Social Script: Visiting Pemberton Discovery Tours

This is a Social Script Guide for Pemberton Discovery Tours, written to support parents, carers, and visitors with sensory sensitivities (e.g., autism, anxiety, sensory processing differences). It describes what guests might see, hear, smell, and feel during a tour, with clear expectations to help prepare in advance:

Welcome!

Pemberton Discovery Tours offers eco-adventure tours through the tall Karri forests, shifting Yeagarup Dunes, and the wild Southern Ocean coastline in Western Australia. This guide will help you understand what to expect on your visit.

Getting Ready for the Tour

• You’ll meet your guide at the Pemberton Discovery Tours departure point or your accommodation (if pre-arranged).

• Tours are conducted in comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles.

• There may be up to 13 guests per vehicle.

What You Might See

• Tall Karri trees towering high above the road.

• Sand dunes—bright white and ever-shifting with the wind.

• A rugged coastline and the mouth of the Warren River meeting the Southern Ocean.

• Wildflowers, fungi, or wildlife such as birds, kangaroos, or emus (depending on the season).

• Some tour stops require stepping out of the vehicle to walk on sand or forest paths (always optional).

What You Might Hear

• The sound of the 4WD vehicle engine (especially when climbing dunes).

• Birdsong, wind in the trees, or ocean waves crashing.

• Your guide speaking over the vehicle microphone or to the group at stops.

• Other guests talking or laughing—though the atmosphere is generally relaxed and respectful

What You Might Smell

• Forest scents – fresh leaves, earth, and eucalyptus.

• On windy days, you may catch salt air from the ocean.

• In spring, wildflowers and flowering trees may create noticeable floral scents.

• Occasionally, the vehicle might have a mild dusty or diesel smell after dune driving.

What You Might Feel

• The vibration of the vehicle on forest tracks and sand dunes (this can be bumpy but fun).

• The warmth of the sun, especially during summer.

• A cool sea breeze near the coast.

• Sand underfoot if walking on the dunes.

Food & Toilets

• Some tours include morning tea or lunch—please advise of dietary needs in advance.

• There are limited toilet stops on tour due to the remote locations—let the guide know if you need a break.

Tips to Prepare

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.

• Wear closed shoes for walking on forest paths or dunes.

• If your child uses noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, or sensory tools, feel free to bring them.

• Let your guide know in advance if you’d like quieter seating or additional support.

Our Team

Our guides are experienced, patient, and passionate about nature. If you or your child feel overwhelmed at any point, please let the guide know—we’re here to help make your experience enjoyable.