Pemberton, Western Australia - Visitor Information

KARRI COUNTRY AND SO MUCH MORE MORE... ...
Pemberton lies at the heart of karri country. The deep red loams and high rainfall give rise to Western Australia’s tallest, most majestic forest. While karri grows in a belt that extends roughly from Manjimup to Denmark, its smooth white bark and
impressive trunk are at their best in the forests close to Pemberton. There are many national parks and forest areas within a short drive or walk from town. But to think of Pemberton as only karri forest ignores the diversity of landscapes to be discovered. The white sandy beaches, spectacular limestone cliffs, coastal wetlands and mobile dunes of D’Entrecasteaux
National Park are also at Pemberton’s doorstep.

PEMBERTON’S CLIMBING TREES
There is nothing more awe inspiring than standing next to a huge ancient karri tree and gazing up into its distant crown. Nothing perhaps, except peering down from the top of such a giant. In Pemberton you can do both. A series of fire lookouts were constructed in the top of karri trees, mainly during the 1930s and 1940s. These lookouts in the treetops were an ingenious way of spotting fires in such tall forest. Today you can still climb some of these lookout trees and take in the view. The Gloucester Tree, in the Gloucester National Park, is only 3kms from the Post Office. The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree and Diamond Tree are about a 15 minute drive from town.

PEMBERTON NATIONAL PARKS
Pemberton is surrounded by three national parks, the Gloucester, Warren and Beedelup, and within close proximity to the D’Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks. These all have their own special features and beauty well described in the CALM publication "A Guide to Southern Forests".

WILDFLOWERS
The wildflowers of the karri forest are wonderful to see in the myriad of colours which seem to change week by week during the spring. The best time for viewing these is from September to mid November but this may vary from year to year with the weather. The tiny but exquisite orchids can best be seen on foot - ask for directions at either CALM or the Pemberton Tourist Centre.

WATER IN THE FOREST
With roughly 1400mm of rain falling every year, a river, stream or brook is never far away in the karri forest. Some of the best places to explore near Pemberton are where the forest meets the water. Big Brook dam is only minutes from town and is perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, walking or to just sit and enjoy the tranquillity. Picnic and BBQ facilities are also available at Big Brook. Other places to visit on the water/forest interface include the Cascades, 5 minutes from town in Gloucester National Park, Moons Crossing and River Road Bridge on the Warren River. Beedelup Falls is always worth a visit
to enjoy its thundering waterfall in winter or a pleasant forest stroll in drier months. Remember, to find all these places and many more drop in and pick up a detailed map and guide from the Tourist Centre.

MARRONING AND TROUT FISHING
Trout, Perch and Marron can be found in Pemberton’s rivers and streams. If you have your own gear, inquire at the tourist centre for seasonal information. Licences are required for Trout fishing and Marron and can be obtained from the local Post Office. The general open trout season starts on 1 September and ends on 30 April. However the Blackwood, Donnelly and Warren Rivers are open all year round. The open season for marroning is a very short period in January/February. Please check with the tourist centre or Fisheries Department for licensing and sizing requirements for trout, marron and coastal fishing.

For more information visit the Pemberton Tourist Centre or check out the following links.