Big Brook Retreat: Pemberton’s Embrace of Quiet Luxury
Monica Tindall
At Big Brook Retreat, there’s no busy hotel lobby, no polite breakfast buffet chatter, and absolutely no chance of sharing your serenity with anyone under the age of sixteen. Just architecturally sharp chalets, a forest fringe thick with birdsong, and the sense that you’ve slipped into a slower, more civilised rhythm. From this pocket of quiet luxury, Pemberton’s truffles, cool-climate wines and gourmet temptations are all within deliciously easy reach.
Big Brook Retreat, Pemberton
Just beyond the timber town of Pemberton, Big Brook Retreat sits amidst the towering karri forests that define this pocket of Western Australia. The namesake Big Brook Dam, a haven for birdlife and plentiful walking trails, lies a gentle drive away. Scarcely further, and we’re enveloped by the undulating landscapes of the Southern Forests, where world-class wineries and gourmet producers quietly ply their trade. And Pemberton itself, with its iconic Gloucester Tree and local artisan shops, is a mere five-minute drive, offering a taste of authentic regional life.
As we pass through the discreet entrance, we’re drawn into a realm of timeless poise, a world away from the clamour. Big Brook Retreat is a passion project, crafted by Darren and Libby Joiner who possess an intimate understanding of the region’s inherent beauty. Their vision is evident in every detail, a commitment to fostering a sanctuary where the natural environment and comfort coexist harmoniously.
The team at Big Brook Retreat strikes a thoughtful balance between warm hospitality and respectful distance. They’re genuinely welcoming—professional yet down-to-earth—and quietly attuned to guests’ needs. Whether you’d like tips on the best cellar doors or simply assurance that everything’s running smoothly, help is close at hand. Prefer complete privacy? Self check-in and check-out means you can arrive and depart without seeing a soul.
There’s no spa or infinity pool here, but nature takes care of the therapy. The nearby dam invites gentle swims and serene paddles, while the surrounding forest offers a kind of deep, oxygen-rich calm no city wellness centre can replicate.
Chalets
The design ethos of Big Brook Retreat extends from the thoughtfully laid-out grounds to the individual accommodations. It reflects a commitment to natural materials and a seamless integration with the environment.
The chalets, crafted from local timber and stone, exude a sense of rustic sophistication. Standard options offer a cosy and well-appointed one-bedroom retreat. At the same time, two-bedroom chalets provide more expansive living spaces, perfect for those seeking extended stays or travelling with companions.
Furnishings are comfortable as if chosen for the owners’ own home, well-equipped kitchenettes (espresso machine, milk frother and tea provided) allow a touch of self-sufficiency, and private verandas invite us to soak in the sights and sounds of the surrounding bushland. Bathrooms feature quality fixtures, a spa tub (!), and locally sourced amenities (the lovely homegrown Somic range).
Mornings at Big Brook Retreat often begin with the gentle chorus of native birdsong and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. With the kitchenette we can embrace the local gourmet scene. Pemberton is a treasure trove of artisanal producers, from award-winning wineries offering cellar door tastings to farm gates brimming with seasonal produce. I highly recommend bringing some of those goodies back to the retreat and enjoying them with the view (fresh Truffle Hill truffles + Picardy Pinot Noir + Southern Forests Chocolate + Big Brook Retreat views = gourmet heaven).
Things to Do Beyond the Retreat
Venturing beyond Big Brook Retreat reveals a region rich in natural beauty and gourmet pleasures.
The Majestic Karri Forests: Pemberton’s towering karri trees—among the tallest hardwoods on Earth—are a sight to behold. For those with a head for heights, the Gloucester Tree, once used as a fire lookout, climbs 53 metres into the canopy. The equally vertiginous Dave Evans Bicentennial and Diamond Trees offer similar thrills. Prefer to stay grounded? Wander one of the many forest trails that weave through these ancient giants, alive with native flora and fauna. (Big Brook Retreat’s in-room guide maps them out beautifully.)
A Gourmet Heartland: Pemberton is fast becoming a culinary hotspot. Boutique wineries like Ampersand Estates and Picardy craft outstanding cool-climate wines—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are regional standouts. Many cellar doors welcome visitors for intimate tastings and a chat with the winemakers. In winter, join a truffle hunt at Truffle Hill, where the prized black Périgord truffle thrives. Farm gates brim with seasonal produce, from just-picked berries to hand-crafted preserves.
Aquatic Adventures: Big Brook Dam is a calm, scenic spot for kayaking, swimming, or a picnic on its sandy shores. The nearby Warren River National Park offers more paddling and secluded bushland to explore. A short drive west delivers dramatic coastline—clifftop walks, remote beaches, and, in season, migrating whales.
Walking & Cycling Trails: The region is laced with tracks for every pace, from easy loops to serious treks. Cyclists can tackle sections of the renowned Munda Biddi Trail, one of the world’s great off-road cycling routes, which winds its way through Pemberton’s forests and farmland.
Local Life: Pemberton’s timber heritage lives on in the Pemberton Heritage Centre, a fascinating stop for history lovers. The town also features art galleries, boutique shops, and cosy cafes—perfect for sampling regional fare or browsing works by local artisans.
Stay Like A Pro Tips
Stay Like a Pro: Reception on the road can be hit and miss, so download your playlists, podcasts and walking maps before arrival. Once you’re tucked into Big Brook Retreat, you’re well-connected—good WiFi means you can still stream, scroll or plan your next day’s adventure without issue. Just don’t expect much signal while you’re out amongst the trees (which, frankly, is half the point).
Come hungry—and bring a basket. Each chalet has a well-equipped kitchenette and a BBQ, perfect for turning the region’s outstanding produce into your own private feast. Stock up on local cheese, wine, olives, and whatever’s fresh from the farm gates or cellar doors. Think easy luxury: something to spread on a cracker, a glass of Pinot by candlelight, and not a menu in sight.
Embrace the porch life. Every chalet comes with a private verandah, and it’s not just for show. Morning coffee with the kookaburras, afternoon wine with the breeze through the Karri — this is where the forest really works its magic.
Don’t sleep on the fire. Light the wood-burning stove just before dusk. Not because it’s cold, but because the flicker pairs well with a second glass of red and that book you’ve been meaning to finish since April.
Pack walking shoes (and curiosity). Big Brook Dam is a five-minute drive away, and the surrounding trails are flat, scenic and shaded — ideal for birdwatching, mood-clearing or simply meandering without purpose. Actually, you don’t even need to drive, the entrance to the forest is just across the road. I found morning runs here a wonderfully invigorating start to the day.
Go star-hunting. With barely a streetlight in sight, the night skies here are astonishing. Step outside after dark and look up. Bonus points if you remembered to chill a dessert wine.
Big Brook Retreat Review
Big Brook Retreat serves as an ideal base for exploring the multifaceted appeal of the Pemberton region, or simply soaking up the quiet luxury of the property. It’s a retreat for those who appreciate unfussy style and seek an authentic immersion in the beauty and bounty of Western Australia’s Southern Forests.
Reasons to stay at Big Brook Retreat: beautifully kept gardens and tranquil outlook; chalets furnished with the warmth and thoughtfulness of a home, as if selected for the owners themselves; well-equipped kitchenettes invite you to cook with the region’s superb local produce; silence broken only by the occasional laughter of kookaburras.
Big Brook Retreat
489 Stirling Rd, Pemberton WA 6260, Australia
Link to Big Brook Retreat on Google Maps
www.bigbrookretreat.com.au
+61 8 9776 0279
@bigbrookretreat
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