The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pemberton.
- a few seconds ago
- 23 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
AKA Frequently Asked Questions
Pemberton Discovery Tours is a family-run business that has been sharing Pemberton’s forests, dunes, coastline and remote national park landscapes with visitors since October 1999.
Over the years, thousands of guests have joined us, including families, couples, seniors, photographers, international travellers and plenty of people who initially told us, “We don’t normally do tours.”
That remains one of our favourite comments because our Beach & Forest Eco Adventure is designed for people who want to experience remarkable places they would not usually reach independently, without having to take their own vehicle through remote 4WD terrain.
This FAQ began many years ago with questions asked by visitors in our original Pemberton Discovery Shop. The shop is now part of our history, but many of the questions remain just as relevant today.
Where does the Beach & Forest Eco Adventure depart from?
Tours depart from outside Crossings Bakery at 6 Brockman Street, Pemberton.
Please look for the Pemberton Discovery Tours vehicle and your guide.
Crossings Bakery is also a convenient place to purchase a coffee or snack before departure.
Its next door to the Mill, free parking is available at the Pemberton Sportsclub Carpark opposite the bakery. Room for caravans, campers and more.
If you need specific directions here is the location: 34.44797'S, 116.02929'E.
Please contact us via phone on 0427760484 or SMS / Whatsapp / Wechat my mobile 0427133335 if you are running late. We usually wait up to 15 minutes before departing so its important to let us know beforehand that you will be late so we can advise other guests to arrive at that time.
Where should we park?
Convenient parking is available near Crossings Bakery.
Free shaded parking is available opposite at the Pemberton Sports Club, with additional parking beside the bakery.
Please avoid leaving your vehicle in the short-term bays directly outside the bakery for the duration of the tour, as these spaces are used by bakery customers throughout the day.
What time should we arrive?
Please arrive approximately five minutes before departure.
The morning Beach & Forest Eco Adventure usually departs at 9am.
Afternoon departures may be available on request, subject to guide, vehicle and group availability.
What time does the tour return?
Morning tours usually return at approximately 1pm.
Return times can vary slightly depending on track conditions, the group and how much everyone is enjoying the experience.
Please let your guide know before departure if you have another commitment or must return by a firm time.
Will we return in time for the 2pm Pemberton Tramway departure?
We aim to return at approximately 1pm, but this is not guaranteed.
Please tell your guide before departure if you have booked the 2pm tram or have another firm commitment. The guide can then make sure we get you there in time.
We recommend allowing some flexibility rather than relying on an exact 1pm return as we never know what magic we will see that day on tour.
Can you collect us from our accommodation?
The standard meeting point is outside Crossings Bakery in Pemberton.
General accommodation pickup is not usually offered because collecting guests from different locations can complicate seating and delay the group.
Guests staying at Pump Hill Farm may be collected at approximately 9.10am by prior arrangement, as the property is on the tour route. This allows guests to enjoy the popular 8.30am animal feeding before joining the tour after the tractor ride.
Hotel accommodation is available for Private tours, just let us know in advance.
What should we bring?
Please bring:
Drinking water
A hat
Sunscreen
Comfortable clothing suited to the weather
Walking shoes or sturdy footwear
A rain jacket during wetter months
Your camera or phone
Any personal medication you may require
A sense of adventure
Weather in Pemberton can change quickly, so layers are useful throughout the year.
What footwear is best?
Walking shoes or sturdy footwear are recommended for the forest and natural surfaces.
Many guests choose to remove their shoes on the dunes, particularly when walking or sliding on soft sand.
Please bring footwear that is comfortable, secure and suitable for uneven ground.
Is drinking water supplied?
Please bring your own drinking water.
We recommend carrying enough for the full duration of the tour, particularly during warmer weather.
Can I charge my phone or camera in the vehicle?
Charging facilities are not generally available.
Please arrive with your phone, camera and other devices fully charged. Guests are welcome to bring their own portable battery pack.
Is there mobile phone reception?
