We started the day by driving 15 mins up the road from our accomodation to visit the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. This Karri tree is 75 m tall and was pegged for climbing to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary in 1988. You reach the top by climbing 165 metal spikes with a few platforms in between.
It became a tourist attraction after the original Gloucester Tree (a fire look out for many years with pegs for climbing which then became a tourist attraction) was damaged due to people walking over its shallow root system. You can still visit the Gloucester tree though, just no climbing. We had been planning a tree visit yesterday but it was 35C which is quite warm for the southwest region so instead we stayed around Augusta and did extra touristy things there. When we arrived today, it was only 20C which was perfect climbing weather but in the end, we took some nice photos and neither of us climbed it. Too high!
After leaving the tree, we drove to The Cascades and did the 1.2km walking trail. There were some steep inclines and descents so even though this is short, it was challenging in some parts.
After The Cascades, we drove to the Lavender and Berry Farm on the other side of Pemberton where B reckons he ate the best berry pancakes he’s ever had. The scone was also delicious!
From there, we drove to Big Brook Dam and then our to Mountford Winery & Tangletoe Cidery. Their tasting was really good with choices, paddles and little snacks to help you with the process. Plus a very well behaved cellar door dog who wanted all the pats.
We arrived back at our accomodation around 2:30pm and enjoyed a spa, some of the wine from Mountford and the view from our deck.
Home tomorrow! It’s a 4hr drive from here as we are heading back towards Karridale to collect the rest of our holiday group before heading up to Perth.
Mel's Travel Blog 