For those less mobile, or for those who prefer to explore by car, we have several scenic drives through the area. The drive from Northcliffe to Windy Harbour is a picturesque 25 minute drive through farmland, Karri forest, Jarrah forest and coastal heath. Turn onto D’Entrecasteaux Drive to explore the accessible lookouts and picnic areas at Salmon Beach and along the cliffs to Tookalup and Pt D’Entrecasteaux. On the return journey you can’t miss the majestic Mt Chudalup rising from the surrounding forests, stop for a short walk to the top or enjoy a picnic at the BBQ hut. The road to Windy Harbour and D’Entrecasteaux Drive are both fully sealed roads, watch for wildlife on the roads.
Northcliffe Forest Park has a short one-way 6km scenic drive through the park on unsealed firebreaks (4WD or AWD is recommended, particularly in the wet season) – start the loop on George Gardner Drive near the Northcliffe Recreation Grounds, follow the road through beautiful old-growth Karri to the Hollow Butt Tree which is a great place for a picnic and a walk. The road then continues along the Gardner River to Muirillup Rd, then through to the Acacia Picnic Spot, followed by a drive through Jarrah forest to Boorara Rd and back to town. Go to Google Maps or ask at the Visitor Centre for a map of the route.
The Great Forest Trees Drive is a beautiful drive through Shannon National Park with plenty of stops along the way to admire the bush, listen to the birds and learn more about the history of the Shannon townsite. The Great Forest Trees Drive is unsealed roads suitable for 2WD vehicles and the Shannon Campground has great picnic and BBQ facilities. The northern loop on the northern side of the South West Hwy is one way only, the easiest way to follow the trail is to head south on Deeside Coast Rd to Snake Gully Boardwalk if you are coming from Northcliffe, or to head north from the Shannon Campground to complete the loop.
Driving between Northcliffe to Pemberton is a beautiful experience through Dombakup Forest and Gloucester National Park and can link with the Karri Forest Explorer Drive, an 86km self-guided scenic drive around the best parts of Pemberton. Start at the Cascades, then follow the trail on to the Gloucester Tree, to Big Brook Dam then through Greater Beedelup NP (unsealed road) to Beedelup Falls, finishing with the Heartbreak Trail and Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree (unsealed road) before returning to Northcliffe.
For a scenic loop day trip drive through local towns, we recommend travelling from Northcliffe to Pemberton, following back roads through to Manjimup to discover the attractions there before returning to Northcliffe via Quinninup. Visit Manjimup’s Heritage Park, State Timber Museum, Powerup Museum, Diamond Tree, One Tree Bridge and King Jarrah along the way while you are there. We also recommend a day trip to explore the giant Tingle forests and waterways of Walpole, visiting Shannon National Park, Mandalay and Coalmine Beach, Fernhook Falls and Mt Frankland along the way.
