Pemberton is situated in a valley, surrounded by the karri forests of the Gloucester National Park and the Pemberton Forest Park. It is a quiet timber town, which enjoys a cool climate. Its streams are crystal clear, its soils are rich and its people are friendly. Pemberton is located on Bibbulmun Track map 5 - Pemberton.
Pemberton began as a timber town, and was established as a township in 1913. Before then, cattlemen and farmers had populated the surrounding country, and the name of the town came from one of these early settlers, Pemberton Walcott. While the timber industry continued to prosper, new industries developed. Irrigated farming became possible and the production of potatoes, cauliflowers, tobacco, hops and other crops became widespread. In the last 20 years, ventures related to tourism have sprung up, including a variety of quality accommodation venues, art and craft galleries, trout and marron farms, wineries and 4WD tours. Pemberton has a population of about 1,400.
Handy contacts
Getting there
Pemberton is located 335 kilometres south of Perth. It is a four-hour drive from Perth via the South Western and Vasse Highways. Pemberton to Balingup is a drive north of approximately 96km along the Vasse and South Western Highways, which will take about an hour and ten minutes. Pemberton to Northcliffe is 37km and a drive of 30 minutes, south along the Vasse Highway.
Alternatively, take the TransWA Australind train from Perth City Railway Station to the Bunbury Passenger Terminal, with a bus connection to Pemberton, or the coach from the Perth East Terminal to Pemberton. These services are not daily, check with the operators in advance. Local transport operators provide transfers between Pemberton centre and the Bibbulmun Track. See contact details in the list below.
Private transport from Perth CBD or country WA can be organised via Business Class Transfers (BCT). Call 1300 763 005 for a quote.
Accommodation & service providers
Pemberton can provide every type of accommodation, from camping ground to resort style hotel. All the facilities of a tourist town are available. Side trips to local areas of interest will cater for everyone’s tastes.
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The Bibbulmun Track Accommodation & Services Guide has extensive information about walker-friendly services, their location in and between towns, and discounts offered to members. The Guide contains 144 pages of essential information at a cost of only $12 RRP.
Along the Track...
On leaving the Donnelly Valley, the Track turns east and passes through Beedelup National Park, with its beautiful waterfalls, before skirting Big Brook Dam. Approximately 10km north of Pemberton, the Track runs through the Big Brook Arboretum. This is a popular picnic and camping area, which features mature, exotic trees. Just south of town, the Track passes the Gloucester Tree lookout, a challenging climb some 60 metres into the canopy for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding forest. Further south, the Track edges along the deep, damp valley of the Warren River, taking the walker through some old growth karri forest providing more river views.
Suggested walks
Day walks:
- Channybearup Road to Beedelup Falls and back (8km). From Pemberton, take Northcliffe Road, and turn right on to the Vasse Highway. After 16kms, turn right into Channybearup Road and drive for 2 kms to the point where the track crosses the road.
- River Road Bridge to Pemberton (22.2km one way). To get to River Road Bridge (15km) from Pemberton, take Burma Road, Spring Gully Road, left onto Collins Road, right on Moons Crossing Road and right on River Road to the bridge. From Northcliffe, travel north along Wheatley Coast Road for 11km, turn left on Orchid Road, turn right on River Road and travel 7km to the bridge as signposted.
Overnight walks:
- Northcliffe is the next town south of Pemberton. Pemberton to Northcliffe is a 55.3km walk, which takes approximately three days, two nights.
- Although Balingup is the next town north of Pemberton (Pemberton to Balingup is a 157.8km walk which takes approximately eight days, seven nights), Donnelly River Village is a popular intermediate starting point. Donnelly River Village to Pemberton is a walk of 101.6km, which takes approximately five days, four nights.
For more information visit our day walk webpage and check out the Pemberton day walk map pack which has further suggestions.