Mobile reception is limited and unreliable along much of the route.
Telstra coverage is occasional, and an SMS may sometimes send when voice calls or mobile data do not work.
Please do not rely on having reception during the tour.
What is included?
The Beach & Forest Eco Adventure includes:
Guided transport in one of our purpose-built 4WD tour vehicles
National park entry
Local guiding and interpretation
A picnic featuring local produce
Visits to forest, dune, coastal heath, beach and river landscapes
A small-group experience
Inclusions may vary slightly for private tours, special departures and customised itineraries.
Are there additional costs during the tour?
There are generally no additional costs during the standard tour.
On some departures, the group may visit the Southern Forests Chocolate Company, where guests can choose to purchase drinks, chocolate or other items at their own expense.
Personal purchases are not included in the tour price.
Is food included?
The morning Beach & Forest Eco Adventure generally includes a picnic featuring fresh home grown fruit, local produce, usually bakery fresh salad rolls with a selection of roast meats or cheese, local pickles, local wine, bannister downs Milk and Southern Roastings 'Brazil' coffee.
Afternoon departures generally include a home made afternoon tea with beverage like the morning tour..
The exact menu may vary according to season, supplier availability and group requirements.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Many dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Please provide details when booking, including allergies and the seriousness of any risk.
We cannot guarantee an allergen-free preparation environment, so guests with severe allergies should contact us directly before booking.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, particularly where there are specific medical, allergy or dietary needs.
Please avoid bringing items that create unnecessary waste or may attract wildlife.
All rubbish must be placed in the vehicle’s designated waste container or taken with you.
Is Pemberton suitable for Muslim, vegetarian or vegan travellers?
Yes. While Pemberton is a small country town, visitors with a range of dietary preferences can eat well during their stay.
You'll find fresh fruit and vegetables at the local IGA, along with a selection of ready-made meals. Local cafés and restaurants also cater for a variety of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and pescetarian options.
Some local favourites include:
Hidden River Estate, specialising in Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine with a local twist.
Veska Spa Resort - delicious belarusian inspired menu and they are small enough to be creative with your meal.
Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton Hotel, Pemberton Sportsclub and Chefingo's Restaurant, offering vegetarian and pescetarian dishes.
Jarrah & Jade, along with Cafe Brasil and Wild at Heart, Triple O, Lofties and Crossings Bakery, which offer vegan and vegetarian choices.
Brockman's Fish & Chips, serving fresh seafood alongside salads.
During the growing season, you'll also discover roadside stalls selling locally grown fruit, vegetables and avocados.
If you're joining one of our tours, please let us know your dietary requirements when booking. We're happy to cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests.
Is there seating or shelter at the picnic stop?
The picnic area at Lake Yeagarup includes an accessible picnic table and an access path.
For most groups, the vehicle parks near the stairs. When a guest requires easier access, the guide can park near the access ramp instead.
This can usually be arranged without changing the experience for the rest of the group.
Please advise us when booking if step-free access or easier vehicle positioning would be helpful.
Where does the tour go?
The usual Beach & Forest Eco Adventure travels through:
Warren National Park
Towering karri forest
Lake Yeagarup
Yeagarup Dunes
Coastal heath
Yeagarup Beach
The mouth of the Warren River
The route may change due to weather, track conditions, fire, park closures or operational requirements.
Why can’t we visit these places in an ordinary vehicle?
Much of the route includes soft sand, remote tracks and terrain suitable only for appropriate 4WD vehicles.
Standard vehicles, most hire cars, motorhomes and buses cannot safely access the full route.
Guests who own a 4WD often still prefer to join us onboard our vehicle so they can relax, enjoy the scenery and avoid risking damage to their own vehicle.
Is this an extreme or rough 4WD tour?
No.
The 4WD is necessary because of the terrain, but the purpose of the tour is to experience the landscape, not to deliberately create a rough ride.
Some sections are naturally bumpy, sandy or uneven. Our guides drive according to the conditions and place passenger safety, comfort, the environment and vehicle care ahead of unnecessary thrills.
