Pemberton is about an hours drive from Margaret River on good sealed roads. Yet while only 140km away, it is like being in a different country. There's something about the gentle light and the forest air that sets this tiny timber town apart.

Townsfolk have throughout history lived from the magnificent King Karri trees that create an awesome backdrop to just about every scene. Now, as the timber industry is turning to plantation timber, the reliance on the forest is dwindling.

And as with Margaret River, where the major industry was once dairy and grazing, the symbiotic industries of wine production and tourism are taking over as the lifeblood of the town.

Pemberton is well on the way to becoming a premium cool climate wine region and there are many wineries open for tastings and some include cafes and restaurants of a high standard. The accommodation industry is growing to meet the needs of the tourism industry.
Images for our slideshow at right were made one day in Autumn 2006.