# Tall Timber and the South Coast to Albany

> 4-day road trip of about 370 km (230 mi) with 11 stops, from Pemberton to Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range. About 4 h 02 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/au-wa-southern-forests-albany/

**At a glance:** 4-day road trip of about 370 km (230 mi) with 11 stops, from Pemberton to Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range. About 4 h 02 min of driving in total. From the karri forests of Pemberton to the tingle giants near Walpole, then along the south coast to Albany, its granite coastline and the Stirling Range.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 370 km (230 mi) |
| Driving | 4 h 02 min |
| Suggested days | 4 |
| Stops | 11 |
| Route | Pemberton → Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range |
| States | Western Australia |
| Updated | April 28, 2026 |

## Route description

Pemberton is about 330 km south of Perth, roughly four to five hours' drive, or around three hours from Margaret River. Climb the Gloucester Tree if you are confident with heights, or simply walk around the base of the 53 m karri. The Pemberton Tramway runs through the forest on selected days, so check ahead. Fuel up before leaving town; services thin out in the forests.

Drive about 110 km south to Walpole, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours through karri and jarrah forest. On the way, quiet side roads lead to river and forest walks. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is about 18 km from Walpole, with a steel walkway about 40 m above the ground among red tingle trees. Beware of logging trucks and wildlife on the forest roads.

From Walpole, the South Coast Highway runs about 75 km east to Denmark, and then about 55 km to Albany. A detour to Greens Pool in William Bay National Park gives calm swimming behind granite boulders. Take care in rough seas. Arrive in Albany by late afternoon and book accommodation ahead in school holidays, when the town fills up.

In Albany, drive the loop through Torndirrup National Park to The Gap and the Natural Bridge, and stay on the platforms because freak waves have been fatal. The Albany Historic Whaling Station tells the story of Australia's last whaling station. East of town, Two Peoples Bay has white sand and bird life. With another day, Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Range is about 100 km north and a steep half-day climb.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Pemberton** (Western Australia)
2. **Gloucester Tree** (Pemberton, Western Australia): A 53 m karri used as a fire lookout since 1947; visitors can climb the metal pegs up the trunk at their own risk. The climb is optional and tiring, but the surrounding forest is worth a visit even from the ground.
3. **Pemberton Tramway** (Pemberton, Western Australia): A heritage tram that rattles through karri forest from Pemberton station to the Warren River, passing tall trees, bush and rivers. It is a relaxed way to see the forest without walking far. Check running days in advance.
4. **Walpole** (Western Australia)
5. **Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk** (Walpole, Western Australia): A steel walkway about 40 m above the forest floor in Walpole-Nornalup National Park, among rare red tingle trees found only in this corner of the south-west. A ground-level boardwalk, the Ancient Empire, explores their huge buttressed bases.
6. **Greens Pool, William Bay National Park** (Denmark, Western Australia): A sheltered swimming spot in William Bay National Park, where granite boulders block the Southern Ocean swell and keep the water calm and clear. Nearby Elephant Rocks add rounded boulders and a short walk. Take care in rough seas.
7. **Albany** (Western Australia)
8. **The Gap and Natural Bridge, Torndirrup** (Albany, Western Australia): In Torndirrup National Park, the Southern Ocean pounds a granite chasm called The Gap, beside a natural granite arch. Viewing platforms give safe views, but freak waves have been deadly here, so never leave the platforms.
9. **Albany Historic Whaling Station** (Albany, Western Australia): A former whaling station at Frenchman Bay, the last in Australia, closed in 1978. Now a museum with a restored whale chaser and a frank look at the industry; whales pass offshore in winter and spring.
10. **Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve** (Albany, Western Australia): A coastal nature reserve east of Albany where the noisy scrub-bird, thought extinct, was rediscovered in 1961. Little Beach has white sand and clear water, and walks lead over granite headlands.
11. **Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range** (Albany, Western Australia): At 1,099 m, the highest peak in the Stirling Range and in the south-west. The climb of about 3 km each way takes several hours, and the weather changes fast, with occasional winter snow. Start early and carry water and layers.

## Suggested stages and overnight stops

1. **Day 1: Pemberton → Walpole** (113 km, 1 h 14 min) On the way: Gloucester Tree, Pemberton Tramway.
2. **Day 2: Walpole → Greens Pool, William Bay National Park** (56 km, 0 h 37 min) On the way: Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
3. **Day 3: Greens Pool, William Bay National Park → Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve** (120 km, 1 h 18 min) On the way: Albany, The Gap and Natural Bridge, Torndirrup, Albany Historic Whaling Station.
4. **Day 4: Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve → Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range** (81 km, 0 h 53 min)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Tall Timber and the South Coast to Albany?**
4-day road trip of about 370 km (230 mi) with 11 stops, from Pemberton to Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range. About 4 h 02 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Tall Timber and the South Coast to Albany?**
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 02 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Tall Timber and the South Coast to Albany start and end?**
It starts in Pemberton and ends in Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range.

**Which states does Tall Timber and the South Coast to Albany pass through?**
Western Australia.

**When is the best time for Tall Timber and the South Coast to Albany?**
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)