Explore Australia

Northcliffe

Karri forest, John Baker / Explore Australia Publishing

Magnificent virgin karri forests surround the township of Northcliffe, 31 kilometres south of Pemberton in the state's South-West. Just a kilometre from the town centre is Northcliffe Forest Park, where you can see purple-crowned lorikeets, scarlet robins and, in spring, a profusion of wildflowers. Not far away is the coastal settlement of Windy Harbour, a popular swimming beach.

Visitor Information

Muirillup Rd; (08) 9776 7203

www.northcliffe.org.au

Nearby national parks

  • Shannon National Park

    Shannon National Park, between Manjimup and Walpole in Western Australia’s southern forest region, encompasses the Shannon River as it...more

  • Mount Frankland National Park

    Mount Frankland, known as Caldyanup to the local Aboriginal people, rises up out of the karri, tingle and jarrah forests north of Walpole....more

  • Walpole-Nornalup National Park

    Walpole–Nornalup National Park, surrounding the town of Walpole on the state’s south coast, is renowned for its forest of rare...more

Nearby towns

  • Pemberton

    Pemberton sits in a quiet valley surrounded by some of the tallest trees in the world and, in spring, brilliant wildflowers. This is the...more

  • Manjimup

    Manjimup is the gateway to the South-West region's tall-timber country. Magnificent karri forests and rich farmlands surround the town....more

  • Walpole

    Walpole is entirely surrounded by national park and is the only place in the South-West where the forest meets the sea. The area is...more

In Town

Pioneer Museum Northcliffe came into existence as a result of the Group Settlement Scheme, a WA government plan to resettle returned WW I soldiers and immigrants by offering them rural land to farm. The scheme was enthusiastically backed by English newspaper magnate Lord Northcliffe (hence the town's name). Unfortunately, by the 1920s, when the scheme began, all the good land in the state had already been settled. The group settlers were left to contend with inhospitable country and with only crosscut saws and axes, they were faced with the daunting task of clearing some of the world's biggest trees from their land. It is not surprising that by the mid-1930s all of the Group Settlement projects in the South-West timber country had failed. A visit to the Pioneer Museum with its excellent displays is the best way to understand the hardships the group settlers experienced. Open 10am–2pm daily Sept–May, 10am–2pm Sat, Sun and school holidays June–Aug; Wheatley Coast Rd; (08) 9775 1022. Canoe and mountain-bike hire: contact visitor centre for details.

Nearby

Northcliffe Forest Park: follow the Hollow Butt Karri and Twin Karri walking trails or enjoy a picnic; Wheatley Coast Rd. Warren River: trout fishing and sandy beaches; 8 km N. Mt Chudalup: spectacular views of the surrounding D'Entrecasteaux National Park and coastline from the summit of this giant granite outcrop; 10 km S. Moon's Crossing: delightful picnic spot; 13 km NW. Lane Poole Falls and Boorara Tree: 3 km walking trail leads to the falls, passing the Boorara Tree with 50 m high fire-lookout cabin; 18 km SE. Point D'Entrecasteaux: limestone cliffs, popular with rock climbers, rise 150 m above the sea where 4 viewing platforms provide superb views; 27 km S. Windy Harbour: swimming, snorkelling, fishing, camping and whale-watching (from platform, best times Sept–Nov); 27 km S. Cathedral Rocks: watch seals and dolphins; 27 km S. Salmon Beach: surf beach offers salmon fishing Apr–June; 27 km S. The Great Forest Trees Drive: 48 km self-guide scenic drive takes in the karri giants at Snake Gully Lookout, the Boardwalk and Big Tree Grove; contact visitor centre for map. Bibbulmun Track: section of this long-distance walking trail links the 3 national parks around Northcliffe: D'Entrecasteaux (5 km S), Warren (20 km NW) and Shannon (30 km E); see Albany. Mountain-bike trails: 4 permanent trails have been established around Northcliffe; contact visitor centre for details.

Fishing spots near town

Dunsborough 147 km

Dunsborough is about three hours’ drive south of Perth, and offers beach, rock and boat fishing. Local fishing store operator Damien Lane says the rock ledges produce salmon in autumn and winter, Samson fish,... Find out more


Albany 173 km

Albany, about five hours’ drive south of Perth, is most famous for being the home of the last Australian whaling station. But talk to tackle store owner Jim Allen and you soon realise there is more to Albany than... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Four-wheel-drive tours around Pemberton and Albany 22 km

Pemberton Discovery Tours is a carbon-neutral business that runs 4WD and tag-along tours through the great karri forests, along beaches and through dune systems, with a particular focus on environmental impact. There are... Find out more


Walking the Cape to Cape Track 95 km

One of Western Australia’s brilliant longdistance walks, the Cape to Cape Walk covers 135 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, going through coastal heath, wildflowers, jarrah–marri forest... Find out more


