Big Brook Dam
5 km
distance
8 min
Contour time
6.6
avg score
Sealed
surface
Scenery
Western Australia
The Pemberton forest block contains some of the last old-growth karri forest in Western Australia. Big Brook Dam was...
Road quality
6.6 RQS
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in Sports car. Peak season: Year-round.
7-day forecast
Short and atmospheric. The narrow sealed road under 60-metre karri trees is worth experiencing at any pace. Run as both northbound (4.93 km) and southbound (4.52 km) stages in the Tarmac South West rally.
Scored 6.6/10 by Contour's road quality algorithm across curviness, surface, elevation and traffic. Best suited for sports car drivers.
The road
Big Brook Dam is one of the genuine Targa South West rally stages - run in both directions during events as 'Big Brook Dam North' (4.93 km) and 'Big Brook Dam South' (4.52 km). The route runs through the tallest karri trees in the Pemberton forest block, with specimens approaching 60 metres along the road. The road is sealed throughout but narrow, and the forest closes in overhead within the first kilometre. The combination of tall trees, narrow road and the enclosed canopy creates a driving experience that is distinctive even by South West standards. This is not a fast stage - it is a precise one. The dam at the end is a modest structure compared to the trees around it. The Big Brook Arboretum alongside has plantings of several karri variants and is worth a short walk. The 4 km sealed loop walk around the dam is wheelchair and pram accessible.
Big Brook Dam is one of the genuine Targa South West rally stages - run in both directions during events as 'Big Brook Dam North' (4.93 km) and 'Big Brook Dam South' (4.52 km).
Why this road
The region
The Pemberton forest block contains some of the last old-growth karri forest in Western Australia. Big Brook Dam was built to supply water to the timber mills and the town. The Big Brook Arboretum was established to preserve and study karri genetics. The forest block is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Before you go
Fuel in Pemberton. Open year-round. The arboretum is free to visit and has walking tracks. The 4 km dam loop walk is sealed and accessible. 10-minute drive from Pemberton town centre.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Big Brook Arboretum
Karri genetics research arboretum with walking tracks through the plantings.
Pemberton town
5 minutes back to town with good coffee and the Pemberton Trout and Marron Farm.
Route
Start
Pemberton
End
Big Brook Dam
Gallery
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