Nestled in the heart of Western Australia, the picturesque town of Pemberton played a starring role in the film adaptation of Jasper Jones. This small town, renowned for its towering karri trees and pristine landscapes, provided the perfect setting for the darkly enchanting, coming-of-age story. Based on the novel by Australian author Craig Silvey, Jasper Jones tells the story of young Charlie Bucktin, who, alongside the outcast Jasper, uncovers the secrets of their seemingly sleepy town.

The decision to film in Pemberton brought the haunting beauty of the region to the screen, showcasing its forests, rivers, and historical buildings, making it feel like another character in the story. In 2015, a large number of residents signed up as extra’s and found themselves part of the adventure. For fans of the book and the film alike, visiting Pemberton offers an immersive experience into the world of Jasper Jones and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of its characters, also you may like to look closely at the people in town as they were probably an extra!

Key Filming Locations in Pemberton

1. The Karri Forests
The towering karri forests of Pemberton set a stunning and mysterious backdrop throughout the film. The sheer height and density of the trees evoke an aura of secrecy and intrigue, adding to the tension of Charlie and Jasper’s story.

These forests are some of the tallest in the world, and visitors can explore their beauty firsthand by driving through the Karri Forest Explorer Drive or experiencing the heights at the Gloucester Tree ziplines.

Forest trails south of Pemberton and a section near Treenbrook Estate was used for filming locations.

2. The Pemberton Town Centre
The small-town charm of Pemberton was essential in capturing the 1960s Australian setting depicted in Jasper Jones. Its historic buildings, quaint shops, and traditional architecture provided an authentic atmosphere, making it easy to envision the tensions and complexities of life in a close-knit community.

The Pemberton Mill Hall, Grumpy’s Pemberton Cafe, old Shamrock restaurant across the road, the ‘Jaspers’ Whisky lounge, and a mysterious Corrigin hotel that popped up overnight were part of the townhall scene.

Please respect the residents and privacy of the businesses and houses mentioned in this article. You may wish to download the Jasper Jones Pemberton Guide developed by the South West Development Commission.

The two houses on Ellis St were the homes of Charlie and his best mate Jeffrey. Eliza’s house was the old Pemberton Mill Manager House with Mad Jack Lionel’s house perched on top of the hill leading out of town towards Manjimup.

The infamous tree is now a group camping spot and home to a number of the props used in the film.

Walk around the town to see some of the exact locations used in the film and experience its nostalgic ambiance. If you pop into the visitor centre we can help you discover some of the more secret places.

Jasper Jones’s Lasting Impact on Pemberton

The film adaptation of Jasper Jones shone a spotlight on Pemberton, drawing fans of Australian cinema and literature to the area. It’s become a key location for visitors interested in film tourism, as well as a beloved destination for anyone who appreciates nature, history, and the arts. By visiting Pemberton, you’re not only stepping into the world of Jasper Jones but also supporting a community that has beautifully preserved its heritage and natural wonders.

The producers so loved Pemberton that there are whispers of them returning to film some more.

Whether you’re retracing the footsteps of Charlie, Eliza or Jasper or discovering Pemberton’s beauty for the first time, this small town offers a captivating escape into both nature and storytelling.