Towering karri forests, wild coastline, winding rivers, mountain bike trails and some of Western Australia’s great long-distance tracks make the Southern Forests & Valleys a natural playground for adventure.
Whether your idea of adventure is tackling a mountain bike trail, hiking beneath giant trees, paddling a peaceful river or heading off the beaten track in search of somewhere wild, there are countless ways to experience the region outdoors.
From rolling hills and river valleys in the north to towering forests and wild coastline in the south, here’s where to start your next adventure in the Southern Forests & Valleys.
Paddle Pristine Waterways
See the Southern Forests & Valleys from a completely different perspective, from the water.
With winding rivers, tranquil dams, freshwater lakes and sheltered inlets, there are paddling adventures to discover right across the region.
Follow stretches of the Blackwood River through Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup. Further south, paddle beneath towering forest at Big Brook Dam or along the Warren River, venture to the remote waters of Lake Jasper and Lake Yeagarup, or explore the rivers and inlets around Walpole and Nornalup, where forest and water meet in one of the region’s most spectacular wilderness landscapes.
From gentle paddles on calm water to longer journeys and seasonal rapids, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding offer an unforgettable way to slow down, get closer to nature and experience another side of the Southern Forests & Valleys
Hit the Trails
The Southern Forests & Valleys is crisscrossed by an incredible network of trails, from short town and forest walks to mountain bike parks, heritage trails and epic multi-day adventures.
Walk a section of the legendary Bibbulmun Track as it winds through Balingup, Donnelly River Village, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole, taking in towering forests, valleys and coastal landscapes along the way. For an epic multi-day cycling adventure, the Munda Biddi Trail journeys through Donnybrook, Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole.
Beyond the iconic long-distance trails, there’s plenty to discover closer to each town. Follow heritage and bushwalking trails around Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Greenbushes, explore the extensive trail network around Nannup, or head into the forests around Manjimup, Pemberton and Northcliffe. Further south, trails around Walpole take you through ancient forests and spectacular wilderness landscapes.
For an adventure on horseback, the 345km Warren Blackwood Stock Route draws on the region’s historic stock route heritage, travelling from the Nannup area to Broke Inlet near Walpole and connecting towns and camping destinations including Bridgetown, Manjimup, Quinninup and Shannon along the way.
Whether you have an hour, a day or several days to explore, there’s a trail to match, and plenty of reasons to see where it takes you.
Chase Waterfall Wonders
Winter and spring bring a different kind of adventure to the Southern Forests & Valleys, as seasonal rains fill rivers and creeks and send waterfalls cascading through the forest.
Discover Beedelup Falls and The Cascades near Pemberton, or hike through the forest to the more secluded Lane Poole Falls near Northcliffe. Around Walpole, experience the rushing waters of Fernhook Falls or visit Circular Pool, where winter rains transform the river into a swirling display of tannin-rich water.
Across the wider region, winter rains also breathe new life into rivers, creeks and seasonal cascades, making the cooler months a beautiful time to pull on your walking shoes and explore.
Climb, Look Out & Get Above It All
For those who like their adventures with a little more elevation, the Southern Forests & Valleys offers plenty of ways to get above the landscape and take in the view.
In Pemberton, climb the iconic Gloucester Tree and experience the karri forest from high above the ground. Further south, Mount Chudalup near Northcliffe rewards the climb with sweeping views across the surrounding forests, dunes and landscape.
Around Walpole, spectacular viewpoints offer another perspective on the region. Stop at Hilltop Lookout for panoramic views across the forest and waterways towards the coast, a reminder of just how vast and wild this corner of Western Australia really is.
Explore the Forest Giants
Step into a landscape of giants, where towering karri, jarrah, marri and ancient tingle trees create some of the Southern Forests & Valleys’ most unforgettable landscapes.
Walk beneath soaring karri, jarrah and marri and discover old-growth forests around Manjimup, Pemberton and Northcliffe, or head south to Walpole, where the region’s famous tingle trees have stood for centuries.
Experience the forest from above at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, wander beneath the canopy on one of the region’s many walking trails, or explore Shannon National Park, where karri, jarrah and marri forests can be experienced on foot or along the Great Forest Trees Drive.
For a different perspective, take the scenic route. Forest drives weave through national parks and state forests, connecting towering trees, rivers, lookouts and natural attractions — making the journey itself part of the adventure.
Venture into the Wilderness
For a true taste of the wild, venture beyond the towns and discover the national parks, forests, reserves and protected landscapes that stretch across the Southern Forests & Valleys.
Follow the Blackwood River through forest and bushland, explore the trails, swimming holes and campgrounds of St John Brook Conservation Park near Nannup, or venture into Tone–Perup Nature Reserve, where vast jarrah and wandoo forests provide habitat for some of Western Australia’s unique wildlife. Around Manjimup, discover the internationally significant wetlands of Lake Muir, explore the towering karri around One Tree Bridge, or venture into the surrounding forests and reserves.
Further south, immerse yourself in the Walpole Wilderness, where ancient forests meet rivers, inlets and rugged coastline, or explore D’Entrecasteaux National Park, home to pristine beaches, vast dunes and wild coastal landscapes, including the spectacular Yeagarup Dunes. Around Pemberton and Northcliffe, national parks and state forests offer everything from peaceful forest walks and paddling to camping, scenic drives and more remote adventures.
Whether you’re bushwalking, camping, four-wheel driving, paddling, spotting wildlife or simply heading off the beaten track, there are endless ways to find your own piece of wilderness in the Southern Forests & Valleys.
Make a Splash
When the weather warms up, cool off at one of the many swimming spots tucked away across the Southern Forests & Valleys. From forest-fringed pools and tranquil rivers to freshwater dams, peaceful inlets and secluded beaches, there are plenty of places to take the plunge.
Swim beneath the trees at Barrabup Pool near Nannup, cool off at swimming spots along the Blackwood River around Boyup Brook and Bridgetown, or spend the day at Greenbushes Pool or Manjimup’s historic Fonty’s Pool.
Further south, cool off amongst the karri trees at Pemberton Pool or Big Brook Dam, seek out the peaceful waters of Shannon Dam, or head towards Walpole for a swim at Coalmine Beach or in the sheltered waters of the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets.
Whether it’s a quick dip after a day on the trails or a lazy summer afternoon by the water, there’s always somewhere to make a splash.
Explore on Two Wheels
From easy town trails and quiet country roads to gravel adventures, mountain bike parks and epic multi-day journeys, cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Southern Forests & Valleys.
Cruise the orchard-lined backroads around Balingup, take on the rolling country and gravel routes of Bridgetown and Boyup Brook, or explore forest trails and heritage landscapes around Greenbushes. In Nannup, choose from relaxed rail-trail riding to the purpose-built trails of Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park, while Manjimup and Pemberton offer forest roads, trails and mountain bike experiences amongst the trees. Further south, Northcliffe and Walpole open the door to quieter, longer rides through forest and wilderness landscapes.
For a bigger adventure, follow the Munda Biddi Trail linking towns, forests and some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly pedal, a challenging mountain bike ride, a day on the gravel or a multi-day cycling adventure, there’s a route to match, and a whole region waiting to be explored on two wheels.
Plan Your Adventure
In the Southern Forests & Valleys, adventure is never far away. Walk beneath towering trees, paddle peaceful waterways, tackle a mountain bike trail, climb to a lookout, cool off in a hidden swimming spot or venture into the wilderness.
From rolling farmland and winding rivers to ancient forests, towering dunes and wild coastline, every corner of the region offers a different way to explore, and plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Choose your adventure, take the scenic route and discover just how much there is to explore in the Southern Forests & Valleys.