Pemberton
Pemberton lies nestled in a valley surrounded by the spectacular karri forests of the Gloucester National Park, with lush green pastures and acres of rolling vineyards. With its cool mediterranean climate, crystal clear streams and rich earth, the scenic diversity of Pemberton is awe inspiring.
The town is named after Pemberton Walcott who was the first settler in the area in 1862.
Visitors can indulge in the taste sensations offered by many restaurants, cafes and wineries, which specialise in fresh gourmet food and home grown produce. Recreational activities such as canoeing, fishing, swimming and bushwalking are popular pastimes. The Bibbulmun Track winds past the town and through some of the most enchanting stretches of karri forest. Another less energetic way to experience the forest is on a tram or steam train journey.
Pemberton’s timber heritage is maintained through several galleries that produce unique handcrafted works. Beautiful art and craft pieces can also be seen and purchased in the local shops.
The district bursts into dazzling colour with the onset of the wildflower season in spring, lending a magical charm to the area. It is home to two magnificent climbing trees; the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, a dizzying 70 metres high, and the Gloucester Tree standing 61 metres high. The Gloucester Tree, is probably Western Australia’s most famous karri tree, towering above the forest surrounding Pemberton. Visitors can climb to the cabin for sensational views of the surrounding karri forest.
Warren National Park covers 2,982 hectares in the heart of the karri forest, south-west of Pemberton on the Old Vasse Road. It protects magnificent virgin karri forest along the valley of the Warren River. The one-way Heartbreak and Maidenbush trails follow alongside the Warren River, sometimes meandering level with the water and sometimes looking down from high above it. The bubbling rapids of Heartbreak Crossing and the Warren Lookout, offer a scenic picnic spot along the trail.
Freshwater streams and rivers are hidden amongst the karri forests. Beedelup Falls in the Beedelup National Park has one of the most amazing suspension bridges crossing the Falls, as well as forming part of the Bibbulmun Track. Beedelup Falls drop for 100 metres, over a series of steep granite rocks. The falls are in full flow during winter and spring and can be viewed year-round along a walk trail, and from the two nearby bridges. The Beedelup National Park includes dense karri forest, mixed with jarrah, and several beautiful stands of pure marri.
For the four wheel drive enthusiast, the D’Entrecasteaux National Park covers 118,000ha with some rugged and secluded four wheel drive tracks. The Yeagerup Dunes offer adventurers the chance to witness vast mobile sand dunes which are steadily moving inland swallowing up forest lakes and woodlands as they go.
The Pemberton area produces excellent quality wines, and you’ll enjoy stopping for tastings at many of the picturesque vineyards. Most offer cellar door sales and some will tempt you to a delicious meal in a relaxed and charming setting. Don’t forget to try the region’s delicacy, marron. It’s a freshwater crayfish that is a unique gourmet treat when enjoyed with a glass or two of fine local wine.
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