{"id":31429,"date":"2023-03-27T23:57:41","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T12:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=31429"},"modified":"2023-03-27T23:57:41","modified_gmt":"2023-03-27T12:57:41","slug":"pemberton-western-australia-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=31429","title":{"rendered":"Pemberton, Western Australia 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Date: 25-26th March 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelled: 130 kms from Walpole to Pemberton in Western Australia   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visited:  Pemberton and The Gloucester Tree  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stayed: Pemberton CP, $40 pn, S34.44574, E116.02807  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget: days @ $ per day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We try for an early walk at Coal Miner\u2019s Beach between the showers. About a kilometre from the CP the rain starts in earnest, luckily we spot a NP information refuge. Calling the walk quits we scurry back to the Jayco and get ready to hit the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The first 100+ kms of the drive west to Pemberton is through NP, inspiring for a while but you can take in only so much forest. The stop go to pass through this Bailey Bridge the only excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once we turn from the South Western Hwy onto the Vasse Hwy the landscape suddenly changes. Signs to wineries, cellar sales and acres of avocado pass by. There are some beautiful homes and some magnificently sculptured dams and gardens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We roll into Pemberton<\/a> fill with fuel and drive on into the centre of the village and the IGA. The village has a population of around 800 people but you get the feel tourism is the main employer. The shopping strip is all eateries and boutique this and that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst the timber mill and logging were the traditional employers, the town now has a strong focus on eco tourism and mountain bike cycling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once we\u2019ve settled in we go for a walk around the village for a leg stretch and book a table at the club for dinner. Its seems a big weekend in Pemberton, the CP is almost full of mountain bike enthusiast as there\u2019s some event on this weekend. The nicest house and garden we found is pictured below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Watching parrots out the window I go outside to take a picture only to find myself a human parrot perch. I little surprised by my new best friend I look down to find I cannot take a step without treading on a duck. With the thought of duck poo embedded in the soles of my Birkenstocks I retreat to the safety of the Jayco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After breakfast we start the 4 km walk to the Gloucester Tree. As the lady in the tourist office indicated the first km or so is up hill, but it\u2019s an easy level walk from there. She wasn\u2019t joking it\u2019s a steep walk but after Bluff Knoll last week, a walk in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Realising the Gloucester Tree was on our route, I just had to return. In 1975 whilst touring WA in a VW Combi with Graham, Rod and Chris we stumbled upon the Gloucester Tree and did the nerve racking climb to the top, no doubt assisted by a lack of common sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway here I am 48 years later, doing it once again. For me I found it physically challenging more than a fear of heights or falling. My working career left me reasonably confident in how to climb a ladder but I\u2019m not as young as I used to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Gloucester Tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Yes you climb up a ladder of spikes driven into the tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Pam chats away with some random woman about the best ladies wear shop in town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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That\u2019s it 53 metres up to the viewing platform.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Made it back in one piece.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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