Activities at Donnelly Lakes
As well as relaxing in your heated spa enjoying your favourite beverage, there are lots of other ways to pass the time at Donnelly Lakes. Maybe you want to explore the main lake in a canoe, discover the abundant bird life, take aim on our archery field, catch a trout or simply wander around the majestic bushlands, there is something on offer for everyone at Donnelly Lakes.
You'll find all of the activities offered at Donnelly Lakes below, plus we've included some of our favourite activities and things to do in and around Pemberton.
"Loved it all - fishing, canoeing relaxing in the spa and all the beautiful birds.
Will be back for sure!"
- Amy and Shane
Explore the lake by canoe
Grab a canoe and explore the main lake. Fish for trout, look for birds in the hidden nooks and crannies, or just sit back and admire the reflections on the water. Each of our chalets has its own canoe (with paddles and life jackets). We recommend watching the misty sunrise from the middle of the lake, just make sure to wear a warm jacket!
Wonder at the amazing birdlife
There's an abundance of bird life here at Donnelly Lakes. No matter the time of year, there is always an amazing array of birds to be seen and heard. From beautiful water birds such herons, Ibis, rare bitterns and several species of ducks, to rosellas, white-tailed and red-tailed black cockatoos, twenty-eight parrots as well as the blue fairy wrens, splendid wrens, white breasted and scarlet robins and golden whistlers. Look out for the magnificent swamp harriers, wedge-tailed eagles and sparrow hawks as well. Over 80 species of birds have been sighted on the property.
Take aim on our Archery Range
At Donnelly Lakes we have our very own Archery Range. If you feel like a challenge, but don't want to break into a sweat, archery is a great way to spend time while staying with us.
Archery sessions are a for a minimum of 2 hours and 2 people and include all equipment as well as a 30 minute instruction and safety lesson. As John is a qualified archery instructor, you'll be having a load of fun and hitting that bullseye in no time! And unlike Robin Hood, you don't have to wear tights!
Sessions cost just $60 per couple and are suitable for guests aged 10 years and over. Please note bookings are essential.
Fly Fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout
Donnelly Lakes is one of the few places in WA where you can actually fish for trout stocked in our private lakes as well as wild trout in the Donnelly River. Our 2 hectare main lake is stocked all year round with plate sized rainbow trout for catch and release or to keep (just $6 each). Our beautiful lower lake is stoked with the elusive brown trout for catch and release only. Bring your own rod or you can hire one from us. We can even arrange for some instruction for you if you are new to the sport.
Although you do not need a licence to fish in the lakes on our property, please note that fishing for wild trout in rivers in the region and public lakes also requires a fishing licence.
Wander along amazing trails
There are a number of magnificent walks for you to enjoy without even leaving the property. Depending on the season, you will be delighted to discover many kinds of birds, animals, wild flowers and plants.
The most popular walk is undoubtedly along the banks of the Donnelly River, which meanders along the property boundary. Look out for Karri Sheoaks, which are unique to the area, as well as a number of ferns and fungi species.
Shadow, the Maremma sheep guard dog will often accompany you on your walk. We do ask that if you walk off the property you make sure Shadow doesn’t follow you as there are fox baits along the public roads and in the State forests and National Parks.
PEMBERTON
As there's so much to see and do in and around Pemberton we highly recommend you drop in to the Pemberton Visitor Centre. There you can find all sorts of information about the region, places to see, scenic drives, where to eat, maps and books plus they have a great range of souveniers to remember your stay by.
Below we have listed some of our favourite things to see and do.
Climb the Gloucester Tree
Climb this magnificent Karri tree to a viewing platform perched 61m above the forest floor. The views from the top have to be seen to be believed! The Gloucester Tree is only 5 minutes from town and is the perfect way to challenge yourself.DONNELLY RIVER CRUISE
Enjoy a relaxed cruise from the Karri to the Coast. Meandering along the 12km section, we will transverse a diverse ecosystem that is only accessible by boat. From the lush Jarrah and Marri forests, through the Paperbark and wetlands, to the limestone cliffs and majestic Southern Ocean.www.donnellyrivercruises.com.au
SAMPLE A LOCAL DROP
Pemberton is renowned for its premium wines, especially Pinot Noir. There are so many to choose from, start at the Pemberton Wine Centre to sample a couple of drops. Not too many though! Try Lost Lake, Silkwood, Salitage, Mountford, Hidden River or Warren Wines just to name a few!YEAGERUP DUNES
The best is off the highway! Come and join us for a ride you will never forget. We'll take you through the towering forests and out onto the Yeagerup Dunes, an inland dune system that is continuing to drift! View the Warren River as it meets the Souther Ocean before heading back in our air conditioned 4WDRIDE A TRAM
All aboard at the Pemberton Railway Station for a return service which meanders thorugh the towering Karri, Marri and Jarrah forests, over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams along one of Australia's most majestic rail lines. Trams run south to the Warren River Bridge.MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
Get you adrenaline pumping at the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park. There's something for everyone, easy trails, a skills loop, the challenging Relentless Blue cross country curcuit, get big air on the jumps course or test yourself on the Cool Runnings trail.Read more here