RAC Karri Valley Resort lies a scenic four-hour drive from Perth, nestled within the forest of Beedelup National Park. The resort perches on the edge of Lake Beedelup, surrounded by towering karri trees.
I recently visited with my friend Sara for a girls getaway, where we spent 3 days experiencing the natural wonders of the Resort. Keep reading for an overview of the RAC Karri Valley Resort, including what to expect from the accommodation and dining, plus ideas for things to do in Karri Valley.
Where is Karri Valley
You’ll find the RAC Karri Valley Resort a ~3.5-hour drive from Perth, or about 330km.
Karri Valley is inland from the popular Margaret River Region, about 20 minutes from the quaint town of Pemberton.
Karri Valley Resort Map
RAC Karri Valley Resort is nestled off the Vasse Highway.
Reception is on the main highway on your right (coming from Perth). The caravan park and campground are situated behind Reception. Click here for a campground map.
The actual resort (including chalets, restaurant, lake and other facilities) is located on the opposite side of the road, a 3-minute drive from Reception.
Exploring more of South West WA? Check out my 1-week road trip itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Karri Valley all year round.
The warm summer months are the best to take advantage of the many water-based activities around the lake. These include canoeing, kayaking and swimming.
However there is something magical about visiting in winter, watching the mist rise from the lake while hiking the many forest trails and cosy nights spent by the indoor log fire keeping toasty.
Accommodation
There are several types of accommodation available at RAC Karri Valley Resort to suit all styles and budgets.
Karri Valley Camping
Camping is available at RAC Karri Valley Resort campground and caravan park. Powered, unpowered and ensuite site options are available.
Facilities at the campground include a laundry, camp kitchen, BBQ area, playground, recreation room, tennis court, basketball court and even a BMX track.
The camp kitchen is modern and spacious. The recreation room features soaring ceilings, an indoor fireplace, a bar, a pool table and table tennis to keep you entertained.
At the Reception (where all guests check in, regardless of accommodation type) you will also find a well-stocked general store which has cold drinks, snacks, pantry essentials and a good array of local wines.
Chalets
RAC Karri Valley Resort offers 2 and 3-bedroom self-contained chalets, with lake or forest views. These wooden chalets offer comfortable and peaceful lodgings best suited for families or groups of friends.
The 3-bedroom chalets can sleep up to 7 guests, with two queen size bedrooms and a third room with a single bed and bunk bed.
All chalets have a balcony facing the lake (even forest view chalets), where you can enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon tea whilst watching the feathered visitors that frequent the balconies.
This accommodation is suitable for short and long stays, as the chalets include a kitchen with a fridge, microwave and stovetop.
Tip: RAC Members receive exclusive discounts on accommodation at RAC Karri Valley Resort! Enter your RAC member number when booking.
Lakeside Rooms
Ideal for short-stay guests and those looking for a little more luxury, consider the Lakeside Rooms on the waters’ edge.
These rooms offer direct views over Lake Beedelup and the surrounding forest. They include a small fridge and coffee-making facilities, with an outdoor balcony to make the most of the view.
These RAC Karri Valley Resort rooms are best suited for couples or small groups, with a queen bed (2 guests), or queen bed and single bed (3 guests) options.
Dining
Lakeside Restaurant is situated within the resort.
As the name suggests, it has one of the best views of Lake Beedelup. The light, open space with high ceilings welcomes you, with a log fire to keep you cosy during winter. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a modern Australian menu.
Reservations are required for dinner. Check out the daily happy hour from 4-5 pm!
My tip: book a table for dinner 30 minutes before sunset. Sit back and enjoy the view as the surrounding forest is bathed in the light of the setting sun and the trees change colour.
Resort guests can also make use of the BBQ facilities right down by the lake. Or enjoy a picnic down by water’s edge or on the jetty.
Things to Do in Karri Valley
Guests staying at the resort have a multitude of activities available right on the Resort grounds.
Make sure you stop in at the Activities Hut to see what’s on, get the latest activity timetable and make bookings. A small fee is payable for each of these activities, or you can get a 24-hour Activity Pass.
Canoe, Kayak or SUP on Lake Beedelup
Head to the Activities Hut near the lake and grab your life jacket.
We jumped into a 2-person canoe and were able to canoe up the lake to the very base of Beedelup Falls!
There are also kayaks, a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and a rowboat available for hire.
You can also swim in the freshwater lake. There is a pontoon 20m from shore that you can walk or swim out to for diving into the lake.
Walk Through Tree
Follow the walking trail from the resort to find the distinctive and aptly named “Walk Through Tree.” This 75m giant karri tree is hollowed in part of its whopping 2.4m diameter, with a small ladder leading up to the middle of the tree that you can walk through. I was even able to stand up inside! (I’m 170cm tall).
Allow a 45 minute return trip from the resort for the hike there and back. The trail is moderate but there are some steep sections to get the legs working!
Walking Trails
There are many walking trails that you can join on foot at RAC Karri Valley Resort.
The 4.5km Beedelup Loop Walk (or Lake Beedelup Circuit) takes you past the Walk Through Tree and Beedelup Falls, before circling the rest of Lake Beedelup back to the resort.
From Beedelup Falls you can hike part of the iconic long-distance Bibbulum Track.
After visiting the Walk Through Tree, keep following the track marked “Hobbit Trail” on the Resort map (see above) for a shorter loop trail back to the Resort.
Beedelup Falls
This cascading waterfall is best viewed from the wood suspension bridge below the peak of the falls. There is also a lookout platform from the top of the falls.
You can access Beedelup falls on foot from RAC Karri Valley Resort, or there is a car park 300m from the falls.
If driving, there is a National Park visitors fee payable (or use your Parks Pass).
There are a few picnic tables and nature toilets at this attraction.
Animal Farm
There is a small animal farm on the resort grounds. We fed the resident pig, chickens, alpacas, rabbits and even guinea pigs!
Little kids (and big kids like us) will love this experience.
Trout Fishing
Did you know that Lake Beedelup is stocked with rainbow trout? Pay a small fee for a permit to fish straight from the lake – bring your own rod or enquire about hiring at the Resort.
Archery & Mini Golf
Unfortunately we ran out of time, but you can take aim with a spot of archery at RAC Karri Valley Resort. There is also a mini-golf course where you play putt putt under the karri trees!
Explore Pemberton
Pemberton has many small-town delights only a 20-minute drive from RAC Karri Valley Resort. Check out my Pemberton guide for more details (coming soon!).
Final Thoughts
RAC Karri Valley Resort is a beautiful place to relax in nature, disconnect and spend quality time with family or friends.
The Resort offers so many activities and nature-based pursuits – plenty to keep you entertained without leaving the resort! It’s also very relaxing, so you get the best of both worlds with options for all types of travellers and individual preferences.
I love that you can cook your meals, or treat yourself to a delicious dinner and drinks at the Lakeside Restaurant.
And of course, Pemberton is only a short drive away… if you manage to tear yourself away from the delights that await at RAC Karri Valley Resort!
Continue exploring the remarkable South West region of Western Australia:
- 35 Best Things to Do in Margaret River
- Injidup Natural Spa: Essential Tips For Your Visit
- The Aquarium, Yallingup: Complete Visitors Guide
- Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide
- Complete Guide to Hiking Bluff Knoll
This is a sponsored post in conjunction with RAC Parks and Resorts. See here for my disclaimer policy.