Getting High in Nature, Australia’s South West Getting High in Nature, Australia’s South West

Below is a suggested itinerary for a four day self-drive ‘Getting high in nature’ adventure. Optional tours with local commercial tour operators licensed with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are available for those travellers with more time. There’s nothing like viewing the Southern Ocean crashing beneath your feet, spotting bird-life in a tingle forest-canopy 40m in the air, or having 360-degree views across untouched wilderness to make you feel connected to nature.

DAY 1 Drive Perth to Pemberton.

If you’re setting off from Perth, an early-morning start will maximise your trip. An overnight stay at the WA Wilderness Glamping facility in the magnificent Warren National Park means you’ll arrive with nothing to do but relax and enjoy your day. Everything will be set up for you, including your own family or couples tent, bedding and cooking facilities.There are lots of trails in Pemberton, including the Warren Lookout.

Options: Join Pemberton Discovery Tours to experience dense forests, water cascades and the massive Yeagerup Dunes or hop aboard a Donnelly River Cruise and experience the magnificent D’Entrecasteaux National Park from the water.

DAY 2

Visit Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, venture through the Swarbrick Art Trail and other attractions in the Walpole Wilderness. Choose from several walks in the area depending on how much time you have and your fitness level - such as the Mount Frankland Summit Trail.

Options: Cruise the waters of the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets with WOW Wilderness Cruises or explore the majesty of West Cape Howe National Park.

DAY 3

Drive towards Albany via William Bay National Park and onto Torndirrup National Park. Visit The Gap and Natural Bridge and enjoy the exciting new facilities. Visit the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park in the afternoon and return to Albany for the night or stay locally in Mount Barker or Porongurups. Note that to reach the Skywalk (which is actually on Castle Rock) it is a a 4.4km (two hour) relatively steep return walk.  Don't let this put you off though - it's well worth it!

Options: If time permits take a detour to Discovery Bay (near Torndirrup National Park). In Albany a visit to the National Anzac Centre is a must.

DAY 4

Set off on a leisurely drive home via Albany Highway.

Option: Stop off at Kojonup and visit The Kodja Place a fascinating visitor centre that tells the story about country life that will delight and move you including Noongar (Aboriginal) creation stories.