04 Feb Pemberton + Warren National Park

DISTANCE FROM PERTH: 345KM approx 4 hrs 

Pemberton and Warren National Park is the pinnacle of Western Australia’s South West forests.  The tall karri tree forests of Warren National Park and throughout Pemberton are truly amazing. When you go, a road trip will take you along the winding roads of Pemberton or the dirt tracks through Warren National Park, which are stunning.

The roads are lined with epic karri trees. The scale of these tree’s is a sight to be seen, not to mention you can camp amongst the forest.

Valley Of The Giants

The karri forests of Pemberton are well known for the “Valley of the Giants” attraction. It is a tree top walk where you go up to the tree top canopy. Enjoy taking in the views, the sheer scale and height of the trees. Walking up into the canopy of these trees is an experience to be had. In our experience, its well worth the $20 entrance fee. 

Camping in Warren National Park

You can also camp amongst the giant trees in Warren National Park. There are 2 main campsites in this park, one called Drafty’s campsite and another called Warren Campground. However, keep in mind you can’t book its a first come first serve basis. This national park is a great place to camp and explore because there are plenty of jaw dropping trees that contrast against the red clay earth.

Being in the forest is very calming and has a logical explanation why. Let me introduce you to Forest Bathing, something you knew existed but didn’t know how to put into words.

Shinrin Yoku (noun)

• In Japanese culture, a recreational trip to the forest for relaxation and well-being.

There is a term that is well known in the Japanese culture called Shinrin Yoku which translates to Forest Bathing.

In Japan, taking a walk in the forest, soaking up all the senses (sight, touch, noise, smell) has been done for centuries that’s why it has a literal meaning behind the word.

Interestingly enough, it has been studied to reveal its relaxing, calming and grounding effects on the human body. For instance, just being in amongst nature relieves stress. I think we all know everyone can do with some stress release in their life.

Staying in Warren National Park amongst the forest is forest bathing to your heart’s content.

If you are not a camper you can stay at the RAC Karri Valley Resort located just outside Warren National Park. The Karri Valley Resort is on the edge of a lake and nestled in amongst the forest. Or if you prefer, a quick google and you can find an Air BnB in Pemberton amongst the forest somewhere.

There are numerous national parks in Pemberton, just take a drive down Vasse Hwy and look for signs, the region has lots to do, even the drive is stunning as it winds through the forest. The Gloucester Tree is a giant Karri tree used for a fire lookout back in the day that towers 58m high you can climb and take in the view.

If you enjoy bush walking, there is a 10km walk/hike you can enjoy in Warren National Park called the Warren River Loop. It loops around so an easy enough if you want to walk along the creek to experience nature by foot, Life of Py Hiking Blog did a great sum up of the trail here. 

Wineries in Pemberton

• Silkwood
• Lost Lake
• Picardy
• Pemberley

Pemberton renowned for it wine region so if you are a wine lover there is plenty to eat and drink. Unfortunately, we were traveling mid week and a lot of the wineries were closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays, typically when we were there. However, on the list we were going to visit Silkwood Estate, Lost Lake, Picardy.  If you love Pinot Nior, we highly recommend stopping in at Pemberley and Picardy. But, to be honest, all of the wineries in Pemberton offer beautiful wine. 

Mountain Biking

• Munda Biddi Track
• Pemberton Mountain Bike Park

Pemberton has an amazing mountain biking park, they have obviously spent a bit of money on the park.  With over 12 trails, it will provide hours of fun. Full details of the trails HERE. There were plenty of track options from beginner to advanced. 

WHERE WE STAYED

• Warren National Park, Drafty’s Campground for $11 p/n 

OTHER PLACES TO STAY

• Chalets at Silkwood Winery
• Karri Vally RAC Resort

THING TO DO

• Hike, Mountain Bike, Kayak, Camp, Eat and Drink, Valley Of the Giants, Relax, Wineries.

Roadtrip ideas

• South West Road Trip – Day 1: Perth to Margaret River, Day 2: Margaret River – Pemberton, Day 3-4: explore Pemberton, Day 5: Pemberton to Denmark, Day 6: Albany to Perth

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