The Boranup Karri Forest is a regrowth forest featuring tall karri trees, located in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in Western Australia. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and confirms that Boranup Drive remains fully accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles following ongoing post-fire track maintenance.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily |
| Ticket prices | Free admission |
| Address | Caves Road, Margaret River, WA 6285 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free parking at Boranup Lookout and picnic areas |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
Boranup Karri Forest opening hours
The Boranup Karri Forest is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. There are no seasonal variations or gated closures to the main scenic drive or the primary lookouts.
Visitors should plan to explore during daylight hours to view the trees and navigate the unsealed roads safely, as the forest is completely unlit at night.
5 great Margaret River region experiences worth booking
- 🍷 Hop between world class wineries on a classic Margaret River wine tour.
- 🍺 Go beyond the wine-tasting with a wineries, breweries and distilleries tour.
- 🚙 Take a 4WD tour to the region’s natural highlights, uncovering the local secrets.
- 🏄 Learn how to catch a wave with a beginner’s surfing lesson.
- 🛶 Enjoy a canoe tour through the forest along the Margaret River.
Boranup Karri Forest ticket prices
There is no admission fee to visit the Boranup Karri Forest, as entry to the wider Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is completely free. Visitors can drive the scenic routes, access the lookouts, and use the picnic facilities without purchasing a ticket.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to the Boranup Karri Forest
The forest is situated along Caves Road, a 25-minute drive south of the town of Margaret River. Driving is the only practical transport method, as no public buses or trains operate through the national park.
The main route through the trees, Boranup Drive, is an unsealed but hard limestone track that loops off Caves Road. It is suitable for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Parking at the Boranup Karri Forest
Free parking is available at designated pull-offs and points of interest throughout the forest. The primary car park is located at the Boranup Lookout on the eastern side of Caves Road.
Additional parking spaces are provided at the Boranup Campground and at various roadside picnic spots along Boranup Drive, offering direct access to the walking trails.
How long to spend at the Boranup Karri Forest
A typical visit to the Boranup Karri Forest requires one to two hours. This timeframe provides sufficient time to complete the scenic drive, stop at the lookout, and take a short walk among the trees.
Visitors planning to hike the longer bushwalking trails, use the barbecue facilities, or stay at the campground should allocate a half-day.
Accessibility at the Boranup Karri Forest
The Boranup Lookout provides a firm, flat surface that is accessible for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs, offering elevated views over the canopy.
The walking trails within the forest consist of compacted earth, gravel, and uneven terrain, which may not suit all mobility devices. However, the scenic drive can be experienced entirely from a vehicle.
Inside / what to see at the Boranup Karri Forest
The forest features karri trees, the third tallest tree species in the world, with many reaching over 60 metres in height. Their pale bark and sheer size create a dense, shaded canopy over the valley.
The Boranup Lookout sits on the eastern edge of the forest. From this vantage point, visitors can look across the tops of the trees towards the coastal waters of the Cape Leeuwin area.
During the spring months, the forest floor features native wildflowers. Visitors can expect to see purple hovea, yellow hibbertia, white clematis, and various species of terrestrial orchids blooming among the trees.
The area is also a habitat for native birds. Visitors walking the trails in the morning often spot purple-crowned lorikeets and splendid fairy-wrens.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit in the late afternoon when the low sunlight illuminates the pale tree trunks. |
| Crowds | The forest rarely reaches high capacity, but arriving early guarantees quieter trails. |
| Layout | Download an offline map before arriving, as mobile reception drops within the national park. |
| Entry process | Enter the unsealed Boranup Drive from Caves Road and follow the directional signage. |
| On-site logistics | Bring drinking water and snacks, as there are no facilities or cafes within the reserve. |
Frequently asked questions about the Boranup Karri Forest
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Boranup Karri Forest suitable for children? | Yes, the short walking trails and lookouts make it an accessible stop for families. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Boranup Karri Forest? | No advance booking is required for general entry, though campsite bookings are essential. |
| Is the Boranup Karri Forest open on Sundays? | Yes, the forest is open 24 hours a day, including Sundays and all public holidays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Boranup Karri Forest? | Yes, visitors can bring day bags, provided they follow Leave No Trace principles and remove all rubbish. |
Things to do near the Boranup Karri Forest
- Lake Cave: A subterranean limestone cave featuring a permanent lake and a distinctive “Suspended Table” crystal formation.
- Hamelin Bay: A coastal bay where wild stingrays frequently swim close to the shoreline.
- Mammoth Cave: A large, accessible cave offering self-guided audio tours and ancient megafauna fossils.
- Jewel Cave: The largest show cave in Western Australia, containing one of the longest straw stalactites globally.
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia.
More Western Australia travel
Other Western Australia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Meet the kangaroos at Yalgardup Falls in Margaret River.
- Wildlife and adventure in Margaret River.
- Stare out over the Indian Ocean from the Wilyabrup Cliffs or Canal Rocks.
- Guide to visiting the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury.
- What to expect at the Museum of the Great Southern in Albany.
