Home to verdant towering trees and picturesque valleys peppered with a patchwork of vineyards, Pemberton is the perfect combination of natural beauty, country charm, and unassuming luxury.

Nestled in the heart of Karri country and the Southern Forests and Valleys region in Western Australia’s South West, Pemberton is located just under a four-hour drive from Perth. The town takes the name of original settler Pemberton Walcott, but was originally occupied by the Bibbulmun people who knew the area as Wandergarup, meaning “plenty of water”.

Pemberton is the ideal place to enjoy a nature getaway, or a healthy dose of exploration and adventure. Whether you’re partial to forest drives, a fiend for a local winery, or a lover of all things nature, here are the best things to do in Pemberton.

Rainfall Distillery

Framed by the Donnelly River and ancient karri forests of Easter National Park, Rainfall Distillery is located at the exquisite Ampersand Estates. Its premium artisanal vodka and gin range is distilled across 16 copper plates with rainwater captured in WA’s Southern Forests and fresh, seasonal, local produce from regional farmers.

Ampersand luxury accommodation

Set amongst vibrant gardens and fruit trees, Ampersand Estates offers a delightful accommodation experience dipped in luxury and unrivalled natural beauty. 

The estate features three premium private residences — Settlers’ Cottage, The Homestead, and Vitner’s Residence — each showcasing a country charm meets Hamptons style with white weatherboarding, timber features, and brown leather couches. The holiday homes are suited towards groups looking for the ultimate nature escape with two featuring five ensuite bedrooms, and all are adorned with a fully functioning kitchen, dining and living areas, and outdoor deck. 

You don’t have to leave the comfort of the estate to indulge in one of the most exquisite dining experiences in the South West. With private chefs from Rockpool Bar & Grill, coupled with wellness and spa packages, and visits to the onsite cellar door and distillery, you’ll likely want to stay here forever. And if you do manage to tear yourself away from the blissful paradise that is Ampersand, it’s also a gateway to pristine beaches, fine wineries, and hidden truffières.

Gourmet picnic hampers

Who doesn’t love a picnic, and the gourmet hampers at the Ampersand Cellar Door are all the more reason to have one. Gourmet picnic hampers are available for those who’ve enjoyed a Cellar Door Experience tasting the fruits of the region’s cool microclimate, from the award-winning Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir to the ever-popular Fortified.

Dinner at Jaspers

Jaspers is a rustic whisky bar and restaurant serving fresh, seasonal eats from an ever-changing menu, championing seasonal ingredients like truffles, figs, avocados, olives, marron, berries, and honey from local growers. The culinary offerings are designed to pair with craft beer, whisky, and bourbon.

For those interested in tasting experiences, Jaspers offers around a dozen different flights of whisky and bourbon at any one time, ranging from introductory flavours to deep and complex combinations. You can also opt for a whisky and Southern Forests Chocolate pairing experience for something a little more indulgent.

Hidden River Estate Winery

Over the past 30 years, Hidden River Estate Winery has grown from a blank canvas of farmland to a vineyard, cellar door, and café which later transformed into a restaurant. You can expect a modern European menu with Middle-eastern influence, showcasing local and seasonal produce in the form of hearty mains, morish sharing platters, and lip-smacking desserts. From the delicate bubbles of blanc de blanc sparkling wine to the bold fruits of merlot, Hidden River’s collection of cool climate wines is also available for tasting.

Picardy Wines

For mesmerising vineyard views, divine wines and an exquisite tasting experience, Picardy is deserving of the Pemberton bucket list. The 1993 establishment is one of Australia’s leading premium boutique wine producers, owned and operated by pioneers of the Margaret River region. Situated close to the ocean, in deep gravel and loam soils, Picardy produces Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc wines that are made to be drinkable in their youth but reward with cellaring.

Gloucester Tree

The 61 metre high Gloucester Tree nestled within Gloucester National Park is one of Pemberton’s most celebrated tourism attractions. Once used as a fire lookout, the Karri tree is now part of a duo – the other is Bicentennial Tree – open for the public to climb. If you’re brave enough to scale the behemoth to its lofty crown, you’ll be rewarded with sensational views and a certificate to commemorate your feat.

It’s currently temporarily closed but still well worth visiting. 

Big Brook Dam

Built in 1986 to supplement Pemberton’s water supply, Big Brook Dam has more recently become a favourite recreational pit-stop for locals and blow-ins alike. It’s one of the region’s best spots to swim, walk, fish, barbeque, and picnic.

Beedelup Falls

If you have a penchant for waterfalls, add Beedelup Falls to the top of your list. Located within Beedelup National Park, half an hour by car from the Pemberton town centre, the falls are present year-round, but the winter or early spring months are the best time to see them in full flow.

Old Vasse Trout & Marron Farm

Set amidst the enchanting Karri trees on the edge of Warren National Park, and only five minutes from the centre of town, a visit to Old Vasse Trout & Marron Farm is another great thing to do in Pemberton. You can catch your own Rainbow Trout or marron (if you hit the jackpot) from their private lake. Just remember, what you catch, you must keep.

Warren River Loop Walk

For a healthy dose of soul-soothing exercise, Warren River Loop Walk is a beautiful bush walk to add to your hit list. Located within the Warren National Park, the 10.5 kilometre, moderately difficult trail meanders alongside the Warren River, passing some of the region’s most spectacular old-growth Karri forest, sheoak, and cedar.

Explore the Pemberton wine region, with the spectacular Ampersand Estates as your dreamy home away from home, and add these delightful sites to your travel bucket list.

Win A Luxury Stay

We’ve teamed up with Ampersand Estates to give away a luxury two-day stay in the Vintner’s Residence for up to ten guests, including wine tastings at Ampersand’s cellar door, valued at $4,500.00.

Simply visit the win page to enter.