RAC Karri Valley Resort Review: What to Expect
Set hidden in the West Australian Southern Forests on Lake Beedalup is the recently renovated RAC Karri Valley Resort. Several years ago, during a trip to Pemberton we stopped in to have a look at the resort. We were so impressed with the idyllic location we vowed to one day return.
Finally, we have returned to stay in the Karri Valley chalets. I am quite excited in the lead up to our stay, though I have to say it was difficult finding information about the Karri Valley Resort activities, facilities and costs involved with those attractions in the lead up to our departure.
If you too are having this problem, or just want to know if this is the place for you, I am here to help with this detailed RAC Karri Valley Resort review that includes lots of information, photos and tips to help you plan your trip to Karri Valley near Pemberton in the Southern Forests Region of WA.
In this Article Learn All that RAC Karri Valley Resort Has to Offer
- Karri Valley Resort history
- Karri Valley chalets and accommodation choices
- Karri Valley Resort activities and facilities
- Karri Valley Caravan Park
- Plan your stay at Karri Valley Resort
- Location
- How to book
- What to take
- What to do
- The verdict
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Karri Valley Resort History
There is a colourful history to the Karri Valley Resort. The land was originally purchased by Arthur Bunn and his family who developed a 50-acre hops farms that supplied enough hops to the Swan Brewery for a third of its production. In the early 1960’s a dam was built below the Beedalup Falls to create a water catchment to hold a billion litres of water to irrigate the farm.
By 1978, the farm was no longer viable and so it was sold to a developer who wanted to create a trout fishing retreat. A lodge, caravan park, three big chalets and swagman’s huts were built. But the retreat never took off and the property was then sold to the Rajneeshee movement aka the Orange People in 1985. However, there was much controversy and upset from the local people and again it was sold off.
This time to the WA Government Employee Superannuation Board GESB. A lot of money was put into the property and it was renamed Karri Valley Resort. It became the place to be seen during the high-flying times of the 1980’s.
But then again quieter times and changes of management saw another downturn in its popularity, and it fell into disrepair. Until 2017, when the RAC group bought the property. Over the past few years, they have fully renovated the entire property.
Join me as I explore and review RAC Karri Valley Resort’s renovated property.
Karri Valley Accommodation
There is quite a selection of choices for Karri Valley accommodation that includes:
- Lake view family chalets
- Three-bedroom chalets (lake or forest views)
- Two-bedroom chalets (lake or forest views)
- Lakefront motel units
- A caravan park with
- Ensuite powered sites
- Powered sites
- Unpowered sites
I have booked a two-bedroom chalet, however a week before our arrival I am informed via email that we have been up graded to a three-bedroom chalet.
We arrive at the resort reception located on Vasse Highway late in the afternoon. As we wait to have our paperwork finalised, I note that the reception area offers an extensive range of Australian souvenirs, a fridge with cool drinks, milk and a few staples along plus a counter with fresh bread and rolls (I later learn that the bread is delivered three times a week from Augusta Bakery, what isn’t sold on the day is then sold as frozen bread the next day).
We are then given our key and map showing the location of our chalet. We are also provided with an activities sheet that includes the WiFi password.
Three-Bedroom Forest View Chalet
We follow the one-way directions given to us by reception to our log cabin set high in the forest. We pull our car into the under-cover car bay located next to the front door.
Dining/Lounge
Walking straight in from the front door onto the timber look lino flooring we see the long modern timber table with black metal legs and seven matching black iron chairs.
Further into the lounge area is a slow combustion wood heater on a tiled hearth. As it is summer, we cannot use the wood heater. There is only a ceiling fan to cool the room, which was generally fine except for our final day when the temperature climbs to 38°C.
The main living area consists of an extra-large three-to-four-seater chocolate fabric couch with a metre-diameter round black coffee table looking onto the wall-mounted flat-screen television situated above a timber and black iron side table. In the corner of the room is a beige hide cushion footrest.
