Tucked between Manjimup and Pemberton in WA’s beautiful Southern Forests, Fonty’s Pool & Caravan Park is one of those classic South West holiday spots that feels like it’s been made for families. The park wraps around the historic spring-fed pool that gives it its name, so wherever you stay you’re never far from the water, tall trees and green lawns. It’s a brilliant base for exploring the region’s forests, truffles, wineries and farm gates, but it’s also the sort of place where you can happily park the car and let the kids run (and swim) themselves tired.
The hero of the park is the iconic Fonty’s Pool itself – a huge, almost lake‑like body of fresh spring water. Families spread out on the lawns under shady trees, with picnic tables dotted around the water’s edge. The pool has gentle, shallow edges that are ideal for toddlers with close supervision, and deeper sections in the middle for stronger swimmers and confident teens. Large inflatable tubes and pool toys are a big hit with kids, and the fenced perimeter with a single entry/exit point adds a welcome extra layer of reassurance for parents. On warm days you can easily lose hours here as the kids paddle, jump, float and play.
Accommodation at Fonty’s caters for almost every style of family holiday. Campers and caravanners can choose from powered and unpowered grassy sites, with the option of concrete slabs and drive‑through sites for larger rigs. Many sites are shaded by mature trees and the ground is generally well kept, although some of the sites towards the back are gently sloping, so it’s worth packing levelling blocks for your van.
The internal roads are pebbled, which are fine for bikes but a bit bumpy for little scooter wheels; our kids loved riding their bikes in loops around the park.
If you prefer more comfort, there’s a range of cabins, chalets and a lodge. The self‑contained chalets have kitchens, bathrooms, air‑conditioning and lovely outlooks over the water or gardens, while the Lodge is ideal for larger or extended families wanting to stay together under one roof.
Families will appreciate that the park is well set up with practical facilities. The amenities are modern and kept clean, there’s a laundry, and the camp kitchen is a cosy hub overlooking the Playground and pool. With indoor and outdoor seating and a characterful stone fireplace, it’s especially inviting in the cooler months when you can cook dinner while the kids play nearby, then end the evening with a hot chocolate by the fire.
A small on‑site kiosk serves coffee, snacks and ice creams, which is very handy when you’ve set up by the pool and don’t want to pack everything up to head into town.
For kids who still have energy after a big swim, there’s a simple nature Playground with swings, slide and climbing equipment set in sand, plus an old tractor that has become an instant imaginative play magnet. The open grassy areas and paths through the park are perfect for riding bikes, kicking a ball and making new campsite friends.
In the cooler months, one of the highlights for many families is the chance to enjoy a campfire. The park has a communal fire pit and, when conditions and fire regulations allow, pot fires are permitted at sites. Toasting marshmallows at sunset, collecting pine cones for kindling and watching the stars come out over the tall trees are the kind of memories that stick with kids long after the holiday is over.
Fonty’s has also become known as a pet‑friendly destination outside of peak periods. Well‑behaved dogs are welcome on sites and in some designated cabins during non‑busy times, which makes it easier for families who like to travel with their four‑legged members. As always, it’s best to check current pet policies and get approval when you book, especially during school holidays and long weekends when the park is in high demand.
One of the big advantages of staying at Fonty’s Pool & Caravan Park is just how much there is to do within a short drive. Manjimup is minutes away and has supermarkets, cafes and the excellent Manjimup Heritage Park and adventure Playground – a full day out in itself with giant slides, flying foxes and fantastic nature play. The surrounding Southern Forests region is foodie heaven, from nearby orchards to wineries and truffle farms; if you’re visiting in truffle season, treat yourself to a tasting or farm tour. Pemberton is an easy day trip for towering karri forests, lookouts, climbing trees, mountain biking and scenic drives, and there are beautiful spots for freshwater swims, canoeing and bushwalks at places like Big Brook Dam and the many forest trails.
Fonty’s is very much a “four seasons” destination, but it is important to know that the caravan park closes for a winter break in July and August. Outside of those months, each season offers something different: long, lazy swim days in summer, colourful foliage in autumn, misty mornings and cosy fires in winter, and lush green paddocks and blossoms in spring. Because it’s such a well‑loved park and also part of the G’day Parks network, sites and cabins can book out quickly for school holidays and long weekends, so forward planning is a must if you’re tied to specific dates.
Overall, Fonty’s Pool & Caravan Park is a fantastic choice for families wanting a relaxed, outdoorsy South West escape with a real sense of history and place. The combination of the unique spring‑fed pool, family‑friendly facilities, variety of accommodation and easy access to everything the Southern Forests has to offer makes it somewhere you’ll likely find yourself returning to again and again.
Fontys Pool & Caravan Park
Address: 699 Seven Day Road, Jardee (Manjimup), WA 6258
Opening hours: Open seasonally from September to June; closed in July and August. Check the website for current opening dates and reception hours.
Website: https://www.fontyspool.com.au
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Lorraine is co-owner of Buggybuddys and is a mother to Blake (15) and Lollie (12).
