The Southern Forests region, promoted as Western Australia’s food bowl, is fast becoming one of the state’s most exciting foodie destinations.

For the past century migrants from countries as diverse as Scotland and Thailand, Macedonia and New Zealand, have made the region their home, bringing their food, culture and recipes with them.

One recent transplant is Barossa-born Sophie Zalokar, who got her start working with Maggie Beer. She’s at the heart of Foragers (1 Roberts Rd, Pemberton), which combines a farm-based cooking school and restaurant with basic-but-beautiful self-contained chalets built by her husband, Chris. When booking a stay check on dates to ensure you can enjoy one of Sophie’s seasonal dinners as well as cooking classes.

During your visit to the Southern Forests, you can explore region further by foot or water with Pemberton Hiking and Canoeing, or 4WD on Pemberton Discovery Tours’ Beach and Forest Eco Adventure.

Stay

Choose from one of Foragers’ two-bedroom Eco-Chalets, the three-bedroom Farmhouse or a Luxury Studio. Ask about the breakfast hampers and enjoy the freshly ground Fiori coffee..

If Foragers is booked out, try Silkwood (9649 Channybearup Road, Pemberton). The chalets are quite spacious and designed to take advantage of karri forest views.

Get there

Pemberton is 3.5-hour-drive south of Perth. If you’re leaving on a Friday, start your trip at lunchtime to beat the crowds on the freeway.

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