The TV is connected to Foxtel with most Perth TV stations, five movie channels, two kids’ channels and sports. This is quite handy as there is only a limited amount of free WiFi per 24 hours, however, you can purchase more.
Top Trip Tip: The only phone coverage at the resort is through Telstra
Balcony
Leading out from the wall of windows and glass sliding doors overlooking the forest with glimpses to Lake Beedalup is the balcony. On the wooden one and a half metre deep and five metres long balcony is a rectangular wooden table with an ashtray and two wooden chairs.
We buy a small bag of birdseed from the Activities Centre for a couple of dollars and use the ashtray to feed the wild birds 🙂
Kitchen
On the other side of the living area is the kitchen with a full-size fridge and four-burner electric stove. On the pale wood look laminate benchtops is a microwave, kettle, toaster and starter kit of tea and coffee sachets. Inside the beige cupboards you’ll find:
- Cutlery, crockery and glasses for 7 people
- 3 saucepans/pots
- 2 frypans
- Cooking utensils (no peeler)
- 2 sharp knives
- Chopping board
- Grater
- Colander
- Large metal mixing bowl
- Large plastic measuring jug
- 3 serving bowls and platters
To clean up there is a dish rack, tea towels, dishwashing liquid and cloths under the sink.
Main Bedroom
To the left of the living room is the main bedroom with windows overlooking the forest view that can be shut out with block-out curtains. The queen-size bed sits in the middle of the carpeted room with two round timber side tables and lamps on either side of the bed that is made up of white sheets, a brown light rug and white bath towels placed at the end of the bed. Inside the sliding mirrored door wardrobe are a pine shelving unit, pedestal fan, small electric fan heater and spare pillows.
Bedroom Two
On the other side of the living room are the other two bedrooms, both of which are carpeted. Bedroom two has a queen size bed with one side table, a lamp and white bath towels laid at the end of the bed. The open wardrobe offers hanging space only with a pedestal fan and spare pillow. The window has block-out curtains.
Bedroom Three
Bedroom three has a single bed and a set of bunk beds separated by a round timber side table and lamp in front of a narrow window with block-out curtains. Again, the wardrobe is open with hanging space only, a pedestal fan and a spare pillow. White bath towels are laid out on each of the beds.
Top Trip Tip: Pack collapsible hanging shelves*
Bathroom/Laundry
In the short hall leading to the bathroom and toilet is a broom closet with a mop, broom, dustpan with a brush, iron, ironing board and two small electric fan heaters.
One of the nice things about the three-bedroom chalet is that it has a separate toilet from the combined bathroom/laundry. The bathroom is quite large with a standing shower, a long timber-look vanity bench with a vanity basin and cupboard plus a laundry trough and cupboard that are separated by an electric clothes dryer. On the bench, there is a selection of mini shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers and soap.
I feel it is a little odd that there is no washing machine, only a dryer. But if you are in need of a washing machine there is a laundrette at the motel units with two coin-operated machines. The laundrette is open from 10am-6pm and costs $2 per wash and if you need a dryer that is $2 as well.
Top Trip Tip: Pack pegless clotheslines* to hang your swimming clothes on the balcony
Two-Bedroom Forest View Chalet
The following year we return to Karri Valley Resort and stay in the two-bedroom forest view chalet. It is a little more compact than the three-bedroom cabin with a slightly smaller living area and bathroom.
Again, we follow the directions supplied by the reception staff and drive into our undercover carport that is situated in front of the chalet entrance door. On the raised timber front porch, a bench seat sits to the side with a broom and mop hanging from the exterior coat racks.
Dining/Lounge
We enter the wood-look lino floored main living area. A large grey fabric three-seater couch sits back against the wall, a big beige footstool is next to the couch. Looking across to the opposite wall is the slow-combustion fireplace with a round dark timber coffee in front of it on top of a woven mat.
To the right of this is a flat-screen TV with Foxtel including five movie channels hung above a timber and iron console table.
In front of the alcove that separates the kitchen is a timber and iron dining table and four black iron chairs.
