South West Life

Just within the boundary of the south west, around 20km north of Walpole, lies a great little recreation and camping area alongside one of the south west's most purest rivers.

Fernhook Falls and Rowell’s Pool form part of the Deep River, in a section that runs through beautiful native forest between three National Parks (Shannon, D’entrecasteaux, and Mount Franklin). At the point where the river crosses Beadmore Road, a recreation and camping area has been created with campsites, boardwalks, and swimming and canoeing areas.

Like a lot of the fresh water rivers in the south west, the Deep River winds it’s way through hundreds of kilometres of native forest. As the trees and plants break down, they release tannins into the water, making it dark in colour. In some areas the water can really get quite dark, like the area around Fernbook Falls and Rowell’s pool.

But despite this dark colour, the Deep River is actually a very pure and clean river, because 95% of it is within catchment areas.

At Fernhook Falls, because of the high levels of tannins in the water, the agitation in the water caused by the waterfall creates large piles of foam. In some places this foam can reach several metres high. And whether you are interested in the foam or the waterfall, there are several places where you can get up close, or splash in the water.

Immediately after the waterfall , the river opens up into Rowell’s Pool, a large deep pool, perfect for swimming and canoeing.

To find this area, when you are on the south west highway between Shannon and Walpole, take a turn eastwards onto Beadmore Road. After around 3km, you will come across the Fernhook Falls and Rowells Pool campsite.

The whole area is wheelchair friendly and includes toilets, gas BBQs, wood BBQs, picnic tables, places for camping (including one hut), plus access areas for swimming and canoeing. Overall it has enough facilities and attractions for a pleasant stay for anyone, including families.

Camping fees are around $6 or $7 per night (per adult) and around $2 or $3 per child per night. For further information contact the Department of Environment And Conservation.