Pemberton: A Wellness & Nature Retreat – 2-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Welcome to Pemberton, Western Australia—a hidden gem in the Southern Forests, offering an unforgettable blend of nature, wellness, adventure, and gourmet experiences. This 2-day/1-night self-drive itinerary is designed for nature lovers, wellness seekers, and adventure enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With the new Wilman Wadandi Highway cutting travel time to just 3.5 hours from Perth, and the Busselton-Margaret River Airport providing easy access for interstate visitors, accessing this tranquil retreat has never been easier.
Important Travel Tips
📶 Mobile reception is limited – let others know your plans if hiking or driving remote trails.
👟 Wear appropriate clothing and footwear – trails and adventures require sturdy gear.
💧 Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first-aid kit.
🌡 Nights can be cool – pack warm clothing and a rain jacket.
🍽 Book dining experiences in advance – some venues have limited evening service.

Day 1: Arrival & Nature’s Embrace
Morning: Scenic Drive & Arrival
- Depart Perth or Busselton Airport, taking the Vasse Highway for a scenic drive through rolling farmland and forests, passing through picturesque countryside along the way.
- Stop at Ampersand Estates for a wine and spirits tasting experience, paired with a gourmet platter of Southern Forests produce. Explore their luxury skincare range made from locally distilled ingredients before continuing to Pemberton.
- Arrive in Pemberton late morning and stop at the Pemberton Visitor Centre for maps, insider tips, and a browse through locally made products.
Midday: Gourmet Picnic & Forest Immersion
- Rocco’s Diner / Wild at Heart Café – Pick up a picnic hamper filled with local produce to enjoy in nature.
- Beedelup Falls – Walk across the suspension bridge and enjoy the beauty of cascading falls set within a lush forest. A perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
- Big Brook Dam – Take a relaxing forest walk, enjoy wildlife spotting, or dip into the calm waters of this peaceful reservoir.
Afternoon: Iconic Pemberton Experiences
🚋 Pemberton Tramway (1:45 PM Check-in, 2 PM Departure) – A nostalgic 75-minute journey through towering forests and across trestle bridges, stopping at The Cascades.
🛁 Veska by the Lake – Unwind with a private sauna session or wellness treatment overlooking tranquil waters.
Evening: Check-in & Dining
🏡 Accommodation Options:
- Forest Lodge Resort – A boutique stay with a serene lake setting, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- RAC Karri Valley Resort – A nature escape on the edge of Lake Beedelup, offering outdoor adventure and relaxation.
- Choose from over 20 small Cottages and lodges in and around Pemberton – Indulge in a luxury wellness escape with private spa baths and forest views.
- Sleep under the stars in a national park campground or relax in a boutique forest retreat.

🍷 Dinner Options:
- Jaspers Whisky Bar – A fine dining experience featuring local meats, seafood, and an impressive whisky selection.
- Treehouse Tapas & Wine Bar – Share seasonal tapas and sample local wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
🌙 Overnight in Pemberton
Day 2: Wellness & Adventure Awaits
Morning: A Slow Start with Forest Serenity
🧘 Serenity House Wellness Experience – Start your morning with a guided mindfulness or relaxation session with Cat, designed to help you reconnect with nature and fully embrace the tranquillity of Pemberton.
🥐 Breakfast Options:
- Rocco’s Diner at Wild @ Heart
- Pemberton Hotel – Traditional country breakfast.
- Crossings Bakery – Delicious homemade pastries and coffee.
Midday: Choose Your Own Adventure
🚙 Option 1: 4WD Eco Adventure
- Join Pemberton Discovery Tours for an unforgettable 4WD journey through Yeagarup Dunes & D’Entrecasteaux National Park.
- Experience the transition from dense Karri forest to vast sand dunes, finishing at the wild Southern Ocean.
🛶 Option 2: Donnelly River Cruise
- Drift along pristine waterways from the Karri forests to the coast, spotting native wildlife and ancient landscapes.

🚴 Option 3: Mountain Biking & Hiking
- Ride Pemberton Forest Park’s mountain bike trails or cycle part of the Munda Biddi Trail.
- Hike a scenic section of the Bibbulmun Track, leading to waterfalls, lookouts, and picnic spots.
Afternoon: Culinary Indulgence & Departure
🍽 Lunch Options:
- Hidden River Estate – Stunning vineyard views and farm-to-table cuisine.
- Silkwood Estate – Fine wines and gourmet dishes in an idyllic setting.
- Ampersand Estates – Pair a gourmet platter with handcrafted gin, vodka, or liqueurs.
🎁 Final Stop: Farm Gate & Local Produce
- Visit Southern Forests farm stalls to take home seasonal produce, truffles, honey, and fresh marron.
- Enjoy one last treat with a hot chocolate from Southern Forest Chocolate Company.
Late Afternoon: Departure or Extend Your Stay
🚗 Begin your journey back to Perth or extend your stay to uncover more of Pemberton’s hidden gems.
For More Information or to Book This Experience:
🌐 www.pembertonvisitor.com.au
📞 +61 8 9776 1133
📩 info@pembertonvisitor.com.au
Categories:
- Adventure
- Intineraries
- Natural Experiences
- Wellness