How long is the Beach & Forest Eco Adventure route?
The Beach & Forest Eco Adventure is approximately a 70-kilometre round trip over around four hours.
The tour includes multiple stops and an optional forest walk of approximately 600 metres with a gentle incline.
The balance between driving and stopping varies according to conditions and the interests of the group.
Are toilets available during the Beach & Forest Eco Adventure?
Yes.
The first scheduled toilet opportunity is usually at Lake Yeagarup, approximately one hour into the tour.
The group generally returns to this area for the picnic around three hours into the tour, providing another toilet opportunity.
Depending on the route and conditions, the guide may also stop at Yeagarup Hut.
In an urgent situation, please speak to your guide immediately. Basic emergency toileting supplies are carried onboard.
Are toilets available on the Black Point tour?
Yes.
Toilets are available at Lake Jasper approximately two hours into the tour.
Toilets are also available at Black Point, reached around four hours into the tour. The group usually stops there for lunch and spends approximately two hours in the area before beginning the return journey.
How much walking is involved?
Walking is optional and generally limited.
The forest walk is approximately 600 metres and includes a gentle incline.
Guests who prefer not to walk can remain with the vehicle or discuss alternatives with the guide.
There may also be short walks on sand, uneven ground and natural surfaces at other stops.
Please contact us before booking if walking distance, steps, balance or uneven terrain may be a concern.
Is the tour suitable for older guests?
Yes.
Older travellers make up a large proportion of our guests.
One of our favourite memories is of an 86-year-old passenger who told Graeme:
“Don’t worry, I was young once too and I love a bit of excitement.”
That spirit captures many of the people who join us.
The tour reaches landscapes that would otherwise be difficult to access, without requiring long walks or self-driving through remote 4WD terrain.
The tracks can be uneven, and guests need to be able to enter and exit the vehicle safely. Please contact us before booking if mobility, balance, recent surgery or comfort may be a concern. Read more about Accessibility here.
We do not normally join tours. Is this still for us?
Very possibly.
Many of our guests prefer travelling independently and begin by telling us, “We don’t do tours.”
Our groups are small, the pace is relaxed and the route reaches places most visitors cannot access independently.
You are not joining a large coach tour or being rushed from stop to stop. You are travelling with a local guide who can respond to the group, allow time for photographs and adjust the pace where practical.
We have long described ourselves as:
The tour people who “don’t do tours” do.
Are quieter tours available?
Often, yes.
During quieter periods, groups may be smaller and there can be long stretches where the forest, dunes or coastline feel almost entirely your own.
This can suit guests who prefer fewer people, less noise, a slower pace or a calmer experience.
Guests with sensory sensitivities, anxiety around crowds or a preference for lower-stimulation environments are welcome to contact us before booking. We can advise which days, departure times or private-tour options may be most suitable.
A private tour can also provide greater flexibility around pace, conversation, stops, seating and time outside the vehicle.
Is the tour accessible?
We aim to make our experiences as inclusive as possible and assess each guest’s needs individually.
The tour involves vehicle steps, uneven terrain, sand and natural surfaces. Suitability depends on the guest, the vehicle being used and the assistance available.
Please contact us before booking so we can provide accurate information and discuss practical options.
Companion Cards are accepted. Read more about our accessibility here.
Can I bring a walking stick, walker or mobility aid?
Walking sticks, walkers and folding mobility aids can often be carried.
Please let us know when booking, including the size of the item, so we can select a suitable vehicle and allow enough storage space. Read more about our accessibility here.
Can we bring luggage?
We prefer not to carry luggage on the standard tour because the vehicles travel over bumpy and uneven terrain.
Small day bags are usually manageable.
Please contact us before booking if you need to travel with luggage, as the amount and size may determine which vehicle can be used.
Can we bring bulky equipment?
Bulky equipment may be possible by prior arrangement.
