03 Apr
2017
We all know that the Southern Forests are beautiful. A forest full of majestic Karri trees, a region of fresh produce growers, truffle growers and wineries. But what is there for kids to do in the Southern Forests Region?
- First you stay at a Farm Stay; like us at Diamond Forest Farm Stay. A Daily Animal Feed in the morning where kids can get up close and hand feed our animals (we have over 100 animals) is a great way to start the morning. A games room, playground and lots of open space for them to run around will keep them occupied while you enjoy your morning coffee on the verandah overlooking our dam. Fishing for Rainbow trout or canoeing on our dam is a great afternoon activity.
Spend a fun afternoon canoeing on the dam at Diamond Forest Farm Stay - Take a visit to the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park. A fantastic FREE park with flying foxes, an enormous freestanding slippery slide, climbing ropes, a castle, swings you name it. And for mum and dad a café on the outskirts of the park; or pack a lunch or have a BBQ on the FREE BBQ’s provided.
- Take a swim in Big Brook Dam. A man made beach with clean white sand creates the ideal fresh water swimming spot with free BBQ’s, picnic tables, and a lovely grassed area for a picnic. Take a walk around the dam and see what bird life you can spot.
- Take a drive out to Beedelup Falls. Mum and dad will enjoy the picturesque walk to the top of the falls while the kids will love the swing bridge at the bottom. I’ve never seen a kid walk over that bridge just once!
- Visit the Lavender Berry Farm for their famous pancakes. Who doesn’t love pancakes? Make sure you’re hungry, though, as the servings are generous. Kids can burn off their lunch with a play on the playground while mum and dad enjoy the view over the lake.
- Lunch at one of the wineries or breweries that are kid friendly. Both Jarrah Jacks and Hidden River have a kid’s menu with ample space for running around and playing. Jarrah Jacks is a micro-brewery offering tasting racks while Hidden River is a winery- so something for everyone.
- If you’re visiting in the school holidays check out the frog tours and Kangaroo joey visits that are run through the Pemberton Visitor’s Centre. A must see for kids that like to cuddle a joey or those with an adventurous spirit that like the idea of searching for frogs by torchlight.
- Try the Understory walk at Northcliffe Visitors Centre. A series of art sculptures are scattered throughout the forest and you are given a map to find them. Parents enjoy the art, the kids like the ‘treasure hunt’.
Go for a swim or a forest walk at Big Brook Dam - Take a drive to Windy Harbour for a swim at the beach. A quick stop at one of the lookouts and, at the right time of year, you might even see some whales
- Take a family based tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours. Spend your day guided through the forests and out to Yeagerup Dunes. Go to places you can’t get to without a 4WD .
- Take a ride on the Pemberton Tram. If you would like to go for a walk in the forests but you can’t see your kids doing that perhaps taking a tram ride is the way to go. A lovely ride through the township of Pemberton then into the forests with a stop at the Cascades. A great way to see the forest without having to walk with a tram ride for the kids thrown in.
- Bring along the kids bikes and visit the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park. Given the seal of approval from some of our previous young guests this is a fantastic outdoor activity for the whole family.
There are so many things do here for kids in the Southern Forests; and with a little bit of planning both kids and parents can have a great holiday away with something for everyone.