A ‘Cool’ Forest Adventure Along the Edge

As the weather starts to cool, embarking along The South West Edge will uncover a whole different side to this incredible road trip – think wine by the fire, snuggling up in your accommodation and incredible forest adventures.

If you don’t have time to head out on the whole 12-day itinerary, why not make use of a long weekend and take 4 days to explore a section of The Edge, meandering through the tall timbers that form ancient and incredible forests, and experiencing an amazing wilderness adventure through the southern forests as the rain arrives and the surrounding green nature bursts to life!

As the weather starts to cool, embarking along The South West Edge will uncover a whole different side to this incredible road trip - think wine by the fire, snuggling up in your accommodation and incredible forest adventures.

Pemberton

Set off on your journey along The Edge from Perth to gorgeous Pemberton in the South West. Immerse yourself in natural surroundings of Pemberton’s old-growth forests, as you marvel over the gigantic size of the forest trees surrounding you. Pemberton is a quaint, cosy town, with incredible accommodation options that are perfect for the cooler nights snuggled up with a glass of wine by the fire. A walk through one of the nearby national forests will have you reconnecting with nature, and you can even climb some of the old fire lookout trees like Gloucester Tree for an epic view of your surrounds.

You’ll come across waterfalls (which flow at their best in Winter with rainfall) which will leave you feeling relaxed and tranquil in a way only waterfalls can. Looking for something a bit more upbeat? Get your adventure on and ride one of the many mountain biking trails around the area at your own pace. There are some incredible tracks that didge and weave through the national parks and are sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

On your way out of Pemberton be sure to head to the Yaegarup Sand Dunes to witness this vast, land-locked dune system steadily moving inland, swallowing up the forest, lakes, and woodlands as they go.

Walpole

As you make your way from Pemberton to Denmark, stop in the town of Walpole. Known for the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, home to a forest of gigantic old native trees, the wilderness of Walpole is sure to impress, with plenty of bushwalking and sightseeing to be had.

If you’re wanting to spend the night here, we recommend spending the night in a houseboat on the Walpole inlet for something a little different! Or if you’re just passing through for the day, enjoy a picnic at one of the scenic picnic spots around the township.

Denmark

Your next stop along your Forest Adventure is Denmark, a coastal town which is best experienced in any season with so much to offer, but the colder months add a whole other element. On your way into town from Walpole, stop into William Bay National Park to visit Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, both sure to leave you in awe. Even if it’s too chilly to take a dip or spend the afternoon in the sand soaking up the sun, these locations are still worth stopping into for some incredible sightseeing and insta-worthy photos!

Denmark is jammed packed full of natural attractions and activities, and the cooler climate sets the mood for a wintery escape on the coast. A place where tall forests mix with white sandy beaches, with ancient rock formations and the expansive ocean ahead of you. Head out on the world class walking trails, wildlife, and amazing sunsets.

Albany

You’ve reached the last stop of your Forest Adventure when you get to the hub of Albany. Many people don’t realise how big the coastal town of Albany truly is until they see it for themselves, and these means there so much to see and do. One of the most popular and iconic Albany locations is The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, and in these wintery months when the ocean is choppy and wild, the views you will get from The Gap lookout are truly unforgettable. The viewing platform is high enough for you to look down (if you aren’t afraid of heights) and watch the waves crash against the rugged and rocky cliff edges.

Another amazing place to visit on a windy Winters day is the Albany Wind Farm. The 12 wind turbines line the coast in a silent, eerily beautiful ever-moving formation as the wind powers through and the turbines spin, so the windier the better! Take a walk along the wooden boardwalk and read the signage to learn more about the turbines, but our major tip is to visit at sunset, it’s one of the best spots in town to catch the sun set into the ocean!