Please tell us what you would like to bring when booking, as the size and amount of equipment may affect vehicle selection and available seating.
Are all passenger seats fitted with seatbelts?
Yes.
All passenger seats are fitted with seatbelts, and seatbelts must be worn whenever the vehicle is moving as a condition of travel.
Are the vehicles air-conditioned and heated?
Yes.
Our vehicles are fitted with heating and air-conditioning.
Comfort can still be affected by the weather, door openings at stops and the natural conditions experienced during the tour, so suitable clothing remains important.
Can guests choose their seats?
Guests may request a seat and we will do our best to accommodate preferences.
The guide may occasionally ask guests to change seats during the tour so everyone has an opportunity to enjoy different views and seating positions.
Please advise us in advance if you have a medical, mobility or motion sickness reason for needing a particular seat.
What vehicles do you use?
Our fleet includes purpose-built and modified tour vehicles selected for remote 4WD access and passenger transport. You can read up about our vehicles here.
The vehicle used depends on group size, tour type, availability, access requirements, equipment and conditions.
Seating capacity varies, with small-group vehicles and larger vehicles available for private groups and charters.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes.
Children are very welcome and often love the changing landscapes, 4WD travel and time on the dunes.
Our own children, Cameron, Kieran and Georgia, grew up around the tour and joined us from a young age. That family experience helped shape the way we welcome children today.
Children and adults can walk, run, roll and slide on suitable sections of soft sand under the guide’s direction. Sandboarding with a board is not permitted, but sand sliding without one still provides plenty of fun.
Parents and carers remain responsible for supervising children throughout the tour.
Can infants join the tour?
There is no fixed minimum age, and an approved child restraint can be fitted with advance notice.
However, the tour includes uneven 4WD travel and may not be suitable for every infant.
Parents should consider their baby’s age, head and neck control, comfort and individual needs, and seek medical advice when unsure.
A private tour may provide greater flexibility for families with very young children.
Do children need to travel with an adult?
Yes.
Children and young people must travel with a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult.
Are child seats available?
Yes.
Baby capsules, child seats and booster seats can be provided when arranged in advance.
We can also fit your own approved restraint if preferred.
Please give us advance notice so the vehicle can be prepared before departure.
Do parents need to provide child restraint details?
Please provide each child’s age and any relevant restraint information when booking.
This helps us prepare the correct restraint and vehicle seating before departure.
Can we bring a pram?
A pram is not usually required during the tour, as walking is limited and much of the terrain is unsuitable for prams.
A folding pram may be carried by prior arrangement if vehicle space allows.
Please advise us when booking.
Can children play on the dunes?
Yes, where conditions and park requirements permit.
Children and adults may walk, run, roll or slide on suitable sections of soft sand under the guide’s direction.
The guide will advise where play is appropriate and help protect sensitive areas of the dunes.
Is sandboarding available?
No.
Sandboarding with a board is not offered on our tours and is not permitted in the areas we visit.
Guests can still enjoy sand sliding without a board, including walking, running, rolling or sliding down suitable sections of soft sand. We call this sand sliding or sand rolling - and its fun!
For many families, this provides the fun of playing on the dunes while helping protect the environment.
Can we swim during the tour?
Swimming in the Southern Ocean is not included and is generally not recommended because the coastline is exposed and surf conditions can be dangerous.
The river side near the mouth of the Warren River is usually the safer place for paddling or water play, depending on conditions.
The riverbank can occasionally be undercut or unstable after large waves or changing water levels, so guests must follow the guide’s advice and supervise children closely.
Is the ocean dangerous?
The Southern Ocean coastline can be wild, exposed and unpredictable.
Large or unexpected waves may reach much further up the beach than anticipated.
Guests must remain well back from the surf unless the guide advises otherwise.
Swimming in the ocean is not part of the standard tour.
Will we see wildlife?
Wildlife is present throughout the region, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may see birds, reptiles, kangaroos, emus, insects, marine life or other native animals.
The experience also highlights seasonal wildflowers, fungi, forest ecology and changes across the landscape.
