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Big Brook Dam

Home > Western Australia > Day Trips | Escape the City | Outdoor | Walks
by Michelle Ryan (subscribe)
I'm a freelance travel writer, wife, mum 3 grown children, artist and travel the world hiking! Check out my site at https://walkingtwobytwo.com/
Published August 13th 2017
A hidden Gem in the South West
A hidden gem of a place just outside of Pemberton in WA's south west is the Big Brook Dam. I never knew of the dam until I was walking the Bibbulmun Track which it took me to it. Such a find it was that I felt like I found a gem!

dam, Pemberton, southwest, picnic, walks,
looking over the dam


Pemberton is an old saw mill town with great history and attractions surrounding it to see, one of these attractions is the Big Brook Dam which you will find along the Karri Forest Tourist Drive. The dam was built to help supplement the town with extra water back in 1986 and is a great place for families to visit offering lots to do and see.

Pemberton, walk, big brook dam, picnic, southwest
beautiful trees that surround the dam


I saw many families along with their dogs enjoying this place, there is even a sandy beach which is a great swimming spot and a boat ramp to launch your canoe or kayak. I believe you can fish there as well with plenty of trout in the dam. There are many picnic spots with BBQs and toilet facilities so you could make a whole day of it.

Pemberton, southwest, picnic, walks, big brook dam
families enjoying the day


If you feel like exploring around the dam but not wanting to get wet, there is a lovely 4km walk trail that circles it. With many birds and wildlife to see along the walking trail, you will come across bird hides where you can sit quietly and watch. This trail is also pram, bike and wheel chair friendly so it enables all to come and enjoy what it has to offer.

The forest surrounding the dam was in the past was used for logging and then later farming, it was last logged in the 1920's, now it's regenerated, showing you how stunning the karri trees can be. You will also get to discover the Arboretum with trees from Australia and around the world including a 300-year-old Big Karri and Warren River Cedar trees. Here you are also able to stay in your caravan or pitch your tent and camp with toilet and BBQ facilities available.

Pemberton, southwest, picnic, walks, big brook dam
a stroll on the path


I was so excited to find this place that I have since been back two more times to enjoy the peace of its surrounds. You can find plenty of places in the nearby town of Pemberton to stay if you are not wanting to camp and I would recommend visiting any time of the year but autumn and winter are quite magical here.
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When: All Year round
Cost: Free
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