Forest Attractions
Shannon National Park
Shannon National Park is set in some of the most magnificent karri country in Western Australias southern forest. The park covers the entire basin of the Shannon River, from its headwaters to the Southern Ocean. The park covers 53,500 hectares, including old growth and regrowth karri forests and biologically-rich heathlands and wetlands.
You can meander along the Great Forest Trees Drive or get up close to the forest on several different walktrails from the Shannon day use area. There is a campground with barbeques, toilets and showers and two small camping huts.
Walpole-Nornalup National Park
The Walpole-Nornalup National Park is located on the south coast and is approximately 18,116 hectares. This park has karri and tingle eucalypt forests, wilderness area, some sandy beaches and picturesque coastline.
Fernhook Falls
Located on Beardmore Road (36kms NW of Walpole), Fernhook Falls are part of the Deep River with spectacular falls in winter. This area is also a popular picnic spot in summer. Below the falls, at the river edge, are board walks and a stairway into the river affords a safe canoe launch during the white water season of July to October.
For more information, please visit – http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mt-frankland-south
Camping facilities are also available. Two shelters, camping sites, water and barbecue facilities are provided and fees apply. For details, please visit http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/know/camping-fees
Mount Frankland
Drive 29 km north of Walpole through farming area and bushland to Mt Frankland National Park.
Pack a picnic or enjoy a BBQ in the forest or explore Mt Frankland by following one of the various walking trails on offer. Enter through the beautifully stone constructed arrival shelter and find information and maps of Mt Frankland – all walks start from the shelter.
The universally accessible Wilderness Lookout is 600 metre return walk and offers uninterrupted views across the wilderness.
The summit walk offers breathtaking views and will take approximately one hour to complete the return journey and a reasonable level of fitness is required due to the steepness of the climb.
A shelter, toilet, water and barbecue facilities are also available to visitors.
For more information, please visit – http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mt-frankland
Circular Pool
The Frankland River Circular Pool is attractive all year, both for the falls in winter and the large, tranquil pool in summer. In winter marvel at the mountains of froth created by tannins leaching into the river from the native vegetation. Viewing platforms and wheelchair access is available.
For more information, please visit – http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/walpole-nornalup
Giant Tingle Tree
Opposite Knoll Drive, Hilltop Road winds through a very special red tingle and karri forest. Two kilometres along this one-way road will bring you to a spectacular lookout over the Frankland River, Nornalup Inlet and Southern Ocean. Three kilometres after the lookout will bring you to the car park of the Giant Tingle Tree. From here starts an 800m circular walk which leads down to the Giant Tingle Tree and the board walk that protects it. At 24 metres, this is the largest, living, girthed eucalypt known in the world.
Two hundred metres after the Giant Tingle Tree carpark there is an opportunity to rejoin the South Coast Highway as Hilltop Road continues on to Circular Pool.
For more information, please visit http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/walpole-nornalup
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Explore Western Australia”s world famous forest of gigantic tingle trees-from the forest floor and from 40 metres up in the canopy. The world class Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk soars gently upwards amidst the tingle foliage and opens up a world of birds and flowers that most people never see.
The walkway has gained international attention for its innovative design and the exciting experience it offers.
Descend to the boardwalks below and explore the “Ancient Empire” – a grove of impressive veteran tingle trees.
This award winning attraction provides a unique experience was judged Australias best regional tourist attraction at the 2000 Australian Tourism Awards and in 2001 was elevated to WA tourisms “Hall of Fame”.
Dress according to weather conditions; Walking shoes recommended. Allow 45-60 minutes.
Fees Apply – please visit the Tree Top Walk Website for details.
Open: 9am – 4.15pm Daily (except Christmas Day) last ticket sales at 4.15pm
Extended hours 26 December to 26 January – Daily 8am to 5pm (last ticket sales at 4.15pm)
Closed: Christmas Day and during hazardous weather conditions.
Disabled access and toilets