One of Western Australia's last "old country pubs" has been gutted by fire in the state's South West.

The Quinninup tavern was a former timber milling company's worker's social club, nestled amongst tall Karri trees between Manjimup and Pemberton, around 350 kilometres from Perth.

The Quinninup tavern was destroyed in the blaze. Credit:Michael Eastwood

The tavern was part of the Karri Lake area, which was established after the mill's closure in 1982 to bring tourists and holidaymakers to the region.

Manjimup police said fire tore through the historic building on Friday, destroying it despite the efforts of local firefighters and volunteers.