Caving - Southern Western Australia 102 km

Six limestone caves in the Capes region are open to the public and there are self-guided and adventure-caving options. Jewel Cave is the largest of Western Australia’s tourist caves and has beautiful formations... Find out more


Cycling tours 119 km

Denmark Bike Adventures hires bikes and recommends a couple of cycling tours, including a hike–bike combination in which you can walk a section of the Bibbulmun Track (see Hiking below), then hop on a bike to cycle... Find out more


Cycle tour - Margaret River 122 km

You can explore this scenic region at your own pace, including wineries, karri forests, caves and beaches on a bike. Dirty Detours hires bikes in Margaret River and runs a one-day, off-road Sip and Cycle tour, while... Find out more


Margaret River canoe tour 123 km

Bushtucker River and Winery Tours will take you canoeing down the quiet Margaret River, with opportunities to see kangaroos, bushtucker- bearing plants and heritage sites on a guided four-hour excursion. There is time... Find out more


Snorkelling around Busselton and Augusta 130 km

The marine life growing off and feeding near the historic 1841-metre Busselton Jetty makes it one of the easiest and best snorkelling and dive sites in Western Australia. The Underwater Observatory (see entry below) at... Find out more


Wildflower tour - Mount Barker 142 km

The Banksia Farm at Mount Barker has the world’s only arboretum of all 77 banksia species and nearly all the dryandras as well. Join a tour around the farm to hear fascinating yarns about how banksias were used in... Find out more


Wardan Aboriginal Centre 149 km

The cultural centre for the Wardandi people, this rammed-earth building in Yallingup has Aboriginal art displays, guided tours, toolmaking and spear-throwing workshops and dance demonstrations.... Find out more


Dolphin Discovery Centre 152 km

This non-profit organisation is committed to education, conservation and research about dolphins, but also provides extraordinary opportunities to interact with these creatures. About 90 wild bottlenose dolphins live in... Find out more


Golf courses around town

The Cut Golf Club 229 km

There was a time not long ago when golfers could be forgiven for thinking there was little chance of any new links courses being built on the Australian coastline. That was before the post-2000 building boom kicked in... Find out more


Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club 239 km

Nearly eight years after American designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr oversaw the final stages of construction on his acclaimed Joondalup layout, he found himself back on the WA coast. This time it was to sign off on... Find out more


Secret Harbour Golf Links 249 km

Towering sand dunes covered with thick coastal scrub were the sight that greeted Graham Marsh, former player turned course designer, when he took his first look at the proposed Secret Harbour Golf Links in the early... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

The Dairy Lounge Cafe

Set amongst the rolling hills of the working dairy Bannister Downs Farm, The Dairy Lounge Cafe’s sumptuous morning and afternoon teas include homemade pies and cakes. The Top Paddock Platter served with a warm... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Cowaramup Brewing Company 127 km

This family-owned microbrewery, based in the Margaret River wine-producing belt, first fired up in December 2006. Cowaramup can be tricky to pronounce for some visitors (correctly: Ca-rara-mup) and the locals often refer... Find out more


Bootleg Brewery 138 km

Established in 1994 in the Margaret River wine region, this long-running craft brewery bills itself as ‘an oasis of beer in a desert of wine’. The metaphor never quite rang true and even less so in recent... Find out more


Campsites around town

Schafer campsite 10 km

Schafer campsite is 21.1 km from Warren.... Find out more


Gardner campsite 11 km

Gardner campsite is 29.1 km from Schafer.... Find out more


Warren campsite 14 km

Warren campsite is 45.4 km from Beedelup.... Find out more


Moons Crossing camping and picnic area 15 km

This small, peaceful camping site is in the forest beside Warren River, which offers marroning and fishing opportunities. Come equipped with firewood and drinking water. To get here, take Moons Crossing Rd, off Spring... Find out more


Warren River campsites 21 km

There are 2 small, secluded campsites in the forest near the river. Leave the Vasse Hwy at Old Vasse Rd, around 12 km south-west of Pemberton, or take Heartbreak Trail off Old Vasse Rd, 4.3 km east of the Vasse Hwy.... Find out more


Lake Maringup campsite 23 km

Lake Maringup campsite is 15.9 km from Gardner.... Find out more


Mouth of Gardner camping area (bush camping) 23 km

This bush camping area is set behind dunes next to the Gardner River. It has basic facilities in an area where fishing, swimming and canoeing are popular activities. The access track from Windy Harbour Rd is very sandy... Find out more


Windy Harbour camping area 24 km

Windy Harbour camping area is 27 km south of Northcliffe, accessed from Windy Harbour Rd. It has a good range of facilities in a pleasant natural setting at this popular surfing and fishing spot.... Find out more


