Come find out for yourself why Donnelly Lakes is the most awarded business in Pemberton... where time stops...
A much smaller and quieter version of some of the big corporate-style resorts in the south west, in as beautiful a setting and with just as much to do but with personalised service and complete privacy, Donnelly Lakes offer secluded, luxurious self-appointed chalets. Enjoy trout fishing, canoeing, winding walk trails and relaxing in your private outdoor spa with sensational lake views.
If you are looking for a superb and soul refreshing accommodation experience in WA's south west, then come and relax in the tranquil surroundings of our 4-star chalet accommodation near beautiful Pemberton, in the southern forests of Western Australia. This unique resort accommodation offers secluded escapes in superbly appointed fully self-contained chalets with 4 star comfort. Canoes, trout fishing in our regularly stocked lakes or in the Donnelly River, and winding walk trails on this 100 acre land for wildlife property, make this the perfect escape for couples or families.
There are four main lakes at Donnelly Lakes with the main lake being 5 acres and three lower lakes of about 2-3 acres each. The main lake is creek and spring fed and drains into the lower lakes before discharging into the Donnelly River which forms a 1km border to the property. Good fishing can also be enjoyed in the river with the Barlee Brook, a well known trout breeding stream feeding into the river on our stretch of water.
During the winter months, the billabongs and small lakes behind the main river body also fill with water making this a very wet paradise teeming with biodiversity, mating pairs of birds and migrating flocks as they head off on their journeys.
Our Chalets
Our 5 luxury chalets all feature private outdoor heated spas, cosy log fires, air-conditioning for the warmer summer months, and tranquil lake views. Each chalet has a private outdoor entertaining area with a barbecue for relaxed breakfasts or tranquil evenings by the lake.
They are fully equipped for self-catering with a comprehensive kitchen and all the niceties that make a home for you whilst on holidays. There are fabulous river and bush walks on this 100 acre Land for Wildlife property which is bounded by state forest and 1km of Donnelly River frontage with trout in both the river and from our well stocked lake and of course we have now introduced brown trout into one of our lower lakes for fly catch and release sports fishermen.
Ibis a superior two bedroom chalet with a queen and twin room is nestled in a lovely leafy environment with views over the lake and with its own jetty and canoe for paddling about the lake.
Heron has two queen rooms and is an extremely private chalet preferred by our honeymooners situated next to the water and also boasting its own jetty. Kingfisher a two bedroom chalet with a queen and twin room has commanding views overlooking the lake, gazebo and fountain and will comfortably accommodate you during your stay.
Spoonbill is our three bedroom chalet with two queen bedrooms and a third bedroom with a single and double bunk bed arrangement. It is located a little apart from the other chalets in a wonderfully private bush land setting enjoying lovely views overlooking the lake and into the forest as well. A large outdoor deck also provides a wonderful entertaining area.
Teal is our super deluxe chalet with two queen rooms and adjoining ensuites. It is quite separate from the other chalets affording great privacy. It will comfortably accommodate you during your stay with bedrooms overlooking the lake, a private outdoor spa, bbq facilities, own private jetty, lunch table beside the water and your own canoe for paddling about the lake.
Activities
A beach volley ball court is available for the energetic whilst those with a more technical sporting interest may enjoy some archery on our field with qualified instructors. If you are in a contemplative mood then a meander through the labyrinth may soothe the soul or for the more competitive a game of large table draughts under a canopy of peppermint trees may be in order.
Perhaps croquet might interest you or a wander down the lane of potted thoughts is always an option or simply discover the property with a quiz booking investigating it’s secrets whilst unravelling the answers.
Fishing
Our main lake is stocked approximately 4 times a year with plate-sized rainbow trout and our chalet guests are welcome to fish in the lake. Due to our regular re-stocking programme with good sized fish, the lake now has a healthy population of trout ranging from plate upward to more mature larger sizes. These fish can be caught on a catch and release ethic at no charge or for those who love to cook their catch, a charge of $6 per fish applies regardless of size.
For the more serious fisher folk we have recently started stocking the lower ‘Reflection Lake’ with plate-size brown trout for catch and release fly fishing only.
A full range of spinning and fly rods are available for hire as well as tackle and a selection of fly, lures and corn to tempt the fish.
Bush-Walking
Self-guided walks are marked around this 100 acre land for wildlife property either along the beautiful Donnelly River which forms a kilometre of our boundary with the surrounding state forests and National Parks or into the bushland surrounding the property.
Wildlife/Bird-watching
Kangaroos abound on the property with a kangaroo hide available to observe them during the day or at sunset in a natural setting.
Over 80 species of birds have been identified on the property including those our chalets are named after, so don’t forget your binoculars and bird guide books are available on request.
A recent discovery of the threatened species Engawa Reducta or burrowing crayfish at Donnelly Lakes testifies to the healthy environment of this Land for Wildlife property which has been handed back to the forest creatures in a managed and caring manner.
The Region
For the gourmets amongst us, Donnelly Lakes is within easy reach of over 30 Pemberton and regional cool climate wineries, as well as truffle farms, cheese factories, trout farms and other local delicacies. Donnelly River Wines is situated on the Vasse highway near the turn off to Donnelly Lakes with the multi- award-winning Donnelly River Cruises leaving regularly approx 15mins down the highway from us.
Likewise the Warren, D’Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks with their majestic Karri trees, are all within easy reach, as are the Gloucester Tree, Diamond Tree, the unique Yeagerup Dunes, King Trout Hatchery, Tramway and the Treetop Walk.
Donnelly Lakes... Where time stops...