Bunbury to Pemberton drive: Distance, time & best road trip stops
Bunbury to Pemberton road trip: Bridgetown to Manjimup
Continuing south from Bridgetown to Manjimup, you’ll cross the Blackwood River, then pass Yornup State Forest and the Wilgarrup Nature Reserve. Neither is especially worth visiting.
Things to do in Manjimup include truffle-hunting tours, learning about the timber industry at Manjimup Heritage Park, going for a cruise along the Donnelly River and swimming at Fonty’s Pool.
The best places to stay in Manjimup
The best Manjimup accommodation options are:
- For heritage and charm: Dingup House.
- For cottages with fireplaces and a trout lake: Clover Cottage Country Retreat.
- For a solid motel: Kingsley Motel.
Bunbury to Pemberton drive: Manjimup to Pemberton
The final leg of the journey is the drive from Manjimup to Pemberton. The route goes past the Diamond Tree, one of the original fire lookout trees that was pegged for climbing. Alas, it is no longer possible to climb the Diamond Tree, but you can still admire it from the forest floor.
The turn-off down the Vasse Highway comes near Sir James Mitchell National Park and the Smith Brook Nature Reserve.
Head south-west along the Vasse, and you’ll pass a few wineries and truffle farms. The Lost Lake Pemberton winery and Below and Above Truffles and Wine make for arguably the best stops before you reach Pemberton.
3 Pemberton experiences to book now
- Explore the surrounding national parks, forests and sand dunes – on a half day 4WD tour.
- Take a tour through the national parks – including a visit to a Southern Ocean beach.
- Tackle the Pemberton to Northcliffe section of the Bibbulmun Track – on a four day guided walk.
The best things to do in Pemberton include climbing the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree (if you dare), taking the Pemberton Tramway Company’s tourist train and admiring the Cascades in Gloucester National Park. It’s also worth taking a half day 4WD tour through the national parks, forests and sand dunes.
The best places to stay in Pemberton, WA
The top Pemberton accommodation options are:
- For a charming forest location with kangaroos on the grounds: Forest Lodge Resort.
- For cool cabins with kitchenettes: Jaspers Cabins.
- For central location: The Pemberton Hotel.
More Western Australia drives
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Plan a Pemberton to Albany road trip.
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How long is the drive from Williams to Perth?
The best stops on the Margaret River to Bridgetown drive.