Yeagarup Lake camping area 25 km

On Ritter Rd, 20 km south-west of Pemberton via the Vasse Hwy, Yeagarup Lake offers basic facilities in a coastal scrub setting near the lake. Cross the dunes to the beach for fishing, swimming and other sandy... Find out more


Leaning Marri camping area 26 km

Leaning Marri is set among the dunes 2 km south of Yeagarup Lake, 22 km south-west of Pemberton via Ritter Rd and the Vasse Hwy. The camping area has a good range of facilities, including a camping hut for large groups... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Pemberton Caravan Park 23 km

This is a spacious place with lots of shade and trees, just 1 km from the town centre. The budget-priced park has basic amenities, and a natural-style pool right next door. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more


Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park 38 km

Closed during July and August, this park is in a rural setting just 8 km from Manjimup along a sealed road. Fonty’s Pool is a spring-fed swimming hole, with a rich history dating back to 1925. Bookings are required... Find out more


Rest Point Holiday Village 67 km

This is an ideal holiday park in an informal setting, located on the water’s edge just 5 km from the town. The park has newly developed sites and amenities. Bookings are required from December to April.... Find out more


Coalmine Beach Holiday Park 69 km

This is a large tourist park, situated near an inlet, with good amenities and a range of facilities. The Valley of the Giants is nearby, as are some good fishing spots. Bookings are required in peak periods and... Find out more


Turner Caravan Park 95 km

This is a large waterfront park in the heart of town, with wide sprawling lawns. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Hamelin Bay Holiday Park 110 km

This is a national park camping ground with great facilities for caravans and motorhomes.It is right alongside the beach and has a kiosk that sells basic necessities. There is a minimum-stay period.... Find out more


Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park 120 km

This popular park is located right on the water, a short 1-km walk from the town. This is a basic holiday park at a competitive price. The boat ramp adjoins the park. Bookings are required in peak times and a... Find out more


Margaret River Tourist Park 122 km

Located 1 km from the centre of town, this park is a convenient base to explore the popular Margaret River holiday region. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Taunton Farm Holiday Park 130 km

We think this is possibly the best base for exploring the wonderful Margaret River region and its many wineries. It is a quality park in a great farm setting and we always enjoy our stays here. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Beachlands Holiday Park 132 km

This is a good quality park in the very popular holiday town of Busselton. Sites are at a premium here in holiday periods, when the price of powered sites soars over $60 per night. Bookings are required at peak times and... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bibbulmun Break Motel

A popular rest spot for trekkers of the Bibbulman Track, which is only 100 metres away, the Bibbulum Break Motel has four rooms with ensuites. Close to the unspoilt coastline and national parks, guests will enjoy this... Find out more


Northcliffe Hotel

The Northcliffe Hotel has comfortable hotel rooms with all the standard modern conveniences required for a stopover. Included in the complex is a bar and a restaurant serving hearty counter meals.... Find out more


Riverway Chalets

Accommodating two to six people, the four Riverway Chalets have a range of sleeping arrangements and the rammed-earth chalets are fully self-contained. Situated 7 kilometres from town and nestled in the forest, you can... Find out more


Watermark Kilns

The heritage-listed Watermark Kilns are 1950s tobacco kilns converted into accommodation. They have retained much of their character, including the gabled roof which has flaps that can be opened and closed to regulate... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Watermark Kilns 10 km

For something completely different, stay in one of two ex-tobacco kilns, converted into comfortable, low-key accommodation. The double kiln (suitable for large families or bigger groups) has recycled timbers, water is... Find out more


Burnside Bungalows 127 km

At Margaret River you can stay on this certified organic and biodynamic farm that produces mulberries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, avocados and olives. The accommodation is in cottages made with rammed earth and... Find out more


Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat 132 km

Set in a 40-hectare conservation reserve protected from feral predators, with woylies, bandicoots and other animals roaming around, the self-contained chalets here have everything you could want, including local... Find out more


Yallingup Strawbale Retreat 144 km

The two retreats here have walls built of straw. You can collect eggs for your breakfast, or see what is in season in the orchard.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Shannon Camp Area 27 km

52 km S of Manjimup (R) or 66 km N of Walpole (L) Very nice campground located well off the highway in a secluded forest setting in Shannon National Park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 35.725 E116 24.642 ... Find out more


Shannon Park Area 27 km

52 km S of Manjimup (L) or 66 km N of Walpole (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 35.479 E116 24.686... Find out more


Diamond Tree Lookout Park Area 35 km

10 km S of Manjimup (R) or 108 km N of Walpole (L) Small area just off the highway in the forest. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 19.195 E116 07.227... Find out more


Lake Muir Park Area 53 km

102 km W of Mount Barker (L) or 59 km E of Manjimup (R) Small area just off the highway at the observatory. Limited shade. GPS: S34 26.466 E116 38.907... Find out more


