
Breathe in the fresh air; share special times with family and friends; be captivated by the magic of the misty morning views and lengthening evening shadows. See the Milky Way in a clear starry night sky and the brilliance of a full moon rising over the dam, tantalising with its invitational pathway across the water. Stir your love of nature and rekindle your passion for life. No matter what the season or time of year there's always a unique experience or special moment waiting to become your treasured memory at Diamond Forest Cottages.
Diamond Forest Cottages is a "hobby farm" of 50 acres with a 3 acre dam as the scenic centrepiece of the beautiful property. Although small compared to the productive farms in the Manjimup and Pemberton areas, the chores at Diamond Forest Cottages are much the same as on a large property. There are animals to be maintained as well as all the general farm maintenance chores. The tractor is used for many of the farm chores but usually only in summer when the ground is hard.
There are many leisure activities and recreational pursuits available on the property; and all facilities and activities on the property are free of charge and only for guests staying on the property. These include...
There are two canoes located on the edge of the dam where guests can easily manoeuvre them into the water. Paddles and life jackets are easily accessible and the best thing... they're free to use. The canoes and equipment are well maintained, and are inspected by the Department of Transport and registered each year for safety.
The games room is great. It is set up like a communal lounge room with television, VCR, stereo, air conditioner and a couple of sofas so it is really comfortable. It has a foosball (table soccer) table and an air hockey table; and provides lasting hours of fun for the kids and a giggle for the adults. There is also a drinks fridge, and a games cupboard with a selection of balls for outdoor games.
The dam is stocked regularly with Rainbow Trout and guests are welcome to try their luck fishing. It's just like fishing in the natural rivers…the Trout are not easy to catch, but they are in there! The biggest caught to date was a big fellow of 55cm long and 2.5kg. He was caught on a fly rod and was released back into the dam so he's still there for the next person to catch. Rods are provided for guests to use or you are welcome to use your own. Catch and release is encouraged and is free of charge, or for a small fee of $5 per fish you are most welcome to keep your fish and maybe cook it on the BBQ at your cottage. The flesh of the Rainbow Trout is delicate, pink and sweet and lifts easily off the bones for eating... mmmm, yummm!
In the pipeline
Under development
In the pipeline
Winter in the South West can be the perfect time to re-awaken your long-lost child at heart or just to feel refreshingly alive. If it's raining you won't have to feel guilty about spending all your time indoors! Lounge around a crackling fire; eat good food, sip superb wine and enjoy good company, whether that be your own or that of friends and family.
Make it a TV-free night and pull out the board games.
Indulge in the pampering delights of a private treatment or massage in your cottage.
Take a leisurely stroll to explore the 50 acre property. Walk through the gardens, meander through the lavenders or follow the 'roo trails through the Karri Forest.
Wander the property and enjoy the scenery and space. Talk to the animals as you wander – they love the attention and they have a calming effect on the mind and body.
Watch a dvd or video from the library, or enjoy some quiet time on your cottage veranda with a good book for a friend.
Arrange a picnic basket from Graphiti Cafe. On a hot summer evening, savour your sumptuous spread in the cool of the picnic pavillion overlooking the dam.
Sit quietly, with or without camera, and spy on the abundant bird life. Depending on the time of year you will see Splendid Fairy Wrens, Red-winged Fairy Wrens, Western Rosellas, Parrots, Kookaburras, Black Cockatoos, Scarlet Robins, Black Swans nesting on the neighbour's dam, wild ducks, Spoonbills, plus lots more. Photograph and report what you see to be included in the website.
Take a 40 minute walk from your cottage through the beautiful Diamond State Forest to the Diamond Tree Lookout, one of the original fire lookouts in the South West. Climb the tree and take in the panoramic view. On your way home see if you can spot some Western Grey Kangaroos.
Once you have exhausted all options for things to do on the farm at Diamond Forest Cottages, why not find out more about the local attractions on offer by checking out "See & Do Manjimup" and "See & Do Pemberton"?