Discover Pemberton’s Fine Wines, Wild Coastline and Giant Trees

Western Australia’s Margaret River is a go-to for vinous adventures, but those willing to drive a little further will discover the tranquil gem of Pemberton. The region lies about 40 minutes east of Margaret River and 3.5 hours south of Perth.

The landscape here is larger than life. After all, Pemberton is famed for its colossal Karri trees, the tallest of which – the iconic Gloucester Tree – can be climbed for panoramic views of the forest canopy. Come spring, the woods are blanketed in a riot of wildflowers. Western Australia boasts around 11,000 native flora species, 75% of which are found in the South West.

Beyond the forests lie the Yeagarup Dunes, the largest inland dune system in the Southern Hemisphere, where 4WD jeep rides end at the roaring Southern Ocean. With nothing but water between Western Australia and Antarctica, the coastline feels raw, remote, and elemental.

Pemberton also sits at the heart of the Southern Forests Wine Region, home to six cellar doors and black Périgord truffle country, responsible for up to 85% of the Southern Hemisphere’s annual harvest. Truffle hunts typically take place from June to August. 

It is within this fertile and dramatic setting that Ampersand Estates has quietly redefined the notion of a wine retreat.

Wine, Wilderness, and Welcome Fires

Surrounded by verdant karri forest and set along the tranquil Donnelly River, Ampersand Estates is a fully integrated luxury estate. It is home to a boutique winery, artisanal distillery, and elegant accommodation. Remote enough for a digital detox (though Starlink ensures you can connect – if you must), the estate offers a cocoon of sophistication amid natural surroundings. 

Founded in 2020 by Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheepers, the estate occupies what was once the area’s oldest winery. Today, it produces award-winning wines made from a mix of estate-grown and neighbouring fruit, crafted in collaboration with regional producers.

In April this year, the 2022 Ampersand Estates Pinot Noir was crowned Western Australia’s champion wine at the inaugural Top Up Wine Awards, voted from more than 20,000 entries. In the latest Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviews, every wine submitted by Ampersand Estates received 90+ points. In short, you will never be thirsty here. The wines are that good. 

Depending on group size, guests may choose between three residences, each framed by vineyards and native bushland where kangaroos bound at dusk or dawn. The Homestead, perched on the riverbank, features five king-sized ensuite bedrooms, plush living area, and a private deck designed for sundowners with a glass of estate wine in hand. 

The Vintner’s Residence, set on a hilltop, mirrors that luxury with vineyard views and wide decks that invite languid afternoons. For couples, the Settler’s Cottage, a restored 1870s cabin with two bedrooms, a fireplace, and a country kitchen, provides a romantic, rustic-chic escape. 

Stays come with a breakfast hamper brimming with local produce—think: eggs, bread, bacon, avocados, fresh fruit, muesli and yoghurt.

Private Dining and Tasting 

You can cook your own meals but why not liven up your evenings with a private dining experience. Guests may book a special dinner with Argentinian chef Facundo Salas, who trained in Michelin-starred Italian kitchens before bringing his skills to Australia. Under the stars, the chef will expertly fire up meat and vegetables – suspended over an open-fire barbecue – a perfect centrepiece for any celebration.

At the elegant dining table, expect platters of cold cuts paired with sparkling wine, followed by dishes like creamy risotto with aioli, and succulent steak – naturally, paired with more Ampersand’s wines.

The estate will soon be launching its Botanical Distillery Gardens. Guided private lakeside wine tastings are included in any stay. You can also enjoy bespoke gin and vodka flights, accompanied by generous grazing platters including cheeses, seasonal fruit, nuts, dips and crackers. Crafted in the on-site Rainfall Distillery, the spirits showcase the pure botanicals and ingredients of the Southern Forests. 

The tasting experience will allow you to choose four spirits from the premium selection of gins and vodkas. Unique sips include the limited edition Rainfall Distillery’s Vodka infused with Karri Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts,  made with honey from the surrounding region’s Karri trees that flower only once every 12 to 20 years. This makes the natural honey some of the rarest in the world.

Pemberton offers a rare blend of wilderness and refinement.  At Ampersand Estates, that balance is distilled into a stay that is both indulgent and restorative.

Beyond the Estate

For those keen to explore more, Ampersand partners with local experts to uncover the region’s bounty.
Guided tours with Pemberton Discovery Tours take guests to the typically inaccessible dunes and coastline. For instance, to reach the Southern Ocean from Pemberton, join a 4WD eco-adventure through the Warren National Park and across the Yeagarup Dunes before arriving at the Warren River mouth. This is where you can gaze into the roaring waters where Australia meets Antarctica. The tour includes a drive through towering Karri forests, and a walk on the shifting dunes. 

Getting there

The Busselton Margaret River Airport is just an hour’s drive from Ampersand Estates. The estate can arrange a Rolls-Royce or limousine transfer (price on application). There is also a helipad adjacent to the lake and cellar door, available for those arriving by helicopter. Several operators also offered charter flights from Perth or Busselton.