Are photography stops included?
Yes.
The tour includes stops with opportunities to photograph the forest, dunes, coastal heath, river and coastline.
The guide may also make additional stops when wildlife, wildflowers, fungi, unusual weather or other seasonal features are present.
All stops depend on safe parking, track conditions and available time.
Is the tour good for photographers?
Yes.
The route includes towering karri forest, white sand dunes, coastal heath, wildflowers, rivers, rugged coastline and changing weather.
Please bring charged batteries, spare memory and suitable protection for your equipment if rain, sand or sea spray is expected.
Can I fly a drone during the tour?
Drone use is not guaranteed and must be discussed with your guide before departure.
Flights must comply with all park, aviation, safety and privacy requirements.
Drone use must not inconvenience other guests, disturb wildlife or interfere with aircraft, emergency operations, fire activity or park management.
Conditions on the day may prevent drone flying.
Commercial filming or photography may require additional approvals.
Are guests responsible for cameras and valuables?
Yes.
Guests remain responsible for their own phones, cameras, bags and other belongings.
The vehicles do not provide secure storage, although the small group size means belongings usually remain nearby.
Please protect electronic equipment from sand, rain, sea spray and accidental drops.
Can pregnant guests join?
Pregnancy should be considered individually because the tour includes uneven and sometimes bumpy 4WD travel.
Comfort may become more difficult later in pregnancy.
Please speak with your medical practitioner and contact us before booking so we can explain the terrain, vehicle access and expected movement.
What if I have a bad back, recent surgery or a medical concern?
The tour includes uneven and sometimes bumpy 4WD travel, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Years ago, one guest jokingly told us the tour had “pulled his back back in”. It remains a memorable story, but it is certainly not medical advice.
Please seek advice from your medical practitioner where appropriate and contact us before booking so we can explain the vehicle, terrain and expected movement.
What medical information should I tell you?
Please advise us before departure of any medical condition, allergy, recent injury, mobility concern or medication requirement that could affect your safe participation or require assistance during the tour.
This may include:
Severe allergies or anaphylaxis
Asthma
Epilepsy or seizures
Diabetes
Significant heart conditions
Mobility or balance difficulties
Recent surgery or injury
Pregnancy
Serious motion sickness
Guests should carry their own essential medication, including inhalers, adrenaline injectors and emergency action plans.
We do not assess medical fitness and recommend seeking advice from your medical practitioner when unsure.
What if I experience motion sickness?
Some sections of the tour are bumpy or uneven.
Guests who normally use motion sickness medication should follow the advice of their pharmacist or medical practitioner.
Please tell the guide before departure if motion sickness is a concern.
Where possible, the guide may arrange seating and additional stops.
How far are we from medical assistance?
The furthest point on the Beach & Forest Eco Adventure is approximately 35 kilometres from Pemberton.
Because much of the route is off-road, emergency response may take considerably longer than the same distance on sealed roads.
In some circumstances, an ambulance response could take several hours.
Guests with health concerns should consider this remoteness before booking and carry all essential medication.
Do guides carry first aid equipment?
Yes.
All tour vehicles carry first aid equipment, and guides are trained in first aid.
Do guides carry emergency communication equipment?
Guides carry communication equipment for operational and emergency use.
Mobile reception is limited, so guests should not rely on their own phone coverage during the tour.
What happens if I need a toilet urgently?
Please tell your guide immediately.
Scheduled toilet stops are included, but the guide will assist if an urgent need arises between facilities.
Basic emergency toileting supplies are carried onboard.
What happens if it rains?
Tours generally operate in all weather conditions with some of our most memorable adventures during our wet season.
Rain can completely change the forest, dunes, rivers and coastline and often creates excellent photographic conditions.
Locals have long joked that Pemberton rains for nine months of the year and drips off the trees for the remaining three.
Please bring suitable clothing and footwear. Tours may be changed, postponed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
Umbrellas may be available onboard, but a rain jacket is usually more practical.
