Southern forests’
Hidden Gems
Welcome to the ethereal Southern Forests and Valleys, ready for you to discover all the world-class natural beauty they have to offer. On the doorstep of Ampersand Estates, you can find a multitude of hidden gems that make a weekend away in the Pemberton Region an unforgettable interlude in exploring your state. To make your itinerary creation a little easier, we have collated a list of the most beautiful spots to add to your trip, all a short drive from the Estate. For long-walk lovers, there’s Beedelup National Park and Karri Lookout, for water babies, Pemberton Pools and Heartbreak Trail are a must.
Discover all there is to see here, in our Hidden Gems library.
Choose the stops for your trip
Tookalup Lookout
Tookalup Lookout in Windy Harbour offers breathtaking sunset views of the Southern coastline, perfect for a picnic and a glass of Ampersand wine. Located an hour from Ampersand Estates, the scenic drive includes stops in Northcliffe, making it a memorable day trip for the whole family. Tookalup Lookout is 1 hour drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Tookalup Lookout is between August and May.
Heartbreak Trail
The Heartbreak Trail is a scenic drive around 12km that takes you through Pemberton’s Karri forest, winding along the Warren River. Stop at Drafty’s Campsite for riverside walks or kayaking, with guided tours available. Don’t miss Warren Lookout for breathtaking views of the river, Karri Valley, and, on clear days, Yeagarup beaches.
Heart Break Trail is 20 minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Heart Break Trail is between October and May.
Holberry Sculpture Walk
The Holberry Sculpture Walk in Nannup features stunning West Australian art surrounded by beautiful gardens, just a five-minute walk from town. Visitors can enjoy a serene picnic or browse the artwork that’s all available for purchase.
Holberry Sculpture Walk is 25 minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Holberry Sculpture Walk is between August and May.
Beedelup Falls
Beedelup Falls, nestled in Karri Valley, features stunning rocky cascades during winter. Just a 300m walk from the car park, it’s easily accessible for everyone. Enjoy a 30-minute loop nature walk trail or a 4.5km scenic hike to Karri Valley Resort for lunch.
Beedelup Falls is a 15-minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Beedelup Falls is between May and October.
Yeagarup Sand Dunes
Yeagarup Dunes, hidden in Pemberton’s Karri Forest offers a unique family-friendly destination with sandboarding, lake activities, and picnic spots. With some of the most striking white sand dunes WA has to offer, bring a camera and capture the contrast of white sand dunes with the dense forest that provides a gateway to the coastline. Accessible only by 4WD, guided tours are available for an unforgettable adventure. Yeagarup Sand Dunes is 20 minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Yeagarup Sand Dunes is between August and June.
Kondil Wildflower Park
Kondil Wildflower Park offers an easy walk through Nannup’s native forest, showcasing stunning seasonal wildflowers. Just a short drive from Ampersand Estates, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Kondil Wildflower Park is 30 minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Kondil Wildflower Park is between August and October.
Lake Jasper
Lake Jasper, the largest freshwater lake among Western Australia lakes and rivers, is a vital wetland supporting native waterbirds. Its pristine waters and stunning natural beauty make it ideal for canoeing, fishing, and relaxing water activities—a perfect escape into nature.
Lake Jasper is 30 minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Lake Jasper is between November and April.
Planning your trip
If you need some inspiration and insider knowledge on where to go and what to visit, how to spend your time wisely, download one of our trail booklets to see what you can fit in to your adventure.
Or you can use our 3-day itinerary to help build out your plans.
Stay on the doorstep of the Southern Forests
Luxury stays for couples, families, big groups and celebrations.
All of these stunning hidden gems of the Pemberton Wine Region are a short drive from the luxury residences of Ampersand Estates.
Spend the day driving the Yeagurup Dunes, embark on a decadent truffle hunt in Manjimup and return to the cellar door at the Estates for a taste of our premium wines or Rainfall Distillery spirits.
The residences are the perfect location for a small family or couple getting away for an intimate escape, or for a group celebration in the forests.
Planning your trip
Here are some ideas for a weekend down south at Ampersand Estates.
Day 1
On your way down to the Estate, take the Donnybrook route after stocking up on some fresh produce at the Bunbury Farmers’ Markets. Take in the scenic charming towns of Kirup and Nannup and the woodland wonders of Mulallyup Forests.
Arrive at Ampersand Estates and check into your residence. Make sure you book a gourmet dinner hamper ahead of your arrival and enjoy the most delicious local produce on your wrap around deck, with views of the Estate and Karri Forests.
End the day at the cellar door, for a wine tasting or spirit flight, and watch the sun go down.
Day 2
After cooking up a breakfast in the farm-style kitchen found in your residence and taking in a morning walk through the grounds, hop on a bus-tour of some of our favourite hidden gems. Pemberton Tours do excellent driven excursions to your choice of locations, and if you let us know in advance, we can pack a picnic basket for you to enjoy on your day out.
After a big day out on the road, sit back and relax whilst Ampersand Private Chef cook you and your guests a degustation dinner paired with Ampersand wines.
Day 3
The Estate is nestled in the bend of the Donnelly River, a slow walk along riverbanks listening to the birds, under the towering canopies, with a coffee in hand is the perfect start to the day.
Make the very most of your last day by booking a truffle hunt with aficionados, Hound and Hunter.* Their hunts go for 1.5 hours and you can start as early as 10am, leaving you plenty of time to get back on the road.
If there is still a bit of a hunkering more some more down-south activities before you head home, we recommend stopping for lunch at Shetler Brewing Co. in Busselton. Walk off your pub lunch with a walk along the jetty, taking in the gorgeous blues of the ocean.
