Forests of the Rainbow Coast

Walpole, Denmark & Albany, Western Australia

In the Southern Forests you will find some of the most ancient trees in the world.

Birts of the South Coast of Western Australia

The Giant Tingle Tree canopy can be viewed close-up at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk at the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre west of Denmark. Continuing west toward Walpole is the home of The Giant Tingle Tree, the oldest living eucalypt in the world.

Birts of the South Coast of Western Australia

The region's vegetation includes both towering karri and giant tingle but also includes seven hundred native species of plants and trees, making it one of the top ten areas of terrestrial biodiversity on the planet. (Aahh! It's fresh, fresh air.)

Click here for a FORESTS OF THE SOUTH COAST MAP which will show you the locations of the accessible forests of the Rainbow Coast. Remember, the coast requires our care and respect at all times.

Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk & The Ancient Empires Walk

at the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre, the coast's most famous trees...

Ancient Empires Walk Ancient Empires Walk
The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants
Valley of the Giants Map Valley of the Giants Map
Map to the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk and the Ancient Empires Walk & Wilderness Discovery Centre Visit Valley of the Giants Map

Forests of the Walpole Region:

Walpole is a forest. That's why it is called the Walpole Wilderness Area, incorporating many national parks and southern forests.

The vastness of the forests are most easily seen from any one of the peaks throughout the region. Mount Frankland offers spectacular views to the horizons over rollling forests.

If you like trees, you'll love the Walpole Region.

Walpole Wilderness Area Forests

Looking toward Mount Lindsay from atop Mount Frankland gives you a sense of the reach of the Southern Forests.

Walpole-Nornalup National Park occupies a unique high-rainfall corner of Western Australia and surrounds the towns of Walpole, Nornalup and Peaceful Bay. Part of the Walpole Wilderness area, it contains nearly 20,000 hectares of diverse vegetation, from towering karri and tingle forests to coastal heath and wetlands. Walpole-Nornalup National Park contains many pristine forests and areas with little evidence of human activity. ~ Dept of Environment and Conservation.

As the Walpole-Nornalup National Park is mostly forested, there are forest walks in almost every area of the park. We particularly enjoyed the Rookwood Trail which loops under the base of Mount Frankland (Mt Frankland National Park). The forested trail takes you through a (long) and windy path around the base through pristine native forests.

Karri Trees on Mount Frankland

Karri Trees at Mount Frankland National Park, Walpole. The walk to the summit takes you up and through the canopy to view the great southern forests from above.

Walpole-Nornalup National Park Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Expansive covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Walpole Town Walpole Town
At the northern edge of the Walpole Inlet, Walpole is one of the few towns on the path of the Bibbulmun Track. Visit Walpole Town
Mount Frankland Mount Frankland
Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Ancient Empires Walk Ancient Empires Walk
The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Circular Pool Circular Pool
Family friendly swirling pools. Access via steps or a gentle paved pathway. Viewing platforms close to carpark. Visit Circular Pool
Fernhook Falls Fernhook Falls
Located along the Deep River Fernhook Falls is a popular swimming and picnic spot in summer, and during winter is a truly magnificent sight! Visit Fernhook Falls
Giant Tingle Tree Giant Tingle Tree
This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Hilltop Lookout Hilltop Lookout
On Hilltop Road, east of Walpole. Overlooking the Nornalup Inlet and Frankland River. Rocky Head and Saddle Island can be seen in the distance. Visit Hilltop Lookout
Knoll Scenic Drive Knoll Scenic Drive
A five kilometre circular drive on the peninsula between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. A distinctly well-kept rest area with picnic tables & toilets. Visit Knoll Scenic Drive
Nornalup Inlet Nornalup Inlet
The Nornalup Inlet is serene. Fed from the Deep and Frankland Rivers it connects to the Walpole Inlet via a natural deep water channel. Visit Nornalup Inlet
Sappers Bridge Sappers Bridge
Re-built October 1982 for the National Parks Authority by 22nd Construction Squadron RAE following flood damage January 1982. Visit Sappers Bridge
Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants
Birts of the South Coast of Western Australia

Explore the tingle forests at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk or visit the Ancient Empires and stroll through these giants at ground level.

Birts of the South Coast of Western Australia

Forests of the Denmark Region:

Denmark is the place where the Forest meets the Sea. Beaches and forests co-exist, interspersed with ancient rock formations.

The straight, tall Karri trees love the area. You'll know you're in Denmark when you pass into these silvery giants.

At the western end of the region is the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk and Ancient Empires Walk.

Tree-lined shores

Forests line the shore of the Denmark River. Walk the route the original explorers took along the Mokare Heritage Trail. The trail takes you amongst the karri and paperbark trees which line the banks of the Denmark River to the rivermouth where it empties into the Wilson Inlet.

Denmark Forests, Denmark WA
Paperbarks along the Mokare Heritage Trail
Karri Forests of Denmark, WA

Above, the forests of Denmark from Monkey Rock Lookout. Below Harewood Forest Walk, Scotsdale, Denmark

Harewood Forest, Denmark, WA

Harewood Forest is located along the Scotsdale Road Tourist Drive. This delightful trail through the karri trees allows you to learn the history of the logging industry (via small signs) as you go!

