October 2016
After leaving Cape Leeuwin, we headed for the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk some 273km away in Denmark. It was almost a 4 hours drive with several pit stops. Along the way, we passed through several types of vegetation and the one through the Karri trees (again) was the most intrigued. Those tress were just majestic and magnificent to see.
A welcomed relieve being able to be out of the car after a 4 hours drive. We arrived around 1:30 p.m.
Our road trip from Cape Leeuwin to the Valley of the Giants.
The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk gives a bird’s-eye view of the majestic 400+ year old tingle trees. The tree top walkway is a series of lightweight steel trusses built on steel pylons to form a 600 meter circuit over a deep gully. The construction of the walkway gave us a sense of security knowing its safe to explore the treetop although it does sway on some sections. Barring crowds, you could do this circuit within 20 minutes and if you did not get enough, you can repeat a second circuit before exiting.
Entrance to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
The ticket counter and entry to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Entry fees as at October 2016.
Tickets in hand. Let’s get going.
Level entry to the steel walkway.
Load limit reminder for safety.
The steel walkway with bench for you to rest and soak in the environment.
The walkway about ½ the tree height.
A sense of tranquility as you walk across the walkway.
The upward incline is gentle, so no workout required.
At the end, what looks like an infinity walkway. Definitely no stairs to heaven.
Starting to get even higher as you can reach for the branches.
Because the walkway it is built on the side of a natural valley, as the gully descend, you gradually ascend climbing to the highest point 40 metres through the treetops and into the tingle trees canopy. The ascent and descent are easy and most part are shaded as you walk around the trunks and branches of the trees. This is the most fascinating and enjoyable part of the walk.
The highest point of the walkway …. 40m in height.
Even at 40m, the trees are higer than the walkway. