The Walpole Region is simply beautiful, a stunning forested natural area, home or adjacent to 10 National Parks, 430kms south of Perth.

Walpole is 66km west of Denmark Town in the Shire of Manjimup and Walpole's sister settlement Nornalup lies 47km west of Denmark, within the boundaries of the Shire of Denmark.

The Walpole Region is an unspoilt landscape of ancient, magnificent karri, jarrah and tingle forests, tranquil rivers and wetlands, striking granite peaks and sheer coastal cliffs that overlook the Southern Ocean. 

Walpole town lies at the northern edge of the Walpole Inlet, amidst the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, and is one of the few towns on the path of the Bibbulmun Track

Walpole is in the heart of the Walpole Wilderness Area,  which is over 350,000 hectares of National Park, Nature Reserve and Forest Conservation Area. Walpole-Nornalup National Park is part of the Walpole Wilderness Area and the Great South West Edge.  The population of Walpole is only 500 but over 250,000 tourists visit each year to be surrounded by nature! 

Walpole Wilderness Area and the South West Edge...

William Preston and his party officially explored the Walpole-Nornalup area in 1831 and permanent settlement followed in 1910.  With the introduction of the Nornalup Land Settlement Scheme, the district was opened for agriculture in 1930.  Walpole was originaly named Nornalup but this changed in 1934. 

We recognise and acknowledge Wagyl Kaip people as the traditional custodians of Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.

The two estuaries are joined by 'The Knolls' a natural deep densely forested karri, marri and tingle channel that you can drive, walk or cycle around.  Both inlets both offer the unique opportunity to see bird life.

Walpole, Western Australia

Picnic tables and BBQ's are provided at Coalmine Beach, The Channels and Sandy Beach. 

So many wonderful places to visit...

Canoeing and kayaking is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike.  You can launch a boat or kayak to explore the inlets and rivers at Rest Point, Coalmine Beach boat ramp, Walpole town jetty, Isle Road and Nornalup. 

The Frankland River Paddle takes half a day and is considered an easy 13km loop and suitable for the whole family. Enjoy the secluded paddle along the quiet forested river in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Paddle upstream from the Nornalup town jetty, located just from the bridge or head downstream from Nornalup where you can easily get to the Inlet and then across to Walpole township which is a distance of about 10km.  You can hire canoes locally. 

If you're coming to Walpole we recommend visiting the grandmother tingle tree at the Giant Tingle Tree north of Walpole, take a glimpse at Circular Pool, and visit Fernhook Falls waterfalls in Mount Frankland National Park.

At Conspicuous Cliff you can enjoy the lookout or the boardwalk and steep stairs down to the beach from the car park.  This is a great whale watching look out between June and October and is a popular surfing and fishing spot! 

The Mount Clare Summit Trail is a gentle walk in the spectacular tingle and karri forest.

Visit Mandalay Beach in D'Entrecasteaux National Park, its one of the most beautiful beaches on the Rainbow Coast, on the western edge of the forests around 30 minutes from Walpole. Descend to the beach from the dune-side boardwalk for a stunning view!   Anglers catch herring, skippy, whiting and salmon. It is also a popular bushwalking and surfing spot, if you're very lucky you might catch a glimpse of the shipwreck Mandalay, beached on 15th of May 1911. 

The Walpole Wilderness Area is an international biodiversity hotspot:

  • Walpole-Nornalup National Park is huge. Encompassing the Treetop Walk, Hilltop Lookout, Circular Pool and the Giant Tingle Tree Trail. 
  • Mount Frankland National Park is located north of Walpole, the summit views from Mount Frankland are incredible and Fernhook Falls is a great walk. Bring good shoes.
  • D'Entrecasteaux National Park offers amazing views from Mandalay Beach or 4WD tracks.The wreck of the Mandalay lies just offshore approximately 300 m east of the wooden viewing platform. 
     
