JOURNEY SOUTHERN FORESTS WA
Some of the flock at Ardal Nigg’s Hidden River Estate in Pemberton.
GREEN CABIN This pretty cottage is a little to the west of Pemberton, but it’s well worth the extra few minutes’ drive for the stunning farmland views and its buckets of rustic charm. 341 Green Road, Channybearup. 0418 229 252; whisperingwoodspemberton.com
FARM GATES
WARREN GRANGE Rick and Barbara Scoones specialise in heirloom varieties so stop by for produce such as unusual pumpkins, Taiwanese eggplants, heirloom tomatoes and finger squash. 29406 South Western Highway, Manjimup. 0448 926 640; warrengrange.com.au
PJ LOCAL PRODUCE This pretty little cart displays what’s been picked fresh that day by Jamie Copeland and can include anything from dahlias to leafy greens. 16 Kennedy Street, Pemberton. 0447 165 814. FOREST FRESH MARRON The taste of these freshwater crustaceans is likened to crayfish, only sweeter. Pay a visit to scoop your own and don’t miss out on taking a look at the bright-blue ones owner Dave Evans keeps in a tank. Their vibrant hue is the result of a genetic mutation (but don’t worry, they still taste good). Lot 5, Pump Hill Road, Pemberton. (08) 9776 0099; forestfreshmarron.com.au
WHAT TO DO
TAKE A FARM TOUR The Southern Forests Food Council’s four-day tour takes guests into the orchards, paddocks, vineyards and farms to see how the region’s industrious and creative farming folk do things. Meals are hosted in the best dining and drinking venues in the region, while the area’s natural sights are also on the itinerary. (08) 9772 4180; southernforestsfood.com
FISH FOR TROUT Another highlight of the region is trout fishing. Make sure to throw a line in at the Old Vasse Trout and Marron Farm where the wonderfully named Justin Fish has recently taken over. You pay $25 per kilogram for what you catch, which includes cleaning. Corner Old Vasse and Pemberton Northcliffe roads, Yeagarup. (08) 9776 1726; oldvassetrout andmarronfarm.com.au
SHOP AT MAKERS ON MOUNT
Within an airy, white-washed space you’ll find owner Laura Sarinis’s curation of bright-and-breezy women’s fashion, homewares, bunches of native flowers, beauty products and papergoods. Where possible, Laura stocks local South West makers — her current top picks include scrubs, salts and bathbombs by Pound and Penny and prints by Next Addition. 5 Mount Street, Manjimup. (08) 9771 1979; makersonmount.com.au
CLIMB A LOOK-OUT TREE The region is home to eight bushfire lookouts established in the 1930s by intrepid forest men hammering metal pegs into the trunks to form rudimentary staircases. Climbing up one is a nail-biting experience but the payoff for shaken nerves is a vista that stretches as far as the Yeagarup Dunes to the west. Choose between the Diamond, Bicentennial and Gloucester trees. pembertonvisitor.com.au SWIM AT PEMBERTON POOL This heritage gem was constructed by timber workers in the 1920s and is one of the most delightful spots in the South West to have a dip. There are some barbecues onsite so many groups choose to take a picnic, or you can grab a snack from Jamie and Pippa from PJ Local Produce in the kiosk on weekends. Lot 12183, Swimming Pool Road, Pemberton.
EXPLORE THE FOREST Keen walkers have the choice of two of the most famous bushwalks in the state — both the Bibbulmun Track, which runs from Kalamunda to Albany, and the Munda Biddi Trail pass through Pemberton. The 86-kilometre Karri Forest Explorer self-driving route requires a lot less exertion and takes in Big Brook Dam and Beedelup National Park.
FONTY’S POOL This pretty dam, which is kept fresh by a spring and known locally as the fountain of youth, has been a summer institution for South West locals since 1925. Take a picnic rug, some food for cooking on the site’s barbecues and settle in for a lazy afternoon. For those that feel like swimming, you can vie for a tractor tyre and leisurely float across the pool. 699 Seven Day Road, Manjimup. (08) 9771 2105; fontyspool.com.au