WA is full of standout camping spots but some of them can get pretty busy. Luckily, Mark Pybus, creator of WA travel blog The Life Of Py, has found a couple in the Warren River National Park that aren’t just surrounded by all kinds of fun adventure potential, they’re also pretty quiet.

Highlights

The Warren River National Park — Pemberton

Located four hours south of Perth, Pemberton is a haven buried deep in the lush karri forests of Western Australia just waiting to be explored. The Warren River National Park is just one of many great parks in the area but offers a range of activities for all outdoorsy types.

Choose Your Basecamp

For those looking to relax by the river and enjoy the water, there are two campsites, Warren Campground and Drafty’s Campground, positioned perfectly along the river, which can both be reached on the Heartbreak Trail, a 4WD track that loops through the park.

 

Tree Climbing And Wild Swimming - The Warren River NP // Pemberton (WA), Mark Pybus, fallen tree, river

Hiking

One of WA’s top trails is located within the park — the 11.5km Warren River Loop Trail. Wandering through the giants of the karri forest is a challenging but rewarding experience.

 

Tree Climbing And Wild Swimming - The Warren River NP // Pemberton (WA), Mark Pybus, fire trail, woods, path, track, bend, corner

Tree Climbing

Thrill seekers can indulge their curiosities with a climb up the 75m Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree to the lookout above.

 

Tree Climbing And Wild Swimming - The Warren River NP // Pemberton (WA), Mark Pybus, boardwalk, forest

Wild Swimming

The Warren River National Park is great for a day visit or to spend a few nights relaxing under the stars and taking a swim in the gentle, flowing river.

 

Tree Climbing And Wild Swimming - The Warren River NP // Pemberton (WA), Mark Pybus, still water, river

Paddling And River Floating

Bring your canoe or inflatable donut and launch from one of the many boardwalks installed along the riverbank, just be careful of the rapids located between the two campsites.

All in all, this is a magical place that is hidden away from some of the more popular camping spots in WA.

 

Tree Climbing And Wild Swimming - The Warren River NP // Pemberton (WA), Mark Pybus, jetty, river, steps

Essential Gear

  • Hiking shoes
  • Camera
  • Water
  • Tent
  • Swimming gear
  • Warm clothes (if camping)

How To Get There

Located 340km from Perth, the Warren River National Park is only 16km from the heart of Pemberton. Access to the park is along gravel roads but is suitable for 2WD cars (no buses or caravans on the Heartbreak Trail).

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Canoeing
  • Bird Watching
  • Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree
  • Photography

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Distance Covered

The Warren River Loop Trail is 11.5km and has a vertical climb of 370m. Smaller walks along the river between the campsites are an option and are very flat but muddy during winter and spring.