What happens during very hot, windy or severe weather?
Safety comes first.
Routes, stops or departure times may be changed due to fire danger, high winds, track conditions, park closures or severe weather.
If the tour cannot operate safely, we will contact affected guests and discuss rescheduling, a credit or refund in accordance with the booking conditions.
Can the itinerary change on the day?
Yes. But most often not.
The route may be changed because of weather, track conditions, fire danger, park closures, flooding, maintenance, environmental protection or safety requirements.
Our guides will provide the best available experience within the conditions on the day.
Do tours operate all year?
Tours are available throughout the year, subject to minimum numbers, guide and vehicle availability, weather and park conditions.
Each season offers something different, including wildflowers, fungi, changing river levels, winter weather, summer colours and seasonal wildlife.
We do not operate our usual tours on Christmas Day.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking as early as possible.
Our booking calendar is generally available well in advance, and private tours, school holidays and busy periods may fill early.
Bookings can often be made up to two years ahead.
Do you accept same-day bookings?
Sometimes.
Same-day bookings may be possible when a tour is already operating and seats remain available.
When no tour is scheduled, it can be difficult to arrange a guide and vehicle at short notice because our guides may be committed elsewhere.
Please contact us as early as possible.
What are the minimum numbers?
Minimum numbers apply for safety and operational reasons.
The usual minimum is four paying guests, although this may vary according to the product, vehicle, guide and circumstances.
Solo travellers and couples are welcome to book and may be joined with other guests where availability allows.
When will I know whether minimum numbers have been reached?
Guests will receive an automatic email when the booking status changes or the departure is confirmed.
Please ensure the email address entered when booking is correct and check your junk or spam folder.
What happens if minimum numbers are not reached?
We will usually try to reschedule the booking to another confirmed departure.
On some occasions, local guests who enjoy joining our tours may help complete the group.
If a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, we will discuss the available options in accordance with the booking conditions.
Can I pay on the day?
Payment on the day may be possible by prior arrangement.
Card details are required to secure the booking and protect the reserved seats.
Please do not assume a booking is confirmed until you have received confirmation from us.
What payment methods do you accept?
We can accept card payment, including where payment is completed on the day by prior arrangement.
Please contact us if you need another payment option.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes.
We strongly recommend travel insurance for domestic and international travellers.
Your policy should cover illness, injury, missed departures, transport delays, cancellations, weather disruption and other unexpected circumstances.
Are tips expected?
No.
Tipping is not required in Australia, but it is always appreciated when guests feel their guide has provided an exceptional experience.
Is it better to book directly?
Direct bookings provide the clearest communication with our team and help retain visitor spending within the local region.
We spend approximately 80 per cent of our revenue locally through wages, fuel, produce, maintenance, services and regional suppliers.
When booking through an online travel agent or third party, their separate booking, cancellation and communication conditions may apply.
Can we book a private tour?
Yes.
Private tours and charters are available for couples, families, friends, corporate groups and larger parties.
A private tour may be appropriate when you want:
A customised itinerary
A special occasion
Greater flexibility
A private vehicle
A family experience with an infant or young children
A combination of nature, local produce, food or wine experiences
A departure outside the usual schedule
An interpreter or language support
Please contact us for availability and pricing.
Can we book an afternoon tour?
Afternoon Beach & Forest Eco Adventure departures may be available on request.
These generally operate from approximately 2pm to 6pm and usually include afternoon tea rather than lunch.
Availability depends on guide, vehicle and minimum numbers.
We are only staying one night. Is the tour still worthwhile?
Absolutely.
The half-day format allows visitors to experience a remarkable combination of forest, dunes, coastline, river and national park landscapes while still having time for other Pemberton activities.
It is particularly valuable for guests who want to make the most of a short stay and reach places they could not access in a standard vehicle.
We don’t normally do tours. Is this still for us?
Very possibly.
Many of our guests prefer independent travel and initially hesitate to join a tour.
