Warren National Park

Warren National Park is a karri wonderland located four hours south of Perth, and about 15 kilometres from Pemberton.ย 

Photo credit: Amanda Smith for Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Bibbulman people as the traditional owners of Warren National Park.ย 

Overview of Warren National Park

Camp beneath the old, tall karris at Drafty’s or Warren Campground; swim, paddle or fish in the Warren River; or follow a walk or drive trail – there’s plenty of adventuring (or relaxing) to be done here! 

If heights are your thing, climb the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree – a 65-metre tall karri tree that has been used as a fire lookout. Or, keep your feet on the ground and admire the unique Marianne North Tree, a misshapen karri tree named after the English artist who painted it in 1880.ย 

Warren National Park is made up of around 3000 hectares of woodland, so there’s lots of native wildlife to be admired. The karri trees, some of which are more than 200 years old and 90 metres tall, are only found in the southwest of WA, so take a moment (or many) to take in these truly magnificent trees. 

Warren National Park is accessible via Old Vasse Road, which is unsealed but suitable for two-wheel-drives. No pets are allowed, and standard national park entry fees apply: 

Warren Campground offers camping in the thick forest.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Caption: Views from the top of the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Photo Credit: Kevin Smith for Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Cost of Entry*

Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants  

  • $17 per vehicle ย 
  • $10 per vehicle concession ย 

Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants  

  • $8 per occupant 6 years or older ย 
  • $3.50 per occupant concession ย 

Motorcycle  

  • $10 per motorbike ย 
  • No concessionย ย 

No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into the park.

*Prices accurate as of January 2024, refer to the Explore Parks WA website for up to date pricing.

Nature Play Resources

Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources for Warren National Park.ย 

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Activities & Information

With its proximity to Perth, the picturesque Warren National Park has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.

The misshapen karri tree features in Marianne Northโ€™s 1880 painting.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Camp beneath the old, tall karris at Drafty’s or Warren Campground; swim, paddle or fish in the Warren River; or follow a walk or drive trail – there’s plenty of adventuring (or relaxing) to be done here! 

If heights are your thing, climb the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree – a 65-metre tall karri tree that has been used as a fire lookout. Or, keep your feet on the ground and admire the unique Marianne North Tree, a misshapen karri tree named after the English artist who painted it in 1880. 

Warren National Park is made up of around 3000 hectares of woodland, so there’s lots of native wildlife to be admired. The karri trees, some of which are more than 200 years old and 90 metres tall, are only found in the southwest of WA, so take a moment (or many) to take in these truly magnificent trees. 

Visit during autumn or spring for weather that’s cool enough for walking and camping, but warm enough to explore the Warren River. 

Warren River Lookout is a great spot to stop for a picnic. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Keep your eyes and ears out for the western rosella.
Many small mammals call this park home, including the quokka.

One of the main attractions of Warren National Park is the gorgeous karri woodland. These tall trees and their unique trunks, which vary in colour from grey to orange, make for beautiful scenery as you explore the park. 

Other plants include the colourful coral vine and wisteria flowers, wild plum tree, and jarrah and marri trees. Keep an eye out for the red flowering gum tree, which has striking bright red flowers. The rare Albany pitcher plant, which lives off a diet of insects like ants and flies, can also be found here. 

Many small mammals call this park home, including the western ringtail possum, chuditch, brush-tailed phascogale and quokka. 

Listen out for birds like the kookaburra, western whipbird and western bristlebird, and see if you can spot a western rosella, red-winged fairy-wren or Baudin’s black cockatoo flying about the trees. 

The Lea’s frog and karri frog enjoy spending time by the Warren River, along with the northern snake-necked turtle.

Warren National Park is a great place for bushwalking. Before you head out in nature, visit the Explore Parks WA website for tips on bushwalking safety. 

Please note that climbing the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree is not recommended for children. Please see the signage on site for more information.

When swimming in Warren National Park, follow these precautions to ensure you stay safe around the river: 

  • Don’t enter the water if you can’t swim. Shallow water can quickly become deep, and flowing water can sweep you off your feet.ย 
  • Always enter the water slowly and feet first. Never jump or dive in.ย 
  • Always check the water depth, and look out for obstacles like logs and rocks.ย 
  • Check the water temperature. Even on the hottest of days, water in shaded areas or fast-flowing rivers can be icy cold.ย 
  • Take care on slippery, uneven, soft or unstable surfaces near the water.ย 
  • Supervise children at all times.ย 

In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes:  

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas.ย ย 
  • Walk in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks.ย ย 
  • When bushwalking, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles.ย ย 
  • Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking, and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth.ย 

While Warren National Park is a tranquil spot to relax and play, bushfires are a real risk to those travelling through or staying in the area.   

Here are seven tips from DFES for travelling during bushfire season, to ensure you and your family stay safe:

  • Create a bushfire plan for your travelsย 
  • Pack an emergency kitย 
  • Know the bushfire warning systemย 
  • Know the current fire danger rating for the area you’re travelling toย 
  • Check if there is a total fire ban in the area you are travelling toย 
  • Be prepared to change your travel plansย 
  • Know where to get the latest bushfire information

You can find more details about each of these steps in this useful DFES resource.

Photo credit: Kim Fawcett for Trails WA Follow the Lorikeet Stroll through a small portion of the Warren River National Park.

While Warren National Park has many recreational areas, it is first and foremost home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist the protection of the Warren National Park environment.  

Campers’ own liquid or gas fuel barbeques, stoves and heaters can be used at any time, unless a total fire ban has been declared. 

  • Only camp in designated camping areas, and only follow marked walk and drive trails.ย 
  • Leave no trace. Ensure all food is contained and out of reach of wildlife, and take all belongings with you when you leave.ย 
  • Camp fires are prohibited in the Warren Region from December 1 to March 31 each year, however this period may be extended due to seasonal variation. Outside of these dates, campfires are usually permitted in the fire rings only. Bring your own firewood.
  • When fire restrictions are in place, campfires must not be lit and any appliance powered by burning solid fuel must not be used. Always comply with any instructions at campgrounds and parks.ย 

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about Warren National Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Warren National Park.ย