Karri Valley Resort had me at hello. I fell in love with Pemberton’s magnificent scenery a few years ago while camping in the Warren National Park.

This time though we left the tent at home to go slightly more upmarket and stay at the newly upgraded RAC Karri Valley Resort. After four glorious days, I think we may well have had our best WA short break yet

The RAC Karri Valley Resort is located 20 km from Pemberton township via a very scenic drive through spectacular forest and farmland.

We arrived in the pouring rain but that didn’t dampen our spirits in the least. The southern forests are magnificent any time of the year and the wintry feeling adds to the charm.

After a friendly welcome at the reception, we meandered along the narrow road to take up residence in our lakeside room.

We passed grassed fields with kangaroos and emus who were lazily grazing on the grass and couldn’t care less about the latest intrusion into their territory.

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The Resort

The RAC Karri Valley Resort is nestled on the banks of Lake Beedelup among the Karri Forest. The resort consists of self-contained log cottages, the Lakeside Rooms on the banks of the lake as well as a restaurant and activity centre.

While we were there, the resort was almost full due to the school holidays. However, the secluded setting and space meant that it still felt very tranquil and peaceful.

Accommodation Options

Karri Valley has several different accommodation options to choose from including self-contained chalets as well as the lakeside room.

All have recently been upgraded and are tastefully decorated without losing the rustic charm of the setting.

The two and three-bedroom log cabins are ideal for families or groups. These are all tucked into the forest and in relative seclusion.

Some chalets have lake views which comes at a slightly higher cost.  All have a fully equipped kitchen as well as linen, towels and other essentials.

The other option is the Lakeside Room which are hotel-style studios. The best thing about the Lakeside rooms is the unobstructed views of the lake and forest. If you’re on the lower level you can literally cast your fishing line from the balcony.

We spent most of the time on the balcony admiring the views of the lake and forest which were glorious any time of the day. Junior’s favourite activity was feeding the Twenty-Eight birds who flew on and off the balcony kamikaze style at all hours of the day.

The Lakeside rooms are equipped with a very comfy queen-size bed, flat screen tv and DVD player (the activities centre has loads of DVDs to choose from). There’s also a small kitchenette with a bar fridge and a set of plates, cups and glasses for two people. There’s no cooking facilities or microwave but it’s sufficient to make small snacks and sandwiches.

The rooms are not luxurious. There’s no complimentary fluffy slippers, bathrobe or coffee machine.  However, that’s only a minor critique and we certainly didn’t lack anything.

Camping at Karri Valley

The Karri Valley Resort will have camping and caravan options onsite. The campground is expected to have both powered and unpowered sites, along with a camp kitchen, BBQ areas and bathroom facilities.

The Karri Valley campground is expected to be completed by July 20202.

Lakeside Restaurant

The Karri Valley Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dining room was cosy and warm thanks to the log-fire and is a beautiful spot to soak up the enchanting views of the lake and forest.

We indulged in the breakfast buffet and went back in the evening for a scrumptious dinner with very friendly and efficient service.

Activities at Karri Valley Resort

One of the things we loved best about Karri Valley Resort was the wide range of activities that were available. This is what sets Karri Valley Resort apart from other holidaying options and what makes it so perfect for a family getaway.

There’s a dedicated activities centre available that’s almost Club Med style. Anyone travelling with active kids will appreciate the choice of things to do with kids.

There’s a $20 fee for a family pass that’s valid for 24-hours. The pass gives you access to all activities ranging from archery to canoes and other non-powered watercraft including new Starboard standup paddleboards and rowing boats.

Activities include mini-golf, tennis courts, bikes and a crate stocked with soccer balls, cricket bats, footies, ball and racquet sports and fishing rods.

There’s also an indoor games room as well as organised kids activities including crafts and games.

With the Activity Pass you can access the full suite of activities and go for gold. We played archery, went off on a kayaking expedition to Beedelup waterfall, cruised around on the paddleboards, played tennis, mini-golf and visited the farm animals – that was all in just one day!

The activity centre also has loads of games and DVDs to choose from for a perfect night in. There’s no wifi throughout the resort which I’m starting to appreciate more and more.

Here’s the full suite of activities on offer:

• Canoes
• Archery
• Rowing boats
• 18-hole mini-golf course
• 2 tennis courts and basketball court
• Stand Up Paddleboards
• Animal farm with daily feeding times and farm chores
• Indoor games room with craft activities, games, TV and table tennis
• Bicycles
• Fishing rods
• Cricket bats, soccer balls, badminton
• Walking trails
• DVDs and board games
• Organised kids activities including craft activities and games

Find out more

For bookings and rates check the RAC Parks and Resort website. RAC members receive discounted rates.

For more photos, reviews and bookings see booking.com here.

Save it for later

Thanks RAC Karri Valley Resort, we loved our stay and will be back sometime soon.

Disclaimer: I was a full paying guest at the resort. All views and opinions are my own.