Walpole Park Area 67 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the information centre. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 58.548 E116 43.864  ... Find out more


Willow Springs Camp Area 68 km

T/O 24 km W of Bridgetown (L) or 21 km E of Nannup (R) Secluded area located 5 kilometres south of the highway in the forest. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 02.745 E115 55.553... Find out more


Jarrah Park Rest Area 68 km

21 km W of Bridgetown (R) or 24 km E of Nannup (L) Very small area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S34 01.843 E115 59.137  ... Find out more


Karri Gully Rest Area 71 km

26 km W of Bridgetown (R) or 19 km E of Nannup (L) Very small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S34 00.445 E115 56.446... Find out more


Frankland River Rest Area 74 km

77 km W of Mount Barker (R) or 84 km E of Manjimup (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 28.625 E116 54.05... Find out more


Bridgetown Park Area 74 km

South end of town Large area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 58.197 E116 08.041 ... Find out more


Canebrake Rest Area 77 km

34 km W of Nannup (R) or 41 km E of Karridale (L) Small area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 09.348 E115 31.116... Find out more


Rocky Gully Park Area 83 km

67 km W of Mount Barker (R) or 94 km E of Manjimup (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 30.570 E117 00.766... Find out more


Workers Pool Camp Area 85 km

T/O 2 km N of Nannup Small camp area located 8 kilometres west of Vasse Highway via Mowen Road. Good shade. GPS: S33 57.244 E115 41.280  ... Find out more


Barrabup Pool Camp Area 86 km

T/O 2 km N of Nannup Small camp area located 8 kilometres west of Vasse Highway via Mowen Road. Good shade. GPS: S33 56.666 E115 41.590... Find out more


Greenbushes Rest Area 89 km

9 km S of Balingup (R) or 17 km N of Bridgetown (L) Large grassed area just off the highway at the junction with the road into Greenbushes. GPS: S33 50.215 E116 03.023... Find out more


Sue's Bridge Camp Area 91 km

T/O 45 km W of Nannup (R) or 30 km E of Karridale (L) Secluded campground located in the forest 9 kilometres north of the highway via Sue’s Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 04.638 E115 23.293  ... Find out more


Alexandra Bridge Camp Area 101 km

T/O 64 km W of Nannup (R) or 11 km E of Karridale (L) Large camping area 2 kilometres north-west of the highway via Clarke Drive on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S34 09.808 E115 11.046... Find out more


Chapman Pool Camp Area 103 km

T/O 64 km W of Nannup (R) or 11 km E of Karridale (L) Secluded camp area located in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres north of the highway via Warner Glen Road. GPS: S34 05.329 E115 12.722  ... Find out more


Parry Beach Camp Area 105 km

T/O 43 km E of Walpole (R) or 23 km W of Denmark (L) Small secluded campground located 6 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore among dense coastal vegetation. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 02.375... Find out more


McLeod Creek Rest Area 108 km

23 km N of Augusta (L) or 20 km S of Margaret River (R) Secluded area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GSP: S34 07.619 E115 06.843... Find out more


Greens Pool Park Area 111 km

T/O 52 km E of Walpole (R) or 14 km W of Denmark (L) Foreshore parking area located 4 kilometres south of the highway. GPS: S35 01.376 E117 14.133  ... Find out more


Ironstone Gully Camp Area 115 km

T/O at Donnybrook Small secluded camp area located just off Capel Road, 18 kilometres south-west of Donnybrook. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 39.097 E115 42.296... Find out more


Denmark Park Area 119 km

East side of town Parking area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S34 57.610 E117 21.388  ... Find out more


Conto Camp Area 119 km

T/O 14 km N of Augusta (L) or 29 km S of Margaret River (R) Whistlers Way camp site is located 6 kilometres west of the highway via Bushby Road, Caves Road and Conto Road in a secluded bushland setting near the coast... Find out more


Tunney Road Rest Area 128 km

38 km SE of Kojonup (L) or 65 km NW of Mount Barker (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 06.750 E117 21.998... Find out more


Sturdee Road Rest Area 136 km

11 km SE of Kojonup (R) or 92 km N of Mount Barker (L) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 32.120 E117 36.106  ... Find out more


Boscabel Road Rest Area 141 km

75 km SE of Williams (L) or 19 km NW of Kojonup (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 39.510 E117 05.776... Find out more


Bunbury South Rest Area 147 km

42 km NW of Margaret River (L) or 57 km SE of Bunbury (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 22.261 E115 38.779... Find out more


Martup Pool Rest Area 150 km

62 km SE of Williams (L) or 32 km NW of Kojonup (R) Large area well off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 32.782 E117 05.091... Find out more


What's on around town

Great Karri Ride: Mar.

Mountain Bike Championship: May/June.

Night-time Mountain Bike Race: Nov.

comments powered by Disqus