Valley of the Giants, Walpole

Valley of the Giants is an absolute “must visit” attraction in the great southern region of Western Australia. Since I was a kid, back when Elle McPherson famously visited the tree top walk, I’d wanted to visit this special part of WA. 

The Valley of the Giants, is a unique area of ancient, rare red tingle trees, is located west of Denmark. The Tree Top Walk is found in the heart of the Valley of the Giants. Here the whole family can experience walking through the canopy of the tingle forest and enjoy the majestic views from a very different perspective! An entrance fee is payable for the tree top walk, but it is free to visit the Ancient Empire Walk, Discovery Centre and gift shop. 

The Tree Top Walk is 600 metres long and the walkways are 40 metres high at the tallest point. There are no steps, just a gentle, sloping climb up a lightweight, architecturally-designed bridge. This makes it suitable for children of all ages, including wheelchairs and strollers (you can also hire free wheelchair and strollers). 

The walk ways do move a little, I felt a bit like I was on a boat, softly bobbing on the ocean. We all enjoyed the tranquil walk amongst the branches and birds. 

As well as the Tree Top Walk there is another walk trail – the Ancient Empire boardwalk. While walking this path you can get up close and personal to the beautiful old giants of the forest, as well as the lush growth of the forest floor, where there are many beautiful plants, flowers and wildlife.

It’s a lovely walk along the 600-metre boardwalk and stabilised earth paths, which has been designed as an experience to explore the science, fantasy and grandeur of the ancient trees. There are information boards around the walk, adding some interesting facts along the way.

One of the most popular trees is known as Grandma Tingle, as the gnarled 400 year old tree does appear to have a face! 

The walk winds in and out of the tingle forest and you can even walk through the hollow trunks of some giant trees! It’s a brilliant photo opportunity. 

Afterwards, we looked around the Wilderness Discovery Centre, which is a small interactive exhibit about the local wilderness, animals, plants and insects surrounding the Tree Top Walk.

There’s a well-stocked gift shop, with a whole range of souvenirs. You’ll also find public toilets with baby change facilities. There are a couple of vending machines and also barbecue areas. I was surprised such a major tourist attraction didn’t have many food and drink options, but we found a fantastic little bakery just down the road. We suggest you check out Tingles Bakehouse! 

Find the Valley of the Giants Road off the South Coast Highway, Nornalup, near Walpole.

Opening hours every day of the year apart from Christmas Day or hazardous conditions are 9am – 5pm (last ticket sold 4.15pm). Extended opening hours are between 26 December and 26 January 8am – 6pm (last ticket sale 5.15pm).

For more information visit www.valleyofthegiants.com.au

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