Walpole Inlet, Walpole, Western Australia

Walpole Visitor Information and Tourism Resources:

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
Walpole Regional Map Walpole Regional Map
Map of the Walpole Region including places to visit and National Parks. Visit Walpole Regional Map
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
Stay in Walpole Stay in Walpole
An inspiring selection of quality accommodation of all types. Friendly service. Choose from a variety of great accommodation in and around Walpole, WA. Find Accommodation in Walpole! Visit Stay in Walpole
Nornalup Inlet Panoramic Photograph, Walpole, Western Australia

Attractions in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park:

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
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
Conspicuous Cliff Conspicuous Cliff
Standing high above the surrounding heathland, the Cliff-top lookout gives fantastic views of the beach and river flowing into the sea. Visit Conspicuous Cliff
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
Frankland River Frankland River
The Frankland River is the 8th largest in the state of Western Australia flowing into the Nornalup Inlet. Visit Frankland River
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
Irwin Inlet Irwin Inlet
Irwin Inlet carves the sandbars at Peaceful Bay due to the swift flow into the Southern Ocean. Visit Irwin Inlet
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
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
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
Peaceful Bay Peaceful Bay
Peaceful Bay beach is split in two by the Irwin Inlet as it discharges into the ocean. Sand dunes abound. Visit Peaceful Bay
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
Walpole Inlet Walpole Inlet
Filled by the Deep & Frankland Rivers, the dark waters of the Walpole Inlet empty into the Nornalup Inlet through the Channels. Visit Walpole Inlet

Mount Frankland National Park Attractions

Mount Frankland National Park, Panoramic Photograph from the Summit

The 1.2km return Summit Climb is magnificent and highly recommended.Although a difficult walk, which requires you to climb a ladder and a series of steep steps, the spectacular 360 degree views is well worth the effort! 

The 600m sealed path leads you to the Mt Frankland Wilderness Lookout, it is an easy walk which is universally accessible and offers uninterrupted views of the forests,  heathland and granite peaks.  Towerman’s Hut and Caldyanup Trails make this destination suitable for visitors of all ages. Children especially love it here!  

Enjoy a picnic in the forest. The National Park is only accessible from the south (Walpole) or the west (South Western Highway). 

Mount Frankland National Park, Mount Frankland Summit
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
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
Mount Frankland National Park Map Mount Frankland National Park Map
Mount Frankland National Park Map including Rockwood Trail and Fernhook Falls Visit Mount Frankland National Park Map
Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Walk amongst the towering Karri trees around Mount Frankland. Visit Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Wilderness Lookout Wilderness Lookout
From the Mount Frankland car park you will find signs for the Wilderness Lookout, and easy walk with grand views over the Wilderness Area. Visit Wilderness Lookout
Fernhook Falls, Mount Frankland National Park, Walpole Wilderness Area, Walpole, Western Australia

Fernhook Falls is a popular attraction of Mount Frankland National Park

The waters of the Deep River at Fernhook falls are well worth exploring.  The waterfalls strength depends on which time of year you go, in the summer it may be trickling whereas during the winter months the waterfall will be wildly gushing over the ancient granite boulders, a sensory delight!

There are walking trails and boardwalks that have been designed especially to view the Falls better and to allow better access. 

D'Entrecasteaux National Park Attractions:

Mandalay Beach facing north towards Chatham Island

Mandalay Beach in D'entrecasteaux National Park is really amazing. The boardwalk hugging the cliffside and the views south to the islands and channels of the south western edge of Australia... truly beautiful.  A good day trip is to visit Mount Frankland in the morning and on your way home stop at Mandalay Beach for a breath of fresh sea breeze. You may be lucky enough to see the masts of the Mandalay... every ten years or so the shipwreck appears from beneath the sand. Wow.

Broke Inlet Broke Inlet
Broke Inlet is located in Dentrecasteaux National Park approximately 40km west northwest of Walpole Town. Visit Broke Inlet
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
Mandalay Beach Map Mandalay Beach Map
Mandalay Beach Map Visit Mandalay Beach Map

Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk & The Ancient Empires Walk:

Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
The Valley of the Giants is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast.  The architecturally designed pathway takes you gradually high into the treetops of the ancient giant tingle forest! It is safe, fun and informative.  The Ancient Empires walk is along the ground on boardwalks and pathways through the understory of this special southern forest.

Even though it is actually located in Denmark Shire, the Treetop Walk is actually closer to the town of Walpole. 


The Knoll Scenic Drive:

Just east of Walpole, The Knolls is a 5km one-way circular drive on the peninsula between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. The pleasant drive out onto the Knoll peninsula brings you beneath the trees, close to the water with inlet rock fishing spots and picnic areas.  Stop at the lookouts or BBQ under the karri and marri trees. 

Camping Nearby Camping Nearby
There are several places to camp along the south coast, Albany, Denmark and Walpole. Here you'll find some helpful information about camping down south! Visit Camping Nearby
Stay in Walpole Stay in Walpole
An inspiring selection of quality accommodation of all types. Friendly service. Choose from a variety of great accommodation in and around Walpole, WA. Find Accommodation in Walpole! Visit Stay in Walpole

Accommodation in Walpole?