Kitchen
The compact kitchen has just about everything you need for a holiday. A full-size fridge (though in this chalet it has seen better days with some shelves missing), kettle, toaster, microwave, four burner electric stove and a starter kit of tea and coffee sachets. Inside the beige laminate cupboards, I find:
- 2 frypans
- 3 pots
- Cutlery, crockery, glassware, and wine glasses for four people
- A good supply of utensils (thongs, peeler, spatula, serving/mixing spoon
- Sharp knives
- Serving bowl and platter
- Colander
- Grater
- Mixing bowl
The only thing missing was a chopping board, so I headed up to reception and kindly asked for one and they were happy to oblige.
Under the sink are the essentials for washing up: dishwashing liquid, a washcloth, two tea towels and a draining rack.
Balcony
On the opposite side of the lounge from the kitchen are full glass and sliding doors looking out to the forest with glimpses of the lake from the balcony.
Out on the timber balcony are four black plastic chairs and a black laminate table.
Main Bedroom
Also, with full-size windows (with block-out curtains) looking out to the forest and lake is the compact main bedroom. Two bath towels have been laid out on the queen-size bed that is flanked by round timber side tables with lamps.
Inside the mirrored wardrobe is a pedestal fan, electric heater, spare blankets and pillows.
Bedroom Two
Next to the main bedroom is the narrow second bedroom. A white bath towel is laid out on each of the two single beds separated by a tall narrow window with block-out curtains. A round pale timber side table and lamp are placed in from of the window.
On the opposite wall is the doorless wardrobe. It has pine timber shelving, an electric heater, spare blankets and pillows, but no fan.
Bathroom
Near the front door is the entrance to the bathroom that consists of a standing shower, toilet, vanity basin and laundry sink both with under bench cupboards and separated by a clothes dryer.
The dryer comes in handy even in summer as the shower curtain is too small and the bathmat is constantly soaked.
There is a hanging rail for the bath towels and two hand towels. On the bench, complimentary toiletries are laid out and a hair dryer hangs on the wall.
Top Trip Tip: If you are missing anything in your room just pop up to reception and they will be happy to help you out
My Karri Valley Resort Reviews of the Facilities and Things to Do
There are two sections to the resort. The original forest chalets and motel units on Beedalup lake and the new RAC Karri Valley Resort caravan park which is situated on the other side of Vasse Highway approximately 1km from the lakefront. There are different things to do at Karri Valley Resort’s two locations.
The lakeside facilities and Karri Valley Resort activities include:
Lake Beedalup
Lake Beedalup was formed as a result of the original beer hop farmers damming the brook that flowed down from Beedalup Falls. This created one kilometre by 300-metre cold fresh-water lake containing rainbow trout. The deep lake is also perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming to the pontoon.
Karri Valley Resort Activities Centre
If you don’t have your own kayak, paddleboard, canoe or rowboat you can hire one from the activity centre located directly in front of the lake. As rough guide prices are $25 for a family of four to use any of the water sports equipment for 24 hours. Life jackets must be used by everyone on the lake (except when swimming in the designated area).
There is also a land-based activity option for:
- Mini Golf
- Archery (you need to pre-book)
- Disc golf
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Croquet
- Bicycle hire
- Petting farm and feeding the animals
The 24-hour pass for a family of four is $25 or you can pay $5 per person per single sport. Alternatively, you can get a combo pass for the family for $50/24 hours.
Finally, as I mentioned there are rainbow trout in the lake it costs $10 for a fishing permit per person for 24 hours and you can keep two fish.
Top Trip Tip: If you start your hire mid-afternoon you can paddle/play for a few hours and still use your pass the next day until mid-afternoon
Restaurant
After a hard day playing on the lake and at the activities, it is time to eat. The Karri Valley Resort restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be warned you do need to book. Whilst we are staying at the resort the restaurant is fully booked.
BBQ’s
There are also two sets of BBQ’s at the chalets. One at the lakefront and another midway up the forest. You’ll need to bring some paper and a spatula with you to clean the BBQ before and after.
