After leaving Margaret River, we headed to Pemberton via a small detour to Beedelup National Park. We had been told the water falls in this park were worth a visit.

There was a half a dozen cars in the park during our time there, and an honesty system was in use to pay the National Park entrance fee – $8 for seniors. Surprisingly, everyone paid.

Mick made friends with this little parrot on the pathway to the falls.

Another visitor told us the birds were fed at the nearby camping ground, and that is why they are so tame.

We could hear the water falling well before we saw the falls. They were not very large, but they were pretty.

The walkway to the falls was really well engineered, culminating in a swing bridge across the creek. Mick of course could not resist the temptation to sway the bridge while we were on it – even though there were signs forbidding such childishness.

We drove on a further 15 kilometres and stopped in Pemberton for morning tea before heading to a different national park a few kilometres north of the town to see the second tallest fire lookout tree – a 58 metre tall karri tree.

Mick showed me how to climb it, but it was way too scary. There was a couple (of much younger people) up at the platform at the very top of the tree while we were there. They told us the view was amazing. We took their word for it!

After that big climb, it was time for lunch.

Even though Pemberton has a population of just over 700, we had lots of dining option from which to choose. I had read that Source was a local cafe where you could enjoy an amazing burger. And that review was correct. We only just made it, as the cafe was about to close its doors early (by about five hours) because it had sold out of its ingredients. Apparently all the school leavers had heard of this cafe’s reputation – they sold 100s of burgers yesterday.

Our walk to the cafe took us past the original rough hewn timber cottages that were used by the timber cutters and saw mill workers.

The saw mill was originally built in 1913 and only closed in December 2016.

While we were enjoying our hamburger we heard a hooting from a tram and the ringing of bells signalling the road was to be closed so the train could pass. This was the Pemberton Tram and we are taking a ride on it tomorrow morning.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is a step up from our previous accommodation. We have a king spa room booked at the Pemberton Hotel Motel. I am very excited about having a deep hot bath tonight, and Mick is excited about having to walk 200m to the front bar to have a beer on tap.

Life continues to be good.