Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KARRI FOREST EXPLORER
Punctuated by glorious walks, magnificent trees and picnic areas, the Karri Forest Explorer tourist drive wends its
way along 86km of scenic (partly unsealed) roads through three national parks (vehicle entry $11).
Popular attractions include the
Gloucester Tree
, named after the Duke of Gloucester who visited in 1946. It's
a splendid fire-lookout tree, laddered with a spiral metal stairway; if you're feeling fit and fearless, make the 58m
climb to the top. The
Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree
, tallest of the 'climbing trees' at 68m, is in Warren Nation-
al Park, 11km southwest of Pemberton. Its tree-house cage weighs 2 tonnes and can sway up to 1.5m in either dir-
ection in strong winds. The Bicentennial Tree one-way loop leads via
Maiden Bush
to the
Heartbreak Trail
. It
passes through 250-year-old karri stands, and nearby Drafty's Camp and Warren Campsite are great for
overnighting (sites per adult/child $7/2).
The enchanting
Beedelup National Park
, 15km west of town on the Vasse Hwy (Rte 104), shouldn't be
missed. There's a short, scenic walk that crosses Beedelup Brook near
Beedelup Falls
. There are numerous bird
species to be found in the tall trees; at ground level the red-winged fairy wren is commonly seen. North of town,
Big Brook Arboretum
features 'big' trees from all over the world.
The track loops on and off the main roads, so you can drive short sections at a time. Pick up a brochure from
Pemberton's visitor centre.
COTTAGE
$$$
Marima Cottages
( 08-9776 1211;
www.marima.com.au
; 388 Old Vasse Rd; cottages $225-245)
Right in the middle of War-
ren National Park, these four country-style rammed-earth-and-cedar cottages with pot-bel-
lied stoves and lots of privacy are luxurious getaways.
5
Eating & Drinking
The local menu specialities are trout and marron.
Holy Smoke!
(
www.holysmoke.com.au
;
3/19 Brockman St; snacks $5-15; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Good coffee, sourdough
bread, house-smoked meat, chicken and fish. Pop in for picnic supplies.
SELF-CATERING
$
Forest Fresh Marron
( 0428 887 720;
www.forestfreshmarron.com.au
;
Pump Hill Rd; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 4.30-5.30pm Sat & Sun)
S
Live sustainably farmed marron for sale. Transport packs - to keep the wee beasties
alive for up to 30 hours - and cooking pots are also available. It's 300m left of the caravan
park.
SELF-CATERING
$
Millhouse Cafe
CAFE
$$
