Explore Western Australia
Sandwiched between the popular tourist areas of the Margaret River region and Albany’s dramatic coast, the forests of the so-called Tall Timber Country are some of WA’s greatest sights. Along with the sinuous Blackwood River (ideal for sedate canoeing, especially downstream of Nannup), the highlight of the region is the brooding majesty of the karri forests, famed not so much for their arboreal gimmicks – of which the Gloucester Tree near Pemberton is the best known – as for the raw, elemental nature of the unique forest environment. The breathtaking Tree Top Walk near the peaceful village of Walpole provides a unique view on this primeval forest, while the bohemian town of Denmark is surrounded by one of WA’s most exciting emerging wine regions.
Read More-
Pemberton
Pemberton
The quaint town of PEMBERTON makes a central base for Tall Timber touring, with enough craft shops, galleries, wineries and gourmet destinations to keep you a while. The surrounding countryside is crisscrossed with peaceful walking trails and enchanting forest drives venturing deep into the karri woodlands.
A fun way of enjoying the forest is to take the tram, which runs twice a day from Pemberton to Warren Bridge. The diesel tram rattles noisily along the old logging railway, over timber bridges spanning tiny creeks, visiting the Cascades, a local beauty spot also accessible by road. The most popular attraction is the Gloucester Tree, 3km out of town. At 60m, it’s the world’s tallest fire-lookout tree and its platform is accessible by climbing a terrifying spiral of horizontal stakes. Only a small proportion of people actually climb to the platform – these being people with courage to spare and no fear of heights.
-
The Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail
The Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail
The Tall Timber region is a paradise for anyone who likes to travel on two feet or two wheels, with jaw-dropping scenery, eclectic wildlife, limited traffic and some of the world’s best trails, tracks and routes to get you out amongst it. For walkers, the Bibbulmun Track has established itself as one of the great rites of passage since its official opening in 1979. Stretching almost 1000km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast, it was designed to get urban people to “go bush”, passing through some of the southwest’s most remote areas, winding amid towering karri and tingle forests, ranging over granite hills and through mist-shrouded valleys and clinging to the spectacular coastline. Walkers can stroll sections or choose to tackle the track in its entirety over an epic eight-week adventure. There are 48 bushwalker campsites en route, as well as numerous small towns and villages for those who like a little more comfort. A variety of tour operators also organize fully escorted excursions on the track.
Cyclists had to make do for years with a patchwork of short trails until in 2004 the first section of the Munda Biddi Trail opened between Mundaring and Collie. Now running for 498km from Mundaring to Nannup, in the heart of the forest, the trail can be completed in one ten-day stretch or picked up at one of the picturesque villages and ex-logging towns along the way. Those not entirely confident on a bike may find some sections a challenge but experienced cyclists will love whizzing along the forest floor, dodging ancient jarrah trees and traversing old logging railway lines and bridges. Nights are spent in one of the free purpose-built (but very basic) huts conveniently located every 35–40km or in atmospheric B&Bs along the route.