WiFi and Phone Reception
With the resort being situated in the middle of a forest of giant karri trees, this restricts telephone coverage. Only those with Telstra will be able to use their phones.
A stay at the resort does provide you with a limited amount of data for each day. If you need more than the allotment you can purchase an extra allowance.
Discover the options on how to…
Laundry
In the middle of the ground floor at the motel units is a small laundrette. Washing machines are 2 x $1 taking approximately 30 mins per load and dryers cost 2 x $1 and also take approximately 30 minutes. There is also an ironing board and iron to use.
You will need to bring your own washing powder
Top Trip Tip: Pack zip lock bags with portioned-out washing powder or laundry detergent sheets*
Karri Valley Resort Caravan Park
The caravan park is located behind the reception on Vasse Highway, approximately 1km from the lakefront.
BBQ’s and Playground
There are more BBQ’s at the Karri Valley Resort Caravan Park on the other side of the highway. They are situated next to the timber playground where you’ll also find sheltered picnic tables.
Camp Kitchen
Alternatively, there is a large modern camp kitchen set high on the hill with commanding views over the caravan park.
It also has more BBQ’s on the expansive undercover balcony.
Karri Valley Caravan Park Activities
The activities aren’t just confined to the lakefront resort, there are more at the caravan park.
- Tennis and Basketball Courts
- BMX Track
- Games Room
- Bar
- Table tennis
- Pool table
- Big screen for movies
- Additional TVs mounted on the wall with sports programs showing
Plan Your Stay at Karri Valley Resort
Booking
We booked our stay directly through the RAC Parks and Resorts website. If you are a RAC member you will receive a 20% discount (it only costs $29/year). Alternatively, you can use a booking site like Booking.com*.
Location
The RAC Karri Valley Resort is situated directly on Lake Beedalup it is accessed via Vasse Highway 333km south of Perth, approximately a four drive. The nearest towns are Pemberton 21 km away or Manjimup 41km away from the resort.
As the resort is isolated from town you will need a car. If you don’t have one you will need to hire a car*. Don’t forget if you have kids to also hire car seats*
What to Take
As the resort is quite isolated it is best to be prepared.
Create a meal plan for the duration of your stay, then pack food and drinks to utilise the self-catering facilities.
Get started with planning your holiday meals with the…
Temperatures can vary widely in this region of Western Australia. During our stay, it is particularly hot (about 35°C) however in the mornings it is a bit cool. As well as enjoying time at the lake there are some good walks/hikes around Lake Beedalup and to the falls.
Include in your travel packing
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Jumper
- Good quality hiking shoes
- Swimming clothes
If you are visiting in winter don’t forget your wet weather gear. Extra shoes if they get wet and muddy, and lots of layers to keep you warm as it will get very cold.
To plan what you need to take use the…
More Information on Pemberton and the Southern Forests
To help you find more information and plan your trip to the Southern Forests Region I’ve put this list together.
Official tourism websites:
Read one of these West Australian travel guides*.
If you would like more West Australian travel inspiration straight to your inbox sign up for the Tips 4 Trips e-newsletter and get all our travel packing lists and planning guide PDF’s free to download.
Check out more of our Western Australia travel articles including these ones on Pemberton and the Southern Forest Region:
- Things to Do in Pemberton
- Southern Forests Attractions
- Valley of the Giants
- Diamond Forest Farm Stay
- RAC Karri Valley Resort: What to expect
The Verdict from our RAC Karri Valley Resort Review
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the RAC Karri Valley Resort. The chalets are clean and well-equipped, we also really appreciated the choice of five movie channels through Foxtel. My only complaint about the chalets is the lack of air conditioning. Personally, I think at the high prices that are charged, a split-system unit in the living area and ceiling fans in the bedrooms should be standard.
However, the relaxed ambience of staying in a log cabin high in the forest (almost like a treehouse) with all the activities and things to do at Karri Valley Resort far outweighed this minor inconvenience. We had such a great stay we have re-booked for next summer.
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