Things To Do In Pemberton | Curated List For South West WA

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.

Choose the stops for your trip

Karri Lookout

The Karri Lookout near Pemberton is a hidden gem along the Bibbulmun Track. A 30-minute moderate hike from the Gloucester Tree car park leads to an unmarked lookout with stunning views of a Karri tree valley. Karri Lookout is a 25 minute drive from Ampersand Estate Winery & The best time of year to visit Karri Lookout is between September and May.

Dog truffle hunting in orchard in Manjimup

Truffle Hunts

Truffle hunting is a rare art that piques the curiosity of the most discerning global palates. The ancient soils surrounding Ampersand Estates produce more than 70 per cent of the black perigord truffles in the Southern Hemisphere. From June to August, book a truffle hunt in nearby Manjimup. Join the truffle dog as they sniff for the “black gold”, try your hand at digging up the earthy treasure and taste some of the delicacy. This intimate, sensory journey celebrates the quiet luxury of nature’s most prized delicacies. Drive time: 40 minutes’ drive from Ampersand Estates.

Donnelly River Cruises

Immerse yourself in the untouched serenity of Lake Beedelup, where crystalline waters mirror the sweeping karri canopy against a backdrop of wildflower-strewn hills. Paddle a private kayak across the lake’s still surface at dawn, guided by a naturalist who shares insights into the ecosystem. Reconnect with nature as you enjoy a secluded lunch of locally foraged dishes, accompanied by award-winning Margaret River wines, all while the lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the sky in perfect stillness. Drive time: Donnelly River Cruises’ departure point is a 10-minute drive from Ampersand Estates.

Lake Beedelup

Pemberton Pool

Find moments of stillness at Pemberton Pool, a serene oasis that hugs a forest of karri tress. Once a historic timber‑mill swimming spot, it now offers a peaceful retreat where glassy water reflects the ancient forest canopy. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the shaded walk trails, breathe in the eucalyptus‑rich air, or simply unwind by the water’s edge. Pemberton Pool invites rejuvenation in the heart of the forest. Drive time: Pemberton Pool 30 minutes’ drive from Ampersand Estates.

Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay has numerous tiny islands, reefs and beautiful clear waters. An important timber port more than a century ago, it is well-known for the stingrays that grace the shallows. Unwind on pristine shores where gentle encounters with these gliding rays provide a lasting and tranquil connection to Western Australia’s wild beauty. The last remaining evidence of the Hamelin Bay jetty that serviced the nearby timber mill frames that shore alongside the majestic marine residents. Drive time: Hamelin Bay is 50 minutes’ drive from Ampersand Estates.

Whale Watching

Feel a profound connection to nature on an exclusive encounter with the ocean’s majestic inhabitants. The southern Margaret River Region whale watching season is late May to August as seasonal migrations of humpbacks and southern rights converge in the small seaside town of Augusta. Multiple daily tours are available with Naturaliste Charters. Feeling the awe of these majestic giants breaching in the calm waters of Augusta’s sheltered bay is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. Drive time: Augusta is 55 minutes’ drive from Ampersand Estates.

Jewel Cave

Descend into the luminous depths of Jewel Cave, where ancient limestone formations glisten like diamonds beneath the forest floor. Guided tours traverse pathways and stairs, featuring remarkable stories of geology and the unique history of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Western Australia’s largest show cave is a subterranean sanctuary, where natural crystal formations glow under soft light and temperature remains cool throughout the Margaret River Region’s four distinct seasons. Drive time: Jewel Cave is a 1-hour drive from Ampersand Estates.

Walking Trails

Discover the essence of Western Australia’s natural artistry and unhurried connection on these four trails, where every turn reveals a new layer of unforgettable beauty. Karri Lookout is a secluded hike along the Bibbulmun Track, near the towering Gloucester Tree. Nannup’s Kondil Wildflower Park blooms with a seasonal kaleidoscope of native colour from September to November. Also in Nannup, Holberry Sculpture Walk is in the beautiful lower gardens of Holberry House, just a five-minute walk from the townsite. Heartbreak Trail is a scenic 12-kilometre drive that winds through the beautiful karri forest along the Warren River. The ‘Warren Lookout’ overlooks the winding river and a magnificent valley with views to the powerful Southern Ocean. Drive time: These walking trails are within 35 minutes’ drive of Ampersand Estates.

Salmon Beach

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.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Climb Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Gain an unforgettable perspective of the rugged coast at the southern tip of the Margaret River Region – and southwestern most point of the Australian mainland. Surrounded by windswept cliffs and southern winds carrying salt spray, Cape Leeuwin is wild and grand, especially when whales are spotted. There is a series of immersive onsite experiences, including a museum and café in two of the restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. This breathtaking display of raw natural power is a deeply restorative experience when paired with the gentle hum of the nearby township of Augusta. Drive time: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a 1-hour drive from Ampersand Estates.

Gloucester Tree

The Gloucester Tree is an awe-inspiring karri tree that stands 61 metres as a celebration of nature’s grandeur and the quiet luxury of being present. Originally a fire lookout, the 300-year-old enormous eucalypt offers guests the unique chance to safely step skywards to the summit. Surrounded by towering giants and a network of dazzling national park trails, the Gloucester Tree stands as a beacon of the region’s forestry heritage. Drive time: Gloucester Tree is 30 minutes’ drive from Ampersand Estates.

Stay on the doorstep of the Southern Forests

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.

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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.

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