There is something magical about forests. I’m not sure whether it is the filtered light, the complex ecosystem, the size and grandeur of the trees (that demand your respect) or just because I loved The Magic Faraway Tree as a kid. Either way, when you arrive in the Southern Forest region of WA, you immediately sense its magic and mystique.
This weekend, Miss Denmark and I headed away on a forest adventure. Driving towards Pemberton from Busselton, there is a noticeable change in vegetation. Starting as coastal scrub, gradually the trees get bigger, and bigger, until the trees get giant. It never fails to put a smile on my face when we take overseas travellers on this route. Most are amazed, assuming Australia is a barren desert, instead finding it blooming with all kinds of green vegetation. Today was no different.
As we drew closer to Pemberton, Miss Denmark began googling the tallest tree in Denmark (the country not WA town!) versus how tall the Karri trees are here. Sometimes growing up to 80m and living for 300 years, she was suitably impressed.
Our first stop is always a crowd favourite. Built in 1987, the Pemberton Tramway operates purely for tourism. Rambling down 5km of the old forestry train line, the tram rattles along while its drivers educate and entertain introducing you to the trees of the south and the history of the forestry industry. The Karri trees tower above as you go deeper and deeper into the mysterious forest. Disembarking at Cascades, passengers have 25 minutes to explore.
Having done this trip a number of times, I was quick to guide Miss Denmark away from the crowd to the left hand track, and over Lefroy Brook to the other side of Cascades. Here we had a great vantage point over the rapids and were able to wander along the path to the two hugging trees.
When the horn sounded, we had 5 minutes to scramble back to the tram before heading back into Pemberton. From here we headed to the famous Gloucester Tree. The tree has just reopened after conservation and safety upgrades. I was aware of this and was glad Miss Denmark would have the opportunity to climb the giant.
When we arrived I was surprised to see Aerial Adventure, a new climbing and zip line park at the foot of the tree. A great idea for but not my thing and Miss Denmark would have preferred a friend to share it with so we opted not to join. But, she did climb the 37m to the lookout near the top of the Gloucester tree. She told me later she was scared but didn’t want to be our only exchange student that didn’t do it!!! Pressure…
We finished the day with a lovely tapas meal at the Treehouse Tapas and Wine bar. An unusual town to find tapas, but this restaurant has been here for years and we have loved it in the past. Tonight did not disappoint. Favourite dish was unanimous….
‘Pan fried fish Pintxos’
Yum!
TTB
