Chilly Winter Days in Pemberton & Northcliffe

We visited Pemberton over a couple of chilly days in August, staying on a peaceful farm with friends. One morning in particular greeted us with a crisp frost that blanketed the paddocks in white, making everything feel quiet and still. Maple wasn’t quite sure what to make of the resident cows—equal parts curious and cautious, she kept a respectful distance while sneaking the occasional inquisitive glance.

By midday, the frost had given way to sunshine, revealing Pemberton at its colourful best. Golden and russet leaves glowed against the towering karri trees, the air was pleasantly warm, and it was the perfect day to wander, chat, and enjoy good company. We visited several of the locations featured in the film Jasper Jones, checked out the floating saunas and the historic tramway, and finished with a leisurely walk around Big Brook Dam. Maple’s reward for all that exploring was a puppycino from the wonderfully friendly barista at the Wild at Heart cafe.

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We’d never been to Northcliffe before, and on this trip our friends introduced us to a little hidden gem – the Understory Art and Nature Trail.

Hidden within the towering karri forest near Northcliffe, the Understory Art and Nature Trail is a fascinating blend of bush, mystery and imagination. Walking among the giant trees is an experience in itself, with sculptures emerging unexpectedly from the forest, inviting you to pause and look a little closer.

Among the highlights are the haunting burnt figures of the Rising from the Ashes series. They appear to grow from the blackened trunks, reflecting the forest’s long relationship with fire, destruction and regeneration. Equally captivating are the tiny forest folk tucked into nooks and hollows as part of the Layers & Then There’s Layers (Forest Folk) installation.

There are plenty of other thought-provoking works along the trail: a heart suspended high between poles, books embedded in a tree trunk and slowly surrendering to the elements, fingers emerging from the ground and formed from government reports, and the charred female figure resting beside a fallen log. Each piece encourages visitors to stop, reflect, and interpret its meaning in their own way.

The trail is also home to some wonderful but cold quokkas, which only add to the charm of this unique place.

The visitor centre had a wonderful sense of community. Fresh bread sat on the table, popcorn was popping in the kitchen, and volunteers were preparing for a free screening of one of the Blue, White, Red films.

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