RAC Karri Valley Resort

RAC Karri Valley Resort is one of those places that really feels like a getaway. Tucked amongst towering karri trees and perched on the glassy edge of Lake Beedelup, it offers that perfect mix of nature, comfort and kid‑friendly fun. Around three and a half hours’ drive south of Perth and a short hop from Pemberton, it’s far enough to feel like a true escape, but close enough to tackle over a long weekend or as part of a South West road trip.

From the moment you arrive, the stillness of the forest and the mist curling over the lake make it feel worlds away from suburbia. It’s the kind of place where kids can roam, bikes are constantly on the go and everyone slows down a notch – whether you’re in a cosy chalet, a lakeside room or camping under the stars.

Accommodation – Chalets, Lakeside Rooms and Camping

Karri Valley has a great range of options to suit different family styles and budgets. The original wooden chalets are scattered through the forest, some right on the edge of the lake and others tucked a little further back among the trees. They’re well‑spaced, so you don’t feel like you’re on top of your neighbours, and many are linked by a road and shared pathway that kids love to ride and scoot along.

The chalets come in two and three‑bedroom configurations, with a mix of forest and lake views. Inside, they’re spacious, practical and very home‑like, with open‑plan living areas, a full kitchen and dining space, and, for the cooler months, a log fire that makes evenings incredibly cosy. Large decks overlook the forest or the water, and they quickly become the go‑to spot for morning coffees, lazy lunches and a glass of wine after the kids are in bed.

Family bedrooms are well thought out, often with twin beds and bunks, which works brilliantly for siblings and friends. Parents usually score the main bedroom with direct access onto the balcony, so you can sneak out to watch the sunrise mist curling over the lake while the rest of the family sleeps.

If you prefer a hotel‑style stay, the Lakeside Rooms offer a more compact option, right on the lake’s edge. Upstairs rooms are ideal for couples, while ground floor rooms with a queen and single bed make a simple, comfortable choice for a small family. All enjoy uninterrupted views over Lake Beedelup, so you’re never far from that beautiful outlook.

More recently, Karri Valley has added a well‑equipped campground, just a short drive from the main resort entrance. Here you’ll find powered slab sites for caravans and motorhomes, softer powered sites, unpowered camper/tent sites and even ensuite sites with your own private bathroom. It’s perfect if you love the idea of waking up in the karri forest but still want access to resort‑style facilities. The campground has modern shared amenities, a camp kitchen, laundry and recreation areas, giving families the flexibility to combine the fun of camping with days spent down at the lake and restaurant.

Dining – Lakeside Views and Kid‑Friendly Options

The Lakeside Restaurant is a real highlight. It sits right above the water with huge windows framing the lake and forest, so whether you’re there for breakfast or dinner, you feel completely immersed in the setting.

The menu focuses on fresh, local produce from the Southern Forests region, with plenty to tempt both adults and kids. You can expect hearty mains and elegant dishes like local lamb, marron and seasonal vegetables, alongside more familiar crowd‑pleasers. Kids are well catered for with their own menu featuring favourites such as pasta, grilled fish and nuggets, and there are activity packs to keep little ones busy while you enjoy your meal.

Breakfast is usually buffet‑style when it’s busy, with all the classics on offer – sausages, bacon, hash browns, eggs cooked to your liking, pancakes, cereals, fruit and pastries. It’s the perfect fuel for a big day of exploring. Staff are used to catering for dietary requirements, and dairy‑free and gluten‑free options are available, which makes things less stressful for families dealing with allergies and intolerances.

If you’re staying in a chalet or at the campground, self‑catering is straightforward thanks to the kitchens and barbecues, but it’s well worth planning at least one meal at the restaurant purely for the views and the relaxed atmosphere.

Activities – From Forest Walks to Farm Animals

One of the reasons families fall in love with RAC Karri Valley Resort is the sheer amount there is to do without even leaving the property. Many activities are based around the lake and forest, and you can purchase passes or hire equipment from the activity centre near the water. It’s a good idea to pop in early in your stay to see what’s on and make any bookings you need.

The lake is the natural Playground. There’s a small swimming beach, a grassy area perfect for picnics, and a jetty with a pontoon to swim out to when the weather’s warm. You can hire canoes, kayaks or rowboats and spend an hour or two paddling around the edges of Lake Beedelup, spotting birdlife and looking back at the resort buildings tucked into the trees. Fishing is also popular – the lake is stocked with trout, and while success is never guaranteed, kids usually love the process of trying.

Back on dry land, the mini‑golf course is a firm family favourite, with 18 holes of varying difficulty and a few quirky obstacles to keep everyone entertained. Nearby, the archery range offers sessions suitable for older kids and adults. It’s surprisingly addictive, and many families name it as the standout activity from their stay.

For younger children, there’s a Playground overlooking the water and a dedicated games room in one of the chalets fitted out with board games, toys, beanbags and table tennis. It’s a handy wet‑weather fallback and a safe space for kids to make holiday friends. There are also organised arts and crafts sessions at busier times, where children can paint, glue and glitter to their heart’s content.

Another highlight is the on‑site animal farm. At set times each day, kids can join in animal feeding and meet the resident goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and often a very friendly pig and ponies. These sessions are hands‑on, with lots of opportunities for cuddles, pats and learning gentle handling skills. It’s a great circuit breaker for younger kids who might be too small for some of the more adventurous activities.

Beedelup Falls and Forest Adventures

You don’t have to go far to enjoy one of the region’s iconic walks – the Beedelup Falls trail leaves from near the resort. The full loop is roughly 3.5km, with an additional side trip if you’d like to visit the famous “walk‑through” tree. The path takes you through dense forest, past enormous karris, across a wobbly suspension bridge and along sections of boardwalk overlooking the falls and river.

The terrain is uneven in places with some steep sections, so it’s better suited to school‑aged kids and up rather than prams. Sturdy trainers or hiking shoes are definitely recommended. Along the way you can detour to Froggy’s Point, where a simple wooden jetty gives you a postcard‑perfect view back across Lake Beedelup to the resort. It’s especially beautiful when the morning mist is lifting.

As you walk, keep your eyes open for wildlife – it’s common to spot kangaroos grazing in the clearings, kookaburras in the branches overhead and flashes of colourful birdlife amongst the trees. Kids tend to love collecting sticks, inspecting weird and wonderful fungi and testing their bravery on the suspension bridge.

Why It Works So Well for Families

RAC Karri Valley Resort manages to strike a rare balance: it feels peaceful and grown‑up enough for a romantic escape, but at the same time it’s incredibly practical for families. The layout around the lake, the number of inclusive activities and the range of accommodation options all combine to create a place where you can park the car and largely forget about it for a few days.

Days quickly develop their own rhythm – buffet breakfast, a forest walk or bike ride, lake time, animals, a rest back at the chalet or campsite, then an early dinner and a board game or two. There’s enough structure to keep kids busy but also plenty of space for unplanned play and simply being outside.

If you’re planning a South West holiday and want somewhere that showcases the best of the Southern Forests – towering trees, cool misty mornings, starry nights and plenty for kids to do – RAC Karri Valley Resort is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re towing a caravan, pitching a tent or checking into a chalet, it’s the kind of place that leaves you with those happy, “remember when…” family memories long after you’ve driven back up the highway.