1904, when the Giblett Brothers who were pioneers in the district, felled a single Karri tree to cross the Donnelly River.
The bridge was in constant use until 1943, surviving several bush fires. Unfortunately, during winter floods in 1966, most of one tree bridge was swept away, leaving us with memories of the ingenuity of the early settlers. Today it is displayed on land near the original site. This area is surrounded by walking tracks and picnic areas.
Historica... read more
Pemberton - Do you dream about taking a cooling dip in a mountain pool?
Well here`s your chance.
A dam across the Lefroy Brook has created a pool ninety-one metres long and forty-six metres across.
The pool with its grassy banks is surrounded by majestic trees, which are reflected in thew tranquil water. Covered barbecue facilities cater for up to fifty people available at the pool.
Swimming is at own risk as the water is untreated.
Pemberton - A visit to the Pemberton Wine Centre is a truly unique experience. Set in the heart of the Warren National Park amongst the majestic karri trees, we invite you to savour our exquisite gourmet food and produce, fresh coffee and Pemberton’s premium local wines.
Take a stroll to explore the magnificent karri forest or just relax and enjoy the abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, surrounding the Pemberton Wine Centre.
Be inspired by the beautiful photographic art of Alex Bond on display in his ... read more
Northcliffe - Point D`Entrecasteaux offers great views of the coastline and spectacular wilderness.
A three kilometre scenic drive features vehicle viewing bays offering exceptional views of the southern coastline and coastal heath wilderness. D`Entrecasteaux drive takes you to the Tookalup recreational site, complete with toilet facilities, and to Point D`Entrecasteaux.
There is a 1.2 kilometre coastal cliff walk connecting Tookalup and Point D`Entrecasteaux, providing spectacular scenery of the 100 metre... read more
Quinninup - The Quinninup Forest Walks are located 28 kilometres south of Manjimup.
Visit a fascinating Gondwana type of landscape where the Karri and jarrah forests meet.
Walk among forest giants centuries old. Experience the amazing understorey of these forests and learn about the ecology of the two forests.
King Karri Walk will take the visitor through old growth forest. The Orchid Walk has many native orchids. The Ridge Back Walk exposes the visitor to a steep hilly forest.
Picnic facilities ar... read more
River Road Bridge and Moons Crossing
Pemberton - These are areas on the Warren River and in the State Forest south of Pemberton which are well known as fishing, marroning, picnic and camping spots.
Moon`s Crossing is a natural rock crossing on the Warren River north of Northcliffe off Wheatley Coast Road. There is a picnic area and barbecue facilities. Bush camping is popular in the area and so too is fishing for trout in the river pools. The crossing can still be traversed by four wheel drive vehicles in the summer months, although caution... read more
Pemberton - The Shannon National Park covers nearly 60,000 hectares and the entire drainage system of a river. This area is a reserve for the conservation of native plants and animals and for public recreation.
Access
The park is between four and six hours drive south of Perth, 358 kilometres, on sealed road all the way. Take the South Western highway, turn left at Bunbury, (follow the signs to Manjimup). Half an hour 53 kilometres south of Manjimup you arrive at the abandoned mill town site of Shannon.... read more
Southern Forest Sculpture Walk
Northcliffe - The Southern Forest Sculpture Walk is an award winning world class cultural tourism experience. It is unique within Australia.
Located within the pristine forests of Western Australia`s South west, the purpose built 1.2 kilometre walk trail showcases a diverse range of artworks created by over forty nationally and internationally renowned artists, writers and musicians. The sculptures, poetry, stories and music celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Southern Forests region.
A ser... read more
Manjimup - The Four Aces are four magnificent Karri trees that stand proudly in a line, imposingly within the Karri Forest, 20 minutes from Manjimup. Standing at the base and looking up at the 400 year old giants that stand 75 meters tall offers a remarkable view and memorable experience. A detailed information shelter next to the trees provides an extensive history of the trees and has some incredible statistics.
Join the Forest Products Association’s Timber Tour which guides you through the forest ta... read more
Pemberton - The Great Forest Trees Drive was established in 1996. This 48 kilometre drive takes in spectacular old growth karri forest, and is punctuated with six picnic and information stops, and two walks. It has its own radio broadcasts and takes in stunning examples of marri and jarrah forest, sedgeland, heath and granite outcrops.
The drive starts north of the South Western Highway, just beyond the shingled roof information shelter and the turn off to the covered barbecues and walk trails. Visitors of... read more
Manjimup - Here you can piece together fragments of the past while reading the poignant inscriptions on the headstones. Many early settlers and pioneers of the area are buried in this cemetery.
Manjimup - In Western Australian, The Wine & Truffle Company began cultivation of French black truffles in 1997 at Hazel Hill Estate near Manjimup in the south western region of the state. This area was selected because the climatic and soil factors are similar to truffle producing areas in France and Italy. Over 13 000 trees were planted, making this the largest mainland trufferie in Australia.
As one of the newest attractions in the region, they welcome visitors to their scenic property to enjoy lu... read more
Walpole - Indulge yourself in exotic culinary delights at our new cafe. Enjoy the gentle ambience of the surrounding gardens as you treat yourself to garden fresh gourmet lunches, scrumptious cakes, scones and coffee.
The gift shop features unusual gifts from around the world, as well as our own range of natural handmade soaps, aromatherapy products and gourmet gifts.
You can buy our products as far afield as Tokyo and Switzerland. Come and see where they are made.
Thurlby Herb Farm and Distillery is l... read more
Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Walpole - See giant red tingle trees at Walpole-Nornalup National Park in the south of Western Australia. These towering old growth forests are part of the Walpole Wilderness area and have remained virtually untouched.
To get up close to these pristine forest beauties visit the Valley of the Giants and Tree Top Walk to the east of Walpole. You can get a magnificent view of the forest canopy from the Tree Top Walk, while the Valley of the Giants leads you to giant red tingle trees with trunks up to 20 me... read more
Pemberton - At Warren National Park near Pemberton you can go bush walking through ancients forests of karri trees, some nearly 90 metres high.
Walk trails wind through the forest floor – you’ll feel dwarfed by these old growth giants. You can climb some of the tallest karri trees which were once used as fire lookout towers. These include the famous Gloucester Tree, the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree and Diamond Tree. There are glorious views from the top of the trees so don’t forget your camera.
Canoei... read more
Windy Harbour and Salmon Beach
Pemberton - Windy Harbour is a coastal settlement south of Northcliffe and is the only coastal site in the area accessible by two wheel drive vehicle. The road to the settlement is bitumenised and crosses the D`Entrecasteau National Park to the coast. The road out to Salmon Beach is gravel but has been upgraded in 1996 to make it more friendly to conventional vehicles.
There are spectacular views from the lighthouse and there are safe swimming beaches and a boat ramp at Windy Harbour and apart from fishi... read more
Pemberton - Located in the D`Entrecasteaux National Park on the coast, the Yeagerup Dunes are one of the finest examples of landlocked dunes in Australia. They make the beach and the mouth of the Warren River accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicle.
The sand is encroaching on the forest and this area has many unusual and unique features. There are peppermint trees and the location of an old homestead. Well worth a visit.
There are many camp spots available and coastal fishing is popular at the beac... read more
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