+61 8 9772 3170
+61 8 9772 3170
PO Box 477, Manjimup, WA 6258
Diamond Forest Cottages is located just 15 minutes drive North of Pemberton and 10 minutes drive South of Manjimup. This central location is perfect to provide guests with access to the best of both worlds - the natural beauty and tourism icons of Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole, and the convenience of the commercial hub of Manjimup. Provided below is a brief overview of what to see and do around Pemberton. For comprehensive information about the local area and its attractions please visit either the Pemberton Visitor Centre www.pembertontourist.com.au or any of the links provided below.
In a Nutshell
"The pretty timber town of Pemberton in the south west pocket of Western Australia is all about indulging in local gourmet produce, tasting top wines and feasting your eyes on breathtaking forest scenery. The tall trees - Pemberton's biggest attraction, are truly magnificent. Stretching skywards as far as the eye can see these vast Karri giants are awe-inspiring. And in spring the forest floor transforms with a burst of colourful wildflowers.
Get off road and explore the forest by hiking the bush tracks, travelling by four wheel drive or horseback adventure. For spectacular views, venture up Pemberton's climbing trees, originally fire lookouts in the 1940s. Paddle a canoe around Pemberton's river, lake and estuary waters, visit the largest inland dune system in the Southern Hemisphere and browse around local art galleries.
Pemberton is also a great base to explore the south west, with Margaret River, Bunbury, Busselton, Northcliffe, Walpole and the Valley of the Giants all within an hour and a half drive by car."
(From the August 2007 Innovations Newsletter of Tourism Western Australia - "Destination Focus Pemberton")
Surrounded by the Gloucester, Warren and Beedelup National Parks, and within close proximity to the D'Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks, there are so many things to see and do while in Pemberton that it is wise to stay at least a few days to get a feel for the outstanding natural beauty and diversity which draws people to the region: forests with towering trees; pristine rivers, dams and waterfalls; vineyards, crops and plantations; and rugged coastline, beaches and inland dunes. Following are some suggestions to help you get to know the region intimately in a fairly short space of time.
Ask your hosts at Diamond Forest Cottages for a Karri Forest Explorer map. This is a self drive tour through some of the more spectacular forest pockets such as The Heartbreak Trail, and includes many of the better known tourism destinations in the area such as Beedelup Falls, The Cascades (horizontal waterfall), the Bicentennial Tree, Gloucester Tree and Diamond Tree fire lookouts which you can climb if you're game; Big Brook Dam and Big Brook Arboretum. The drive will take you past the Pemberton Wine Centre where you may sample any of the local wines; the Lavender & Berry Farm with their infamous pancakes; Coffee Connections coffee shop with their divine coffee, and chocolate coated coffee beans; and many of the wonderful wineries with delicious lunch menus and open cellar doors. The Karri Forest Explorer map is accompanied by tourist radio commentary in some sections as well as trailside information, picnic stops and walk trails, and the length of your day out is dependent only on the number of places you decide to extend your sensory indulgence.
Allocate a half day in your schedule to experience the Beach and Forest Off Road Adventure with Pemberton Discovery Tours. You may take the tour either morning or afternoon in their custom designed 4 wheel drive vehicle, or as a "tag-along" in your own 4 wheel drive vehicle. The tour takes you through the awe-inspiring karri forest and out onto the (equally awe-inspiring) Yeagerup Dunes which have been described as "like a Lawrence of Arabia film set". As you travel, your knowledgeable guide will provide information about the local flora, fauna and history of the area, and will answer any questions you might have. After a stop where the Warren River meets the ocean, it's back to the bush for a delicious picnic lunch or afternoon tea.
Catch the bus from a local pick-up point or meet at the jetty for boarding the Donnelly River Cruise. Soak up the scenery from the comfortable, purpose built flat-bottomed boat and then succumb to your guide's homemade muffins and a "cuppa" where the mouth of the Donnelly River meets the ocean. All the while you will be entertained by the extraordinary knowledge and cheeky banter of your guide as he tells you about the natural eco-system and history of the river and its surrounding bush, and make sure to ask him about the native "drop-bears" in the area! Allow another half day for this tour, either morning or afternoon.
You can even arrange to do both the Beach and Forest Off Road Adventure and the Donnelly River Cruise on the same day. Your Diamond Forest Cottages hosts can pre-arrange any or all of these tours for you. Just let them know your preference for dates and times.
Board the Pemberton Tramway for a unique way to immerse yourself in the natural environment. See emus and kangaroos in the open farmland as the tram sneaks around the back of the Pemberton Saw Mill and enters the towering Karri, Marri and Jarrah forest. Make the most of the two brief stops to take a walk and be gob smacked by the height and girth of some of the magnificent trees, and the natural beauty of the area around The Cascades (horizontal waterfall). As you meander gently along the track, your tram driver will provide an informative commentary about the forest, railway line and history of the region. The tram crosses six different bridges over rivers and streams, providing great photo opportunities, before commencing the journey home at the junction of where the Lefroy Brook joins the Warren River at the Warren River Bridge. The Pemberton Tram runs twice a day and takes 1 3/4 hours. There is no requirement to pre-book.