Explore the forests of Denmark:

Ancient Empires Walk Ancient Empires Walk
The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Giant Tingle Tree Giant Tingle Tree
This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Harewood Forest Walk Harewood Forest Walk
Harewood Forest is an almost 1.5k walk through the forest. The stream at the end is the turn-around point. Filled with information on history, flora & fauna. Visit Harewood Forest Walk
Heritage Rail Bridge Heritage Rail Bridge
The Bridge is easily accessed by driving south along the river on Hollings Drive where you will find parking spaces, picnic tables and a gazebo. Visit Heritage Rail Bridge
Mokare Heritage Trail Mokare Heritage Trail
Named after an aboriginal tracker and chieftain, the Mokare Heritage Trail winds along the east side of the Denmark River. Visit Mokare Heritage Trail
Tower Hill Tower Hill
Located a kilometre north of Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks at the eastern side of William Bay National Park. Visit Tower Hill
Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants

Forests within the Albany Region

Though the Albany area is forested, the slightly different climate does not support the ancient giants (as easily). Native bottlebrush, banksia, combined with a rugged, ancient coastline lean more towards wildflowers. Torndirrup National Park is forested up until the cliffs, and are best viewed from Stony Hill. Visit the Albany Region

Dieback

Dieback is a threat to the South West of Western Australia:

"Introduction of phytophthora dieback into the region has devastated many native plant communities and is threatening a number of rare plants with extinction."

How can you help?

Any activity which transfers soil or plant matter from one site to another site has the potential to spread the disease including:

Please be responsible for your impact by keeping your shoes and tyres clean and free from dirt before entering into a bush land or forested area. Thank you for taking the time to care for the trees.

Dieback South Coast Forests =

Forest Videos:

Additional resources for visiting the south coast:

Rainbows Rainbows
The coast is perfectly placed to see Rainbows! And perfectly named. Green trees, mountains, forests beaches, and winter rainbows. Visit Rainbows
Seasons of the Coast Seasons of the Coast
You will find a Seasons Calendar with Wildflower and a Whales to help you plan your visit to the South Coast - The Rainbow Coast! Visit Seasons of the Coast
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Weather South Coast Weather
The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Visit South Coast Weather

Rainbow Coast Regions:

Albany Region Albany Region
The Albany Region of Western Australia is a land of mountains and waterways. An amazing region to explore. Visit Albany Region
Denmark Region Denmark Region
The Denmark Region is gorgeous. Trees, hills, beaches, rocks, wildlife around the river and the inlet. Visit Denmark Region
Walpole Region Walpole Region
Walpole is the western end of the Rainbow Coast and is surrounded by National Park and forested wilderness. Visit Walpole Region

Main Attractions on the Coast:

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is set between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean, and is the closest beach to Denmark Town. A popular surfing spot and lookout.. Visit Ocean Beach
Greens Pool Greens Pool
Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Elephant Rocks Elephant Rocks
Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean Visit Elephant Rocks
Mount Frankland Mount Frankland
Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Two Peoples Bay NP Two Peoples Bay NP
Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
West Cape Howe National Park West Cape Howe National Park
Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach Shelley Beach
Turquoise waters, verdant surrounds and ocean breeze make this beach a popular yet remote destination. Visit Shelley Beach
The Gap The Gap
An impressive rugged granite channel carved by the Great Southern Ocean waves crashing against the granite coastline forming a spectacular sheer drop of almost 25 metres. Visit The Gap
Natural Bridge Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Brig Amity Replica
Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Middleton Beach Middleton Beach
The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
Little Beach Little Beach
This gorgeous beach is approximately 25 kilometres north east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay National Park. Visit Little Beach
Albany Wind Farm Albany Wind Farm
Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ancient Empires Walk Ancient Empires Walk
The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Bibbulmun Track Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, through many locations in the heart of the Rainbow Coast. Visit Bibbulmun Track
Denmark Wineries Denmark Wineries
Denmark Wineries and Vineyards to visit while on holiday along the Rainbow Coast. Wineries with restaurants, music, cellar doors and more! Visit Denmark Wineries
Frenchman Bay Frenchman Bay
Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Giant Tingle Tree Giant Tingle Tree
This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Lights Beach Lights Beach
Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Mandalay Beach Mandalay Beach
Spectacular views to Chatham Island, gorgeous white sandy beach it is a must-see... sometimes the shipwreck is visible too. Visit Mandalay Beach
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach Albany
Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Monkey Rock Monkey Rock
Spectacular elevated views over William Bay Nat. Park, Ratcliffe Bay, Ocean Beach and the Nullaki Peninsula. Visit Monkey Rock
Princess Royal Fortress Princess Royal Fortress
One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Rainbows Rainbows
The coast is perfectly placed to see Rainbows! And perfectly named. Green trees, mountains, forests beaches, and winter rainbows. Visit Rainbows
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants