Pemberton to Northcliffe — Warren National Forest Karri Giant Circuit via Beedelup Falls Track
80-metre karri giants and creek crossings that demand respect.
The Warren River country between Pemberton and Northcliffe holds some of the tallest hardwood forest on earth — karri trees pushing 80 metres above the muddy forest floor — and the network of unsealed tracks through it is a legitimate overland route rather than a day-drive diversion. The Beedelup Falls track drops off the plateau to the falls themselves before looping south toward the Shannon National Park boundary via FR roads that appear on the DBCA MVUM but are absent from most tourist maps. The key section crosses the Warren River twice on low concrete fords — navigable for most of the year but genuinely deep and fast after winter rains, which run June through August and can make the red clay approaches nearly impassable.
Moderate difficulty in the dry season — high-clearance 4WD with good mud terrain tyres and a centre locker will cover it without drama. In winter it earns a Difficult rating fast, and the clay packs into wheel wells with cement-like efficiency. No permit required for day use; dispersed camping is limited to designated DBCA sites within the Shannon National Park section. Fuel in Pemberton; mobile service drops out completely once you’re south of the Vasse Highway. The karri canopy blocks GPS signal in patches too, so carry a paper DBCA forest map. What you get out of it: the smell of wet karri bark after rain, complete isolation, and the honest feeling of being small.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 41 mi / 66 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 985 ft |
| Best season | September-May |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with mud tyres |
| Nearest town | Pemberton, WA |
| Land manager | WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Warren National Park DBCA Shannon National Park |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Prado or Landcruiser handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a 76 or 200 Series will manage fine in dry conditions, but mud tyres are non-negotiable — the red clay tracks turn genuinely slick after rain. A lift helps at the creek crossings but isn't a hard requirement if your approach and departure angles are factory-decent.
What months should I avoid, and how bad does it get in winter?
June through August brings heavy rainfall to the Warren-Shannon region and the clay tracks can close or become impassable even for capable 4WDs. Stick to September through May; even then, check DBCA track condition reports before you leave because a single wet week can wreck conditions fast.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp in Warren and Shannon National Parks?
A valid WA National Park Pass or daily entry fee applies — purchase through the DBCA Parks and Wildlife website or self-registration at park entry points. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas; no additional camping permit is required, but fire restrictions apply and change seasonally.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect there?
The creek crossings along the Beedelup Falls Track are the sharpest test — steep, eroded clay entries drop into crossings where the bottom isn't always obvious, and the exit lines can be rutted and off-camber. Water depth varies significantly with seasonal flow, so walk every crossing before you commit.
Is there any fuel or water available on route, and what's my last resupply before I'm committed?
Pemberton is your last stop for fuel, food, and potable water — there is nothing on trail. Natural water is available at creek crossings but must be treated before drinking. At 66km with no cell service and no bail-out towns mid-route, leave Pemberton full in every sense of the word.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.