Warren Beach Dunes

The town of Pemberton and surrounding areas has become a popular tourist destination in recent years and there are many attractions for people of all interests including four wheel drive owners. This trek, which starts in Pemberton, takes you through the Brockman, D'Entrecasteaux and Warren National Parks and provides spectacular scenery ranging from towering karri forests to endless sand dunes reminiscent of the Sahara.

The Karri forests, unique to the lower southwest, contain trees with heights in excess of 80 metres and harbour a wealth of birdlife and flowering plants. Along the course of the trek Callcup hill, a 240-metre high sand dune, gives extensive views of Warren Beach with its continual precession of waves. Warren Beach is a popular fishing spot with tailor, mulloway, salmon, herring and silver bream being the most commonly caught species.

After crossing the Warren River mouth the trek takes you up onto the Yeagarup dunes, an impressive expanse of un-vegetated sand slowing moving inland, smothering everything in its path. Always attempt sand driving with reduced tyre pressures and never be afraid to lower them even further.

Further along, within the Warren National Park, Marron, Rainbow Trout and Fresh Water Cobbler can all be caught from the river when in season, so don't forget your fishing line and snare. The Warren River is also popular with canoeists year-round though sections can be hazardous during the winter months due to the presence of underwater snags.

Pemberton is surrounded by three national parks, the Gloucester, Warren and Beedelup, and within close proximity to the D’Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks. Before visiting any of the National Parks near Pemberton don’t forget to pick up a pass. Only one pass is needed per vehicle and there are different passes to suit every situation. For entry into Warren National Park, D’Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks - the cost is $10.00

For Pemberton Parks Only: Annual Local All Parks Pass: $20.00 per vehicle for up to 8 legally seated people. This pass provides unlimited entry to one park (or a group of local parks) for 12 months. Once entering the D‘Entrecasteaux National Park, to visit beaches, you will also need the National Park entry pass.

Some essential equipment for this trek should include an air compressor or manual tyre pump, tyre gauge, valve removing tool, a shovel, an axe, a tow rope/chain or snatch strap and a piece of wood or steel suitable for use as a flat base for your jack to prevent it sinking into the sand.

Preparation for this route should be as for any other relatively remote 4WD track, including carrying sufficient fuel, water, food, supplies, communications gear, safety equipment and first aid, along with emergency backup supplies.

There are numerous tracks in the area and some may be unnamed or not shown on maps. A wise precaution is to get hold of some updated and detailed mud maps of the area. Be well prepared with a GPS, HF radio or Satellite phone as you may not see another vehicle. We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about outback communications in the Communications Topic.

There are several campsites along the course of the trek ranging from clearings in the bush to established campsites with toilets, barbecues and a supply of wood. Campsites within the Warren National Park have the best facilities. The campsite at Yeagerup Lake has barbecues and tables. All other campsite's have no facilities. If you plan on camping away from established sites please bring your own firewood as the collection of wood within National Parks is prohibited.

Most of the trek is easy going. The more difficult sections, ascending the dunes from the beach, is made easy with reduced tyre pressures. The Warren River mouth can only be crossed during the drier months of the year from around November to May. Even during these months carry out a careful inspection of the crossing as ocean conditions and tide levels can make it impassable. Callcup Hill can be a bit of a challenge for new chums so if you don’t think you can get back up it (if the river is impassable) don’t go down it.