Tiki-tour around The Great Forest Trees Drive in the Shannon National Park between Pemberton and Walpole and be awestruck by centuries old trees. This 48km nature-based tourist loop is suitable for the family car and follows a route along former logging roads, railway lines and strategic firebreaks through some of the most spectacular old growth forest in the Southwest of WA. It has some great walk trails and picnic spots and also has its own 'radio station' that you can tune in to listen to information about the Shannon's wildlife, ecology, history and culture.
Canoe down a wild river. This is another wonderful way to get to know Pemberton from the inside. Pemberton Hiking & Canoeing specialises in environmentally sensitive adventure and leisure tours into the unique old growth forests and pristine river systems and landscapes of the Pemberton area. If you would like to swim in cold clear lakes, discover the majestic virgin Karri forest, see beautiful birds and wildflowers and sit around campfires under a starry night sky - let Pemberton Hiking & Canoeing take you there.
Swimming, Fishing & Surf Beaches
Much of the wild coast of the D'Entrecasteaux National Park is only accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicle, however conventional vehicles can access the park at Salmon Beach and Windy Harbour where you can still see the rugged limestone cliffs and find good swimming, fishing and surf beaches.
Still Water Activities
Big Brook Dam is only minutes from Pemberton Pool and has a small gently sloping manmade beach that is just perfect for the whole family. It also has surrounding boardwalks and is the ideal spot for swimming, fishing, canoeing, walking or to just sit and enjoy the sounds of nature. Picnic and BBQ facilities are also available.
Then there's the historic Pemberton Pool - a beautiful "natural" pool in the shade of the Karri Forest. Formed in 1928 when public subscriptions enabled the dam wall to be built across the Lefroy Brook, it's an ideal place for a family picnic. Although swimming has been a favourite pastime at the pool since its formation, it is at your own risk as the water is untreated.
Moon's Crossing between Pemberton and Northcliffe is another scenic spot for a picnic and also provides an opportunity for swimming if there is water in the pools.
Wildflowers
Those visiting Pemberton in the spring are in for a treat as the karri forest is resplendent with a myriad of wildflowers - a tapestry of colours which seems to change week by week. The best time for viewing these is from September to mid November but this may vary from year to year with the weather. Flowers such as the tiny but exquisite orchids can best be seen on foot.
Bush Walking
Pemberton spoils those who want to explore on foot. There are more than 20 trails close to town which are well marked and described in a guidebook. Trails range from short strolls to day and overnight hikes. The Bibbulmun Track, a long distance trail stretching from Perth to Albany, also passes through town.
Bird Watching
The South West of Western Australia is home to 13 endemic species including 5 cockatoos & parrots, the infamous Noisy Scrub-bird and the stunningly beautiful Red-eared Firetail. Conduct your own tour or contact Peter Taylor at Birding South West to design and personalise a tour especially for you. Peter's passion is bird watching, whether it is taking other birders to his favourite haunts or out on his own taking photographs of the wonderful avifauna of Western Australia. Peter designs and conducts bird watching tours primarily in the South West region of Western Australia but also in other parts of Australia by request. These range from half-day tempters right through to fully accommodated 16 day expeditions as well as personalised tours looking for particular species or to specific locations.
Galleries, Studios & Crafts
Pemberton's collection of galleries showcases a diverse array of workmanship from the glowingly beautiful handcrafted timber furniture, exquisite jewellery, unusual ceramics and glassware and a wide variety of paintings, prints and photographs, to lovingly hand sewn teddy bears and quilts and homemade soaps, candles, jams, preserves and beauty products. Just ask your Diamond Forest Cottages hosts for where to go for a particular media, or visit them all!
Gold n Grape Gallery
The Barn Studio Gallery
Peter Kovacsy Studio
Rosebank Cottage Crafts
Pemberton Wine Centre - various seasonal displays
Alex Bond Photography
Lavender & Berry Farm Gift Shoppe
Fine Woodcraft Gallery
The Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - "UnderStory" - Northcliffe
"UnderStory" is a fantastic adventure for adults and children alike. The 1.2 km walk circuit showcases the awe-inspiring Karri, Jarrah and Marri forest of the Northcliffe Forest Park and provides a forum for all to appreciate art in a unique and fun environment. Even for those who are not art lovers, a walk through the natural forest with exciting little "surprises" around every turn is a fun and refreshing way to be exposed to art. Understory is the first purpose built walk trail within Australia to permanently feature specially commissioned artworks (both permanent and some temporary) from a range of different art forms. The sculptures are located at varying intervals along the trail and it's interesting to note your own individual reaction invoked by each artwork. Each guest is provided with an MP3 player and a brochure as they enter this wonderful world, and through these media each sculpture is explained, as you come upon it, in a format appropriate to each age group. Children are enchanted by the stories of the artworks told by animals; and adults may be interested in hearing from each artist about the ideas behind their work; or maybe hearing associated poetry, prose or music. All in all, a fabulous family experience.
