If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Pemberton, you’ll find it doesn’t take long to settle into the rhythm here. Tall karri trees, quiet lakes, and good food and (great) wine by yours truly, set the pace. The air is filled with the fresh scent of eucalyptus, and most days are best spent outdoors. This guide is your local’s rundown of the best things to do in Pemberton, ensuring you experience everything this remarkable region has to offer.
Index:
• Karri Forest
• Beedelup Falls & Lake Beedelup
• Yeagarup Dunes
• Truffle Hunting
• Ampersand Estates
• Plan Your Visit
• Best Times To Visit (recap)
Explore the Karri Forest
Spending time in the karri forest is a highlight of any visit to Pemberton. The scale of the trees is something you notice straight away – tall, straight trunks and filtered light that changes throughout the day. You can visit the Gloucester Tree and the towering Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree if you’re up for a climb or take a slower walk along the Heartbreak Trail. Don’t forget to take a moment at the Karri Lookout for panoramic views that leave a lasting impression.
For a different perspective, the forest can also be explored in a more relaxed way. The Pemberton Tram offers a scenic journey through towering karri and marri trees, winding along old timber rail lines and across picturesque bridges. Alternatively, Donnelly River Cruises provide a peaceful way to experience the region, gliding past forest-lined banks towards the Southern Ocean, while spotting local wildlife. These options are perfect if you’d prefer to take in the beauty of the forest without the hike.
Best time to visit Karri Forest is April – October
Cool, crisp air makes walking more pleasant; soft light filters beautifully through the trees in winter.
Beedelup Falls & Lake Beedelup
About a 20-minute drive from Pemberton, you will find the serene Greater Beedelup National Park, home to a waterfall and lake. A gentle 4km loop walk through the forest and along the lake’s edge leads to a suspension bridge overlooking the falls, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Beedelup Falls are at their best in the cooler months (May to September), but it’s a peaceful spot year-round. Lake Beedelup is best experienced on the water by hiring a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboards – or from The Lakeside Restaurant with its magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows. This family-friendly destination is a must-visit. For more information, check our Beedelup Falls page.
Best time to visit Beedelup Falls is May – October
Falls are at peak flow after winter rains; orchids, wildflowers and fungi add to the experience in spring.
Yeagarup Sand Dunes
For those looking for an adventure
The Yeagarup Sand Dunes offer a unique landscape of shifting sand hills rising up to 50 metres. The largest land-locked sand dunes in the southern hemisphere are an dreamlike setting for picnics, 4WD adventures, and stunning photography.
Wedged between the old-growth forest and Southern Ocean, we recommend starting your morning at the dunes with Pemberton Discovery Tours, then head to Lake Beedelup for a relaxing swim in the afternoon – a simple day combination that showcases two very different sides of Pemberton’s outdoors.
Best time to visit Yeagarup Sand Dunes is September – November
Wildflowers frame the dunes beautifully; not yet too hot for long walks; great light for photography.
Truffle Hunting
Truffle hunting is one of Pemberton’s most unique and memorable experiences, offering a true taste of the region’s rich produce and cool-climate charm. Remarkably, the region produces more than 70 per cent of the black Périgord truffles in the southern hemisphere, gracing restaurant tables across the world. During the winter months, you can score your very own fresh haul of “black gold” on a guided hunt through oak and hazelnut groves, led by trained dogs with an incredible ability to sniff out these prized underground delicacies.
Operators like Hound & Hunter offer immersive truffle hunting experiences where you’ll follow the dogs in action, learn about how truffles are grown and harvested, and gain a deeper appreciation for this gourmet ingredient. The excitement of watching a truffle being uncovered fresh from the earth is something special – and followed by the chance to taste or purchase local truffle products.
Best time to go truffle hunting – June to August
This is peak truffle season, when the cool conditions create the perfect environment for truffles to develop their signature aroma and flavour.
Wine, Gin & the Cellar Door at Ampersand Estates
Western Australia’s only fully integrated luxury estate
With a boutique winery, artisanal distillery and beautifully designed distillery gardens, luxury accommodation, and event spaces, the estate blends natural beauty with thoughtful design.
The cellar door offers wine tastings, plus gin and vodka flights crafted with local ingredients, reflecting a mindful approach to winemaking. Experience firsthand the serenity of the estate, with stunning views and warm hospitality.
A standout addition is the new Rainfall Distillery Gardens opening in April 2026 – a two-hectare, terraced space designed to bring guests closer to the ingredients behind the spirits. Here, fruits, herbs, spices, and botanicals are grown on-site, offering a unique, immersive look into the distilling process. From fragrant rosemary and lavender to citrus, berries, and native botanicals, the gardens showcase the diverse flavours that shape each gin, vodka, and eau de vie.
Overlooking the Chardonnay vines that form the base of the spirits, the gardens are both functional and experiential. Guests can wander at their own pace via self-guided trails or join a hosted tour for a deeper dive into the distillery process, complete with tastings in the greenhouse. There’s even a long-table setting nestled within the gardens, creating a memorable space for intimate tastings and small events surrounded by the very ingredients in your glass.
For more information on our offerings, check out the winery, distillery or distillery gardens pages.
Best time to visit Ampersand Estates – All year round!
Always open, though autumn and winter evenings make a warm tasting room and a glass of red particularly hard to argue with
Plan Your Visit
Consider the best seasons to experience Pemberton’s natural wonders.
Autumn and winter are best for seeing the falls at their fullest, while summer is ideal for swimming at the lakes and exploring the dunes. In spring, wildflowers blanket the landscape, adding a splash of colour to the forests and fields.
Pemberton is just a leisurely 3.5-hour drive from Perth, making it easily accessible for a weekend getaway. Stay onsite at Ampersand Estates to enjoy comfortable accommodation, stunning views and easy access to the region’s attractions.
Best times to visit (recap)
| Place | Best Months | Why |
| Karri Forest (Gloucester Tree, Dave Evans, Heartbreak Trail) | Apr – Oct | Cool, crisp air makes walking more pleasant; soft light filters beautifully through the trees in winter. |
| Beedelup Falls | May – Oct | Falls are at peak flow after winter rains; orchids, wildflowers and fungi add to the experience in spring. |
| Lake Beedelup | Nov – Mar | Warm summer temps make it ideal for swimming and kayaking; amber waters at their most inviting. |
| Yeagarup Sand Dunes | Year-round | Wildflowers frame the dunes beautifully in Spring as the wild Southern Ocean unleashes its wondrous magic in winter, with blue summer providing the ultimate colour contrast. |
| Truffle Hunting | Jun – Aug | Seasonal tours in the crisp winter air with misty valleys and regular rainy days. |
| Ampersand Estates Cellar Door | Year-round | Always open, though autumn and winter evenings make a warm tasting room and a glass of red particularly hard to argue with |
What are you waiting for?
With its breathtaking scenery and diverse activities, Pemberton promises unforgettable experiences. Discover the wonders of Pemberton and let Ampersand Estates be your guide to adventure and relaxation.
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