Our groups are small, the experience is relaxed and the route reaches places most visitors cannot access independently.
You are not joining a large coach tour or being rushed from stop to stop.
You are travelling with a local guide who can explain the landscape, respond to questions and adjust the experience to the group.
Will there be anyone else in the vehicle?
Pemberton Discovery Tours prioritises a premium, small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 13 passengers per guide. To ensure your comfort in our 4WD fleet, we manage a specific suspension-to-weight ratio required for a smooth ride across rugged terrain like the Yeagarup Dunes. This may also be a reason why we need to cancel a tour. Light vehicles may break - and the area we travel to is remote.
On occasion, when a group is very small, a trainee guide or local subject-matter expert may join the tour to provide the necessary 'ballast' for optimal vehicle performance. We are committed to transparency; your guide will introduce any additional personnel at the meeting point and is trained to ensure that your interpretive experience and photographic opportunities remain the absolute priority throughout the journey.
What if English is not our first language?
Guiding is provided in English.
The landscapes are highly visual and are enjoyed by guests from around the world.
Guests are welcome to use translation apps or other AI translation tools during the tour.
Private groups may bring an interpreter by prior arrangement. Please speak with us, as a small adjustment to the interpreter’s rate may sometimes be possible.
Do guides use maps or visual information?
Guides explain the route, landscapes and locations throughout the tour.
Maps or other visual information may be used where helpful.
Guests are also welcome to use translation tools, maps and photography to support their understanding of the experience.
Can we bring alcohol?
We provide local wine on our tours and you are welcome to BYO to enjoy at the beach or lunch stop.
Guests must not consume alcohol in a way that affects safety or the enjoyment of others and alcohol can not be consumed in the tour vehicles.
Can we bring a dog?
Dogs and other pets are generally not permitted in national parks and cannot join the standard tour.
Registered assistance animals should be discussed with us before booking so access requirements and park conditions can be checked.
Are firearms allowed?
No.
Firearms and weapons are not permitted on our tours.
Can we fish during the tour?
Fishing is not included in the standard Beach & Forest Eco Adventure.
It may be possible as part of a specially arranged private experience, subject to time, location, safety, licences and seasonal conditions.
Can guests collect shells, rocks, plants, fungi or sand?
No.
The tour operates within national parks and protected natural areas.
Plants, fungi, shells, rocks, sand and other natural materials must be left where they are.
Guests are welcome to photograph them.
Can guests feed wildlife?
No.
Feeding wildlife can harm animals, change their natural behaviour and attract them to unsafe areas.
Please observe wildlife from a respectful distance and follow your guide’s instructions.
Can guests leave tracks or marked areas?
Guests must follow the guide’s directions and remain within suitable visitor areas.
This helps protect fragile vegetation, dune systems, cultural values and wildlife habitat.
What environmental practices do you follow?
Pemberton Discovery Tours is committed to responsible nature-based tourism and holds ecotourism certification.
Our practices include:
Remaining on approved roads and tracks
Minimising disturbance to wildlife
Avoiding sensitive areas
Carrying rubbish out
Collecting additional litter where practical
Cleaning vehicles after returning to town
Reducing the spread of weeds and plant disease
Supporting local suppliers and regional businesses
Providing environmental interpretation
Following park rules and licence requirements
Further information is available in our environmental policy and eco journey information.
Do you collect rubbish during the tour?
Yes.
We carry all tour rubbish out with us and often collect additional rubbish from the beach or other locations when practical.
What do you do about dieback and weeds?
Vehicles are cleaned after returning to town to reduce the movement of soil, weeds and plant disease.
Guests may be asked to clean or wipe footwear where appropriate.
Our routes avoid known dieback areas where required.
We already own a 4WD. Why join a tour?
A surprising number of our guests own a 4WD.
Many choose to leave it parked and join us because they would rather relax, enjoy the commentary and avoid risking damage to the vehicle they still need to drive home.
A guided tag-along tour may also be available by prior arrangement for guests who want to use their own suitable vehicle while benefiting from local route knowledge and UHF communication.
