Manjimup | Pemberton | Bridgetown | Nannup

There is something for every type of explorer on this 3-day adventure filled trip to the Southern Forests & Valleys. From bush walks and mountain biking, to forest adventures, tree climbing and jumping into fresh water swimming holes.

Day 1: Manjimup & Pemberton

Morning
Manjimup’s central location in the southwest makes it the ideal stopover destination to top up the petrol tank and grab a bite to eat. If second-hand bookshops and eclectic hand-picked vintage clothes are up your alley, grab a coffee from one of the many cafes and go for a wander down the main strip!

Before continuing your journey to nearby Pemberton, make a short detour to the majestic King Jarrah Tree. Estimated to be around 500 years old, this historic sight is sure to take your breath away, and makes for a great photo too.

Enjoy Manjimup’s town centre with plenty to do, including shopping and exploring the new eateries before heading to Pemberton.

Afternoon
Located only a short drive from Pemberton town centre is the beautiful Warren River National Park. This 3131 hectare park is a prime example of a virgin karri forest, displaying some of the best of its kind in the region. There is something for every type of explorer in Warren River National Park; from fishing, canoeing, kayaking and bushwalking, to scenic drive trails, or maybe try the Japanese art of forest bathing! We can’t think of a much better place to re-centre your mind and body than in the middle of an old-growth Karri forest.

Boardwalk platforms and wooden benches are aplenty here, so pack a picnic and spend a few hours exploring this surreal part of the southern region! Our top recommendations in the beautiful Warren River National Park include embarking on the 11.8km Warren River Loop Trail, which has been rated as one of TrailWA’s Top Trails. Alternatively, you can take a 12km scenic drive down Heartbreak Trail, a hilly journey with steep descents and occasional glimpses of the glistening Warren River.

Evening
Who wouldn’t want to say that they climbed the tallest climbing tree in the world? At 65m above ground level, the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree has become a popular tourist attraction in the Pemberton region since it was first pegged in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary. 165 metal pegs later, climbers are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding Warren River National Park and beyond.

This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset to close off your day.

Day 2: Pemberton & Bridgetown

Morning
For those that haven’t brought their own mountain bikes, head to the bike shop in Pemberton town centre for a rental, then take a leisurely 5 minute peddle to Pemberton Mountain Bike Park. Located in the hilly forests at the edge of town, follow the signs to Pemberton Pool, where the Pemberton MB Park trailhead is located.

Enjoy the freedom and rush of adrenaline that comes with whizzing through winding dirt trails under the majestic karri forest. Some of these trails cut through sections of the world-renowned Munda Biddi trail, which is the longest, continuous, off-road cycle trail of its kind on the planet! For a mellower ride, the smooth bitumen path that circles Big Brook Dam is also a spectacularly scenic 4km ride for the less adventurous.

To lower the heart rate after an exhilarating morning of mountain biking, jump in the refreshing waters of nearby Pemberton Pool. The water may be cold, but the surrounding forests are so beautiful that you’ll regret not going in!

Afternoon & Evening
Pack up the car and head out of Pemberton towards the heritage-listed town of Bridgetown.
The rustic charm of this quaint old country town is what makes it so special. There are plenty of quirky antique and gift shops to browse around, as well as an impressive array of eating houses for a hearty lunch to refuel after a busy morning of biking. Bridgetown centre is surrounded by rolling hills and the Blackwood River – with the Bridgetown Jarrah Nature Park close by.

Perfect for a gentle walk to immerse yourself in nature, this park offers walkers four well-marked walking trails ranging in degree of difficulty. The spectacular sights of karri, marri, WA blackbutt and jarrah trees can be admired from any of the routes taken. There is also a fantastic supermarket for stocking up on any supplies, especially if camping.

Day 3: Nannup

Morning
Head to Tank 7 in Nannup for sweeping views across the shire, which is surrounded on almost all sides by national parks and state forests. Tank 7 is one of the many concrete tanks which dot the hills of Nannup, which once supplied water to fire-fighting crews in the local area. Not only does this peaceful location have the best vantage point in town for views across Nannup, but it is also ideal for sunrise walks, stargazing, or watching the sunset. Picnic tables and barbeques have newly been installed here, making it the perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy time together in nature.

Afternoon
Take a final trip to the natural waters of Barrabup Pool. A short ten-minute drive from Nannup town centre will lead you to the pristine, turquoise-green waters of this natural swimming hole. Relax at a picnic bench or lie on the jetty looking at this enchanting pool, under the shade of hundreds of Karri and marri trees. Head to next-door-neighbour, Workmans Pool, for slightly lesser crowds (especially in Summer) and a mellower atmosphere.

For those looking for one last bushwalk, embark on a section of the Old Timberline Trail; a 20km scenic walk and cycle trail which was formerly an old railway used for timber transportation. What a great way to stretch out your limbs before the journey home.

Evening
Being the hub of the southwest, Nannup is the perfect place to continue your adventures in the south west region on your way home. If you’re heading north, head out of Nannup on the picturesque Nannup to Balingup Rd. Arguably one of the most scenic and underrated drives in the south-west, this journey up the ‘Golden Triangle’ takes you through forty-five kilometres of lush pastures, tall native trees, rolling farmland, where cattle and sheep roam free, and several glimpses of the majestic Blackwood River.

Your journey through nearby Balingup may be pleasantly hindered by a picnic stop at Wright’s Bridge, or a four-wheel-drive through a pine plantation track, or even a trip to one of the many award-winning wineries, to taste some of their delightfully crafted, estate-grown vino.