The Lower South West Region of WA contains the towns of Pemberton, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Donnybrook and Manjimup.
No visitor to Western Australia should miss the giant Karri forests. it's another world. These towering trees are up to 60 metres high and massive in girth. With many of the trees three to four hundred years old the forests provide breathtaking tours and bush walks.
Here you can stay in lakeside chalets (once timber camps), wander the forests or ride through them on the tramways that were the loggers form of transport. You can see the Diamond Tree Tower, a cabin built on top of a karri tree in the sky and used as a fire lookout until 1974; disused timber mills; modem timber mills; lakes, darns, streams, rivers (one with a bridge made by felling a single karri tree); the Warren National Park containing the biggest (89 metre) karri tree; the Walk Through Karri, a giant 400 year old tree so big that an archway has been carved through it; the Gloucester Tree, the highest fire lookout tree in the world - if you're very energetic you can climb the 153 rungs that spiral the tree to the look-out platform 60 metres high or you can marvel at
King Jarrah - a 1,200 year old jarrah tree.
Or for something completely different, discover the awesome cliff coastline of the D'Entrecasteaux National Park.
The Blackwood River Valley
If you prefer to take your pleasures inland the Blackwood River Valley on the South Western Highway is a rural setting not to be missed. This region of winding roads, steep hills, lush orchards and spectacular scenery is rich in history of the early settlers who came as timber cutters and orchardists and made their homes along the splendid Blackwood River, Here you can stay in comfortable old inns or formal accommodation.
The Backpapers Guide to WA says:-
BALINGUP
Balingup is situated in South West corner of Western Australia, a pleasant drive three hours south from the capital Perth.
Home to the largest arts and craft centre in the southern hemisphere, an award winning winery, art gallery, boutique shops, master craftsman jeweller, tea gardens and lavender farm - Balingup is a small but vibrant Australian community. Situated on the South Western Highway in Western Australia, just 3 hours drive due south of Perth, the area has a population of 525 people, with 300 people living in the town itself.
There is plenty to do and see in Balingup; awaken to misty mornings unfolding into crystal clear days, walk the Bibbulmun Track or explore the hidden beauty of the Golden Valley Tree Park. The orchards of the area provide a mass of blossom in spring, and many deciduous trees give a rich and colourful display in the autumn months.
These are just a few examples of what is on offer in this extraordinary town. Balingup Association.
BOYUP BROOK
Set on the banks of the upper reaches of the Blackwood River, Boyup Brook is a pretty town renowned for its native blackboy shrubs. Backpacker dorm accommodation is available while there is a hotel/motel, farmstay, a bed and breakfast establishment and a caravan park.
Canoeing on the river is very popular with boats and all equipment for hire. A feature of the town is the five thousand hectare Haddleton Flora Reserve with thousands of rare orchids and banksia trees in wildflower season (July to October).
BRIDGETOWN
Thirty kilometres south-west of Boyup Brook is the picturesque town of Bridgetown. Set amongst rolling hills on the Blackwood River, there is a motel, several farmstay options, two hotels and three bed and breakfast establishments.
The beauty of the area is enhanced when millions of wildflowers burst into bloom to form a carpet of brilliant colour in spring.
There are several outstanding walk trails that start in town and details can be obtained from the Tourist Bureau.
MANJIMUP
Manjimup has the charm of a country town and is an excellent base from
which to explore Bridgetown, Nannup, Walpole and Pemberton. The area
includes some of the most magnificent forest country in the world. The
landscape is a blend of gently contoured, vine-clad hillsides, fertile
orchards and majestic forests.
There are many tourist attractions in and around the town including the timber park, which is very worthwhile visiting.
This is tall timber country and there is no better way to see the giant trees than to join the Forest Industries bus that has fully commentated visits to karri and jarrah regrowth forests, timber mills and scenic areas.
For those seeking something different, Manjimup Water Ski Park has boats and all equipment available for hire. The lake is set amid a picturesque stud and commercial cattle property which has shelters, barbeques and a camping area. There are many other attractions too numerous to mention and the local Tourist Bureau will be only too happy to provide full details.
Manjimup Lodge and Backpacker Accommodation.
PEMBERTON
Pemberton is a very popular tourist destination and won the award of top tourist town for 1993. There is a backpackers’ hostel, 10 kms out of town, a backpackers’ lodge in town, a hotel, motel, three lodges, several cottages and a caravan park. Four cafes, a Chinese restaurant, four a-la-carte restaurants and the hotel provides a good selection and price ranges. The hotel has live entertainment on a regular basis and often a top band.
Pemberton is famous for its Gloucester Tree, a fire spotting lookout and the highest of its kind in the world. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed the panoramic view after climbing the driven spike stairway.
Other popular attractions are the trout and marron hatchery where visitors can see both species at various stages of growth, or a ride on the unique Pemberton to Northcliffe Tramway travelling deep into pristine virgin forests, crossing mountain streams and rivers on the way.
This is tall timber country and the jarrah and karri timber produced from this area adorns many homes and buildings throughout Western Australia.
Modern technology has taken over from the days when all time was hand-sawn. Bunnings timber mill in the heart of town is the most modern in the State and is completely computerised.
Conducted tours are run daily and visitors can view the operations of the mill from a steel catwalk above the saw benches (don’t slip).
Horse riding along forest trails is also very popular with backpackers. Many choices of destination and duration (anything up to five days, camp out) are offered. Excellent choices of 4WD adventure tours are also run from town. Again a variety of tours are offered.
More information at PembertonWA.com.
Driving
As is the case throughout the entire South-West, the roads are magnificent, allowing for easy and rapid movement between various locations. All the major roads throughout the region are bitumen surfaced, wide, well marked and of first class construction, and while many minor side roads in the South-West are of well maintained gravel construction, all major towns (and most small towns) can be accessed without leaving the bitumen.
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