About Boranup Forest
Boranup Forest is a magnificent karri forest located between Margaret River and Augusta, featuring some of the tallest trees in Western Australia. The towering karri trees (Eucalyptus diversicolor) reach heights of up to 60 metres, creating a cathedral-like canopy that filters dappled sunlight onto the forest floor.
The forest is part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and offers a stunning contrast to the region's coastal scenery. A scenic drive through Boranup is one of the most memorable experiences in the Margaret River region.
⚡ Quick Facts
- Tree Height: Up to 60 metres
- Tree Species: Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor)
- Forest Drive: 14 km (20 minutes)
- Location: 20 km south of Margaret River
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
Boranup Drive
The Boranup Drive is a 14km scenic route through the heart of the forest, connecting Caves Road near Mammoth Cave to Hamelin Bay. The sealed road winds through towering karri trees, with several pull-off areas for photos and short walks.
Driving Route Details
- Distance: 14 km
- Time: 20-30 minutes (without stops)
- Road: Sealed, suitable for all vehicles
- Direction: Best driven south to north in afternoon (sun behind you)
- Combine with: Mammoth Cave and Hamelin Bay
Walking Trails
Boranup Lookout Walk
A short walk through the forest to a lookout platform with views across the karri canopy.
- Distance: 500m return
- Time: 15-20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start: Boranup Lookout car park on Boranup Drive
Karri Walk
A gentle loop walk through karri forest with interpretive signs about the ecosystem.
- Distance: 1.2 km loop
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Giant karri trees, bird watching
Cape to Cape Track Section
The Cape to Cape Track passes through Boranup Forest. This section combines forest and coast.
- Distance: Various options (5-15 km)
- Time: 2-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Forest to beach transition, Boranup Beach
Photography Tips
Boranup Forest is a photographer's paradise. The towering trees, filtered light, and misty mornings create magical conditions.
📸 Best Photography Conditions
- Golden hour: Early morning (7-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) for best light
- Misty mornings: Winter and spring mornings often have ethereal mist
- Wide angle: Essential for capturing tree height
- Tripod: Useful for low-light forest interiors
- Look up: The canopy shots are spectacular
Camping in Boranup
Boranup Campground offers one of the most scenic camping experiences in the Margaret River region. See our camping guide for full details.
- Sites: ~30 unpowered sites
- Facilities: Pit toilets (no showers)
- Price: $20/night per vehicle
- Book: Via Parks and Wildlife WA
Wildlife
Boranup Forest is home to diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes open for:
- Birds: Red-winged fairy wrens, splendid fairy wrens, honeyeaters, black cockatoos
- Mammals: Western grey kangaroos, possums, echidnas
- Reptiles: Bobtail lizards, skinks
Nearby Attractions
Combine Boranup Forest with these nearby experiences:
| Attraction | Distance | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Hamelin Bay | 5 min | Stingrays, beautiful beach |
| Mammoth Cave | 10 min | Self-guided cave with fossils |
| Lake Cave | 10 min | Most spectacular cave |
| Jewel Cave | 20 min | Largest cave chambers |
History
The karri forests of Boranup have a rich history. The Wadandi people have lived in this region for over 50,000 years, using the forest for food, medicine, and shelter. European timber cutters arrived in the late 1800s, and Boranup was heavily logged until the mid-1900s.
Today, the forest is protected as part of the national park. The trees you see are regrowth from the logging era—imagine how massive the original old-growth forest must have been!
Frequently Asked Questions
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