Do you offer tag-along tours?
Guided tag-along 4WD experiences may be available by prior arrangement.
These are suitable for guests with an appropriate vehicle who would like local guidance, route knowledge and UHF communication.
Vehicle suitability, driver experience, track conditions and group arrangements must be discussed before booking.
Are your guides qualified?
Our guides hold the licences and qualifications required for the vehicles and services they operate.
They undertake first aid, safety, operational and environmental training appropriate to their roles.
Our vehicles are maintained under the relevant passenger transport and operational requirements.
Is national park entry included?
Yes.
National park entry fees associated with the ecotours are included in the tour price.
What if we are late?
Please call or message us as soon as possible on +61 427 133 335.
We will do our best to assist, but tours cannot always be delayed because of other guests, road conditions and the day’s schedule.
What happens if we miss the tour?
Please contact us immediately.
Refunds are not generally available for missed departures, but we may provide documentation for a travel insurance claim where appropriate.
Rescheduling is subject to availability and the booking conditions.
Read our terms and conditions here.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation conditions depend on the tour, notice provided and booking channel.
Minimum numbers apply to all tours for safety and operational reasons.
Tours may be rescheduled or refunded if minimum numbers are not met or conditions make travel unsafe.
Bookings made through an online travel agent or third party may also be subject to that provider’s conditions.
Please check the conditions displayed when booking or contact us if you are unsure.
Can we buy a gift voucher?
Yes.
Gift vouchers can be purchased online by selecting the gift voucher option when booking.
They are suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, staff rewards, client gifts and anyone who would appreciate a reason to plan a Pemberton adventure.
Do you offer Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail transfers?
Yes.
We provide transfers and support for walkers and riders using the Bibbulmun Track, Munda Biddi Trail and local trail network.
These services must be arranged in advance and depend on route, timing, passenger numbers, bicycle capacity and vehicle availability.
Do you offer mountain bike shuttles?
Yes.
Pemberton mountain bike shuttle services are available for the Karri Trails and other approved local routes.
Public sessions, private shuttles and group arrangements may be available depending on demand and scheduling.
Do you offer camping or overnight experiences?
Through WA Wilderness and Yeagarup Hut, we provide selected camping, group and supported wilderness experiences.
These are separate products from the Beach & Forest Eco Adventure and must be booked in advance.
Why choose Pemberton Discovery Tours?
We have operated in this region since 1999 and specialise in helping visitors reach remarkable places beyond the highway.
Our guests value:
Local knowledge
Small groups
Remote access
A relaxed pace
Nature-based experiences
Professional guiding
Strong environmental standards
Local produce
The chance to experience several very different landscapes in one half day
And, after all these years, one of our favourite descriptions remains:
We are the tour for people who “don’t do tours”.
How do you protect my personal information?
We collect only the information reasonably needed to manage enquiries, bookings, payments, guest requirements and communication.
Bookings and payments may be processed through trusted providers such as Rezdy and approved payment services, which handle information under their own privacy and security practices.
Read our privacy policy here.
We do not sell personal information. Please view our full Privacy Policy for details about how information is collected, used, stored, disclosed and corrected, or contact us at info@pembertondiscoverytours.com.au.
Why was this FAQ originally written?
This FAQ began with questions and conversations from visitors in our original Pemberton Discovery Shop.
The shop is now part of our history, but many of those conversations still shape the way we answer questions today.
Some details have changed over the years, including the meeting point, vehicles and booking systems, but the heart of the experience remains the same: helping people reach remarkable places beyond the highway.
Still have a question?
Please contact us.
Phone, SMS or WhatsApp: +61 427 133 335 - or use the chat function on this page.
Online bookings are available through the Pemberton Discovery Tours booking page.
We are happy to help with tour suitability, private bookings, transfers, group arrangements and planning your time in Pemberton.
We've been helping visitors discover Pemberton for over 25 years, so chances are we've been asked your question before!
