History
The Forest Lodge Resort is a quiet, secluded and stunning property which is conveniently located on the edge of Pemberton township.
We are close to all local amenities, attractions and activities. The Lodge is Tripadvisor's No 1. Hotel stay in Pemberton, 5 years in a row, with our attractive settings, beautiful landscaped lawn and gardens ideal for an intimate garden ceremony with its Karri forest backdrop.
This year we won Tripadvisor's Traveller's choice award! Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic, award winners are known for consistently receiving great traveler and dinner feedback, placing us in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe.
The restaurant is bookable for groups, functions, events and breakfast. Now open for dinner every Friday to Sunday and for Lunch Saturday and Sunday. Please Book ahead of time.
The charming gazebo on the lake is a photographer's dream and consequently we are a popular venue for Weddings, and other functions.
We offer a variety of accommodation, including Guest Rooms, Cottages, Studio Units and Self Contained Chalets to suit everyone's desires, from couples, families, corporate travelers to bus tours and Club getaways.
Forest Lodge Resort's History
The original Forest Lodge building was constructed in 1916. It was built with local jarrah timber on the outside and lined with hessian on the inside. Though slightly improved, the structure still stands today and houses the Reception, Breakfast Room and Lounge. Originally, the building was situated on an 85 acre block with only the building envelope cleared.
In 1935, a California Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) was planted beside a well near the building. The tree is not the tallest example of this species but nevertheless it has grown to be one of the largest in the region and is represented on our logo.
In 1949, the Valom family turned the premises into a guesthouse. Mr Valom (a carpenter by trade) built a wing on to the side of the original building comprising six lodging rooms, three back rooms and one room on the front veranda.
In 1964, the premises began providing accommodation under the name ‘Forest Lodge’.
In 1975, the McDonnell family became the new owners of the ‘Lodge’ and subsequently ran it for nine years.
In 1984, the establishment passed to the Bonini family. In the eleven years that followed, the Bonini’s developed the gardens and added more accommodation including four self contained motel units, four chalets and one homestead.
In 1985, they changed the name to ‘Forest Lodge and Motel’.
In 1995, the Langford and Fisher families purchased the premises and introduced its current name ‘Forest Lodge Resort’. Over the next seven years, the original lodge rooms were renovated into four guest rooms with their own en suites, two with spas, while the homestead also saw significant renovations. Major alterations to the main building were also carried out during this time and included a new reception and office, a manager’s residence, large commercial kitchen and public toilets. For some years the Broadaxe Restaurant operated successfully, serving fine cuisine to both locals and tourists.
In 2010, the property transferred to John and Kerrie McInnes. Improvements, included timber decks to the Breakfast Room and to the Homestead, to open them up to the lake. Extensive landscaping was completed and limestone walls to the gardens, along with a new gazebo in the middle of the lake that is used for wedding ceremonies.
SINCE 2017, the present owners Cirstin, Szalina and Chef Ingo Maass took over the Forest Lodge Resort. All accommodation units and the Homestead are gradually being improved inside and out, to ensure that your stay is both a relaxing and comfortable experience. The 'Lodge' has developed an excellent reputation for hospitality and is now considered one of Pemberton's premier Wedding and Function venues.
We have added 2 completely new Rooms, including the Cottage Homestead and the Forest Lodge Room with Private Terrace, whilst also improving their gardens along side constant little renovations.
You can also, now, walk all around the Lake, with views of the Gazebo from every angle.
"Chef Ingo's" the new Dinning experience, was opened in October 2019 and we warmly welcome everyone from outside and within the Accommodation to enjoy our Menus!
We invite you to immerse yourself in a relaxing ambiance where gracious service and comfort are our commitment to you.