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk - Walpole
The Treetop Walk in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park between Walpole and Denmark is one of the "must see" icons on a visit to Pemberton. See the towering red tingle and karri forests as you walk over the suspension bridge and out over a deep, red tingle gully high above the ground amongst the foliage of the tall treetops. It is a marvel of engineering - the 420-metre-long steel-truss walkway built into the thick natural bush without damage to the environment. The entire walk is 600 metres long and the highest point is about 40 metres off the ground.
Only an hour's drive from Diamond Forest Cottages, the whole family can experience the excitement of exploring the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest which, by the way, grows in a 6000ha area around Walpole and nowhere else on earth. The walkway is built on the side of a natural valley and as the valley slopes away, the walkway rises gently up above the forest floor on a grade suitable for children, the elderly, babies in strollers and people in wheelchairs.
The Ancient Empire is the second part of the Treetop Walk adventure. A boardwalk winds through majestic, antique forests suspended just above the ground to protect the root systems of the ancient trees. Nothing can compare to standing next to these awesome creatures hundreds of years old, the world's only buttressed eucalypts with elephantine trunks up to 16m in diameter. Occasionally they exceed even this immensity, as with the appropriately named Giant Tingle Tree, rising from a hillside a short distance out of Walpole, with a girth of about 24m. In days gone by, visitors could park their cars inside the Giant Tingle Tree for a quirky photo but fortunately for the trees we are a bit more environmentally aware these days!
Pemberton Events
The Great Karri Cup Mountain Bike Challenge is one of Western Australia's largest and longest running mountain bike events. It is held in the Southern Forests around the south west town of Northcliffe on Labour Day long weekend at the beginning of March each year. Whether you are an experienced mountain bike competitor looking for an endurance challenge; a rider looking for an enjoyable and challenging ride through magnificent forest scenery in the company of others like you; or an occasional mountain bike competitor looking for your next challenge; stay in Pemberton or Northcliffe for the weekend and share in: 100 kms among the karri, some of the world's tallest trees; a course for all ages and abilities; a fully supported, fully catered event; categories for teams and solo riders; Australia's largest mountain bike event for kids on the Saturday afternoon and plenty of other riding opportunities over the long weekend.
The Pemberton Cycle Classic. This cycle race is a regular event for the cycling road-racers out there, and along with the Great Karri Cup Mountain Bike Challenge around Northcliffe, is also held on Labour Day long weekend at the beginning of March each year. The event program has something for all ages including novelty events for the younger children; the Criterium "Race around the Town"; and the Road Race which takes in the beautiful surroundings of Pemberton's farmland, vineyards and karri trees over a 40km circuit, with varying distances for different grades. The Pemberton Cycle Classic is fast becoming a major event on the Western Australian Cycling Calendar, with a substantial prize pool and featuring some of the best cycling talent in WA on a challenging circuit.
Pemberton Autumn Festival
The Pemberton Autumn Festival is a free fun day out for the whole family and grows bigger and better every year. The main street is closed to traffic and Pemberton comes alive with the vibrancy and sparkle of music and entertainment for all tastes from 10am until dusk. Fun of the fair activities include rides and games, face painting, arty umbrellas, bouncy castle, clowns, roving wildlife display and a huge variety of stalls to browse. Or perhaps try your luck on the bucking bull. Listen to the announcements of the Town Crier to point you in the direction of "Market Day at the Mill Hall", the antique and collectors fair, suitcase circus, pony rides, sporting events, local produce display including organic products, quilt exhibition, martial arts demonstrations, dancers, singers, and the popular vintage cars and motor bike parade. There will be local wines to taste, and beer and soft drinks available, food stalls with chips, hamburgers, sausages and kebabs and also featuring culinary delights specialising in Pemberton Marron, a local delicacy. Competitions include "guess the marron weight", tug-o-war and the great Australian pie bake-off. Then there's the famous "pumpkin roll" down the main street which is always a lot of laughs! 2010 will be the best Pemberton Autumn Festival yet! Located in the main street of Pemberton, 10am - 5pm 1st May 2010. Guaranteed to be great fun for all the family!
Karri Valley Triathlon. Set 22km out of Pemberton, the Karri Valley Triathlon is set among the towering Karri forests, which have become an attraction for many visitors to Western Australia. Triathletes are drawn to the region for the opportunity to swim in the clean, freshwater lake, ride among the towering Karri forests and to run along winding bush trails.
Set on the picturesque banks of Lake Beedelup, and given TWA Series Race status in 2005, the Karri Valley Triathlon has become one of the premier events on the Western Australian Triathlon calendar. Held in February/March each year this event has rapidly grown to be one of the most popular events in WA, proving to be a fantastic getaway for tri-athletes and their families, and for spectators too.
For additional information about what to see and do when staying at Diamond Forest Cottages:
www.pembertontourist.com.au
www.pembertonwa.com
www.manjimupwa.com
www.northcliffe.org.au
www.northcliffenaturally.com.au
www.walpole.com.au
www.southernforests.com.au
www.australiassouthwest.com
www.wavisitorcentre.com
www.westernaustralia.com
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