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
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.
