Photo: Aussie Oc at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Tucked into the southwestern corner of Western Australia, Warren National Park is a cathedral of towering karri and marri trees, where dappled sunlight filters through a canopy that soars more than 60 metres high. This is a place of quiet grandeur — the air smells of damp earth and eucalyptus, and the only sounds are birdcalls and the gentle rush of the Warren River. It’s a must for anyone exploring the region’s ancient forests, offering a glimpse into the towering ecosystems that once covered much of the continent.
Highlights & What to See
- Karri Forest Walk: A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that winds through the forest, with interpretive signs explaining the ecology and history of these giant trees.
- Warren River Lookout: A scenic spot where the river bends through a valley of karri, perfect for a picnic and photography.
- Giant Tingle Tree: Just a short drive away, this massive, hollowed-out tingle tree is a living relic — you can step inside its base for a surreal photo.
- Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for red-winged fairy-wrens, western rosellas, and the elusive red-tailed black cockatoo.
- Wildflower Displays: In spring (September–November), the forest floor erupts with orchids, banksias, and kangaroo paws.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the main boardwalk and lookout, but if you’re a keen walker or photographer, budget half a day. Combine it with a stop at the nearby Giant Tingle Tree and a loop through the Pemberton region — it’s an easy half-day detour from Pemberton or Manjimup. For a deeper experience, pack a picnic and linger by the river.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Pemberton: A charming timber town with great cafes, a brewery, and the Gloucester Tree, a fire lookout you can climb for panoramic views.
- Shannon National Park: Home to the 6 km Shannon River Walk, a beautiful trail through old-growth forest.
- D’Entrecasteaux National Park: Wild coastal scenery with dunes, cliffs, and pristine beaches like Windy Harbour.
- Manjimup: Known for its truffle industry and the Diamond Tree Lookout.
- Karri Valley: A scenic lake surrounded by karri forest, with a resort and canoe hire.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Pemberton — JAW at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Shannon National Park — Aussie Oc at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- D'Entrecasteaux National Park — Charles Paul Landon / Edme Quenedey des Ricets / Public domain
- Manjimup — SeanMack / Public domain
- Karri Valley — Boyup / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Gloucester Tree — CC BY-SA 3.0