Exploring the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in Walpole
Imagine walking among giants, feeling the fresh breeze as you traverse a treetop walkway, and witnessing an ancient forest from a bird’s-eye view.
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Western Australia, offers this unique, exhilarating experience.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your adventure in this awe-inspiring destination.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk for a unique experience with giant tingle trees
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon to get optimal lighting and fewer crowds
- Enjoy nearby attractions, accommodations, and kid-friendly activities!
Discover the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Stretching over a span of 600 meters, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk whisks you away on an exhilarating tour across the ancient tingle forest, promising an up-close encounter with the majestic giant tingle trees.
Conveniently located off the South Coast Highway in Nornalup, this must-visit attraction is only a short drive from Walpole and Denmark.
Delivering a unique experience, the Tree Top Walk caters to everyone in the family – adrenaline junkies on an adventure spree and nature enthusiasts longing for a serene stroll through the valley. With various activities, you can opt for a thrilling treetop adventure, a tranquil picnic, or a combination of activities that suit your interests.
History and Background
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk was thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its environment, taking inspiration from the sword grass and tassel flower it aims to protect. This architectural marvel offers a unique experience and educates visitors about the extraordinary ecosystem of the tingle forest and its contribution to the region’s biodiversity through the Wilderness Discovery Centre.
As you set foot on the 600-meter Tree Top Walk, pause to admire the complex metal framework. It grants spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape and injects a dash of thrill into your journey. The walkway is a testament to the perfect balance of human ingenuity and nature’s beauty.
Unique Features
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is celebrated for its treetop immersion, along with its accessibility and safety measures.
The walkway accommodates strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility issues, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views of the forest canopy as they traverse the Giants Road on the giants treetop walk and experience the top walk valley.
In addition to its accessibility, the Tree Top Walk prioritizes the safety of its visitors. The metal framework and secure railings provide a safe environment for everyone, allowing you to focus on the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of the ancient tingle forest.
How to get to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is a unique and adventurous attraction in Western Australia’s Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
To get there, you need to head towards Denmark if you’re coming from Albany, which is around an hour’s drive away. From Denmark, it’s another 30-minute drive west along South Coast Highway.
The journey from Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is considerably longer and can take about 4.5 hours. It’s recommended to use a GPS or mapping service for precise directions.
Once you arrive, you’ll find ample parking space and the visitor centre where you can purchase your tickets.
You can also opt for a tour. We have found a multi-day tour that leaves from Perth:
Experience the Valley of the Giants
Upon reaching the location, there are two primary attractions for you and your family to enjoy:
- The Treetop Walk, stretching 600 meters, takes you atop the tree canopies, soaring at 40 meters.
- A stroll through the roots of the Red Tingle Trees, called The Ancient Empire walk.
The Tree Top Walk
Your ticket will provide you access to the Tree Top Walk, which you can explore for as long and as many times as you want.
The loop walk typically takes around 20 minutes to complete. The 600m walk has a gentle ascent but is designed to be wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ticket sales at 4:15 p.m. The visitor centre, gift shop, and the Ancient Empire Walk remain open throughout these hours.
The Ancient Empire Walk
In addition to the Tree Top Walk, the Valley of the Giants site features a boardwalk that winds through an ancient grove of tingle trees known as The Ancient Empire. This section houses the ‘Giants,’ from which the forest derives its name. Some of these trees in the Ancient Empire boast a staggering circumference of up to 16 meters at their base.
The boardwalk gently weaves around and occasionally through these elderly trees, offering a serene experience complete with tranquil areas for visitors to sit, contemplate, and truly appreciate the unique charm of the tingle forest.
Designed to give visitors a unique perspective on the forest’s shapes, sounds, and movements, the boardwalk also aims to safeguard the tingle trees from the potential harm caused by heavy visitor traffic. The initial portion of the Ancient Empire is wheelchair-accessible (with assistance).
Flora and Fauna Encounters
The Walpole Wilderness Area is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, offering visitors the chance to encounter species such as:
- Tawny Frogmouths
- Possums
- Gliders
- Common Wombats
- and many more
As you explore the treetops and forest floor, be patient and keep quiet to increase your chances of spotting these fascinating creatures.
Remember to respect the plants and animals’ space and stay safe from potential dangers when observing them. Binoculars or a camera can help you look closer without disturbing the wildlife. Enjoy the thrill of discovering the unique inhabitants of the tingle forest.
Family-Friendly Fun at the Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants has many family-friendly activities and experiences catering to all ages.
From guided walks to art programs and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Tree Top Walk is perfect for families, offering a safe yet exciting adventure that will delight both young and old. With plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, visiting the Valley of the Giants will create lasting memories for the whole family.
Safety and Accessibility
Prioritizing the safety and enjoyment of all its visitors, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is an ideal family destination. The walkway is designed with safety in mind, ensuring a secure experience for everyone, including children.
Accessibility is another critical feature of the treetop walk, with strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility issues able to navigate the Tree Top Walk easily.
Exploring the Ancient Empire Walk
The Ancient Empire Walk, a ground-level forest exploration, showcases the towering red tingle trees and a raised wooden boardwalk. This captivating experience allows you to marvel at the ancient giants up close as you meander through the forest floor.
Along the Ancient Empire Walk, you’ll encounter unique tree formations and learn fascinating information about the area’s history. The walk perfectly complements the Tree Top Walk, offering a different perspective of the ancient tingle forest and its incredible inhabitants.
Visiting the Ancient Empire is free, allowing you to stroll among the grand tingle trees and visit Grandma Tingle.
Pathways and Boardwalks
As you wander the pathways and boardwalks of the Ancient Empire Walk, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the ancient giants of the forest. The raised wooden boardwalk winds between and through the huge tingle trees, providing an unparalleled up-close experience with these magnificent giants.
The meandering circular path offers a stroll through the understory of the tingle forest, allowing you to take in the sights, sounds, and scents of this unique environment. The Ancient Empire Walk is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
Notable Sights
The Ancient Empire Walk is home to several notable sights, including unique tree formations and information about the area’s history. Giant red tingle trees with hollowed-out trunks dominate the landscape, creating a captivating scene that can be enjoyed from both the forest canopy and the ground level.
One of the most famous trees along the Ancient Empire Walk is the Grandma Tingle, which boasts a circumference of up to 16 meters. As you explore the walk, take a moment to appreciate the incredible age and size of these ancient giants, some of which have stood for over 450 years.
Enhance Your Visit: Tips and Recommendations
Enhance your visit to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk by considering our suggestions regarding optimal visit times and photography techniques.
Planning your visit wisely and capturing stunning images of your experience will create lasting memories of your time among the ancient giants.
Whether you’re an early bird or a late riser, visiting the Tree Top Walk during the early morning or late afternoon is ideal for optimal experiences and fewer crowds. Additionally, for photography enthusiasts, these times offer the best lighting conditions for capturing the beauty of the tingle forest.
Best Times to Visit
The best times to visit the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk are early morning or late afternoon. These times offer ideal lighting conditions for photography, with softer light and longer shadows that create a dramatic atmosphere for your images.
Visiting during these off-peak hours also means fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful and intimate experience with the ancient giants.
Planning your visit during these optimal times will enhance your overall experience at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Photography Tips
Capturing stunning images of the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk and its surrounding landscapes is a fantastic way to remember your visit. A few photography tips for this low-light environment include:
- Bringing a tripod for added stability.
- Using a polarizing filter to reduce glare.
- Employing a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene.
As you explore the treetops and forest floor, watch for unique perspectives and interesting subjects to photograph. With a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll be able to capture the beauty of the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in a way that does it justice.
Nearby Attractions and Accommodations
Beyond the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, the neighbouring towns of Walpole and Denmark present an array of attractions and accommodations catering to a spectrum of tastes and budgets. Some highlights include:
- Stunning beaches
- Hiking trails
- Charming farm stays
- Luxury lodgings
There’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Some of the must-visit attractions in Walpole and Denmark include:
- Greens Pool, a sheltered beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing
- Ocean Beach, the closest beach to Denmark Town
- Elephant Rocks, a collection of giant rocks shaped like elephants facing the waves of the Great Southern Ocean
Places to Visit in Walpole and Denmark
Walpole and Denmark, located on the beautiful southwest coast of Western Australia, offer a variety of natural attractions for visitors to explore. In addition to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire Walk in Walpole Nornalup National Park, be sure to visit the stunning Greens Pool, a beach almost entirely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean.
Another must-see attraction is Ocean Beach, which lies between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean. This famous beach is the closest to Denmark Town and offers a range of activities, from swimming and surfing to relaxing on the pristine sands.
Accommodation Options
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Walpole and Denmark to suit all preferences and budgets.
You’re sure to find the perfect place to rest and recharge after a day of exploring the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Some recommended accommodations in the area include Tree Top Walk Motel, Walpole Wilderness Resort, and Castelli Estate. With various amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and spas, these lodgings provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors to the region.
Summary
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk offers a unique and exhilarating experience for visitors of all ages. From the breathtaking views of the ancient tingle forest canopy to the immersive exploration of the forest floor, this unforgettable adventure will leave you with lasting memories.
With our tips and recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to this awe-inspiring destination. So, are you ready to walk among the giants?
