Pemberton and surrounds WA

Travelled: 152km via the Karri Forest Explorer, Pemberton, Manjimup to Greens Island Campground 

It was a freezing wet and windy day but we still managed to explore the forests and National Parks near Pemberton. After a chat with our camping neighbours Mervin and Mai we headed off from Northcliffe towards Pemberton.

Along the way we popped in to have a quick look at Brockmans Sawpit.

We then continued on to Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, the highest treetop lookout in the world. At 65m high with 182 pegs you need to climb to the top. Unfortunately due to the rain and gusty winds Mark could only make it 3/4 of the way up! Great effort! Although Mark was disappointed he didn’t make it to the top. I was the ground crew stressing that he would be ok (ie I chickened out). A National Park entry fee is payable to visit here.

We then drove along the 12km one way gravel Heartbreak Trail (later we found out the the road is deemed unsuitable for caravans…oops). 

Our first stop was at Marianne North Tree which is a huge misshapen karri that was painted by the artist in 1880!

The trail then descended into the Warren River Valley offering various places to stop for picnics or camp along the river.

On the completion of the loop we returned to Vasse Hwy to go to see the ‘Walk Through Tree’. We were happy we walked 500m from the main road rather that 1.2km from Beedelup Falls (thanks WikiCamps) as the rain fell in earnest.

At the falls (also entry fee payable) we waited it out a bit and had lunch then we quickly put on our raincoats to go and have a look.  We made it to the suspension bridge and turned back.

We went to see the Gloucester Tree (fee payable) which was once used as fire lookout. Again it was too wet and windy to safely climb the 153 pegs up 53m to the top. Mark had already climbed the tree in the late 70’s with his brother Denis.

So we headed into Pemberton and went to look at the Tramway/Railway station which offers 2 daily trips through the forest to The Cascades.

The cold and wet conditions drove us on to Manjimup. Along the way we popped in to have a look at the now closed Diamond Tree lookout.

In town we had a look at their Timber Museum ($3ea) which had information on the industry in the area.

We then had a walk through the very impressive Heritage Park that had a few of the buildings open.

Feeling cold and wanting to get to Greens Island campground before dark, we popped into the shops and got some fuel before driving 25km out of town.