Fungi in our forests with special guest guide Peter!

When most people think of visiting Pemberton, they picture towering karri forests, misty mornings, wild beaches and fresh country air.

But after the winter rains, something else quietly emerges beneath the forest canopy — an extraordinary hidden world many people walk straight past.

Bright reds. Golden yellows. Tiny delicate forms pushing through moss and leaf litter. Strange textures clinging to fallen logs. Vast underground fungal networks silently supporting the entire forest ecosystem.

This winter, Pemberton Discovery Tours is inviting guests to slow down and truly notice the forest with a special seasonal fungi experience led by local fungi expert Peter Doneker.

A Forest Experience Unlike Any Other

This is not simply a mushroom walk.

It is an immersive journey into one of nature’s most fascinating and least understood worlds.

Guests will explore the forests surrounding Pemberton while learning about:

• the role fungi play in forest health

• mycelium networks beneath the soil

• native species found in Western Australia

• the connection between fungi, rainfall and forest ecology

• edible, poisonous and unusual species

• photography opportunities in the winter forest

Every tour is different. Fungi appearances change constantly depending on rainfall, temperature and seasonal conditions.

That means no two walks are ever quite the same.

Meet Peter Doneker

Peter Doneker has spent years studying and photographing fungi across Western Australia.

He is the author of Tall Trees and Mushrooms and is well known through the WA Fungi and Australian Wild Mushroom Hunters communities. His passion for the natural world is infectious, blending science, storytelling and curiosity in a way that makes people see the forest differently.

Whether you are a keen photographer, nature lover, gardener, bushwalker or simply curious about the hidden life of the forest, Peter’s knowledge brings an entirely new perspective to the experience.

Why Winter is One of the Best Times to Visit Pemberton

Winter transforms the Southern Forests.

The cooler months bring:

• mist drifting through the karri trees

• rich green moss covering fallen logs

• flowing creeks and fresh forest scents

• vibrant fungi emerging throughout the landscape

• peaceful walking conditions without summer heat

It is one of the most atmospheric times of year to explore the region.

For photographers especially, winter offers incredible opportunities for macro photography, moody forest scenes and unique natural textures rarely seen during the drier months.

More Than Just a Walk

The fungi experience is designed to feel relaxed, immersive and personal.

Depending on conditions and the day’s discoveries, the experience may include:

• guided forest walk

• interpretive discussions

• visits to different habitats

• afternoon tea

• optional campfire BBQ

• optional overnight camping at Jasper’s Tree Campground

It is a chance to disconnect from busy routines and reconnect with nature in a slower, more meaningful way.

Limited Seasonal Departures

Because fungi are highly seasonal, these experiences are only offered during the cooler months and numbers are limited.

If you have ever wanted to experience the forests in a completely different way, this is your opportunity to discover the hidden world beneath your feet.

Upcoming Dates - bookings are online through our booking website here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Images - Peter Donecker (and some supplied from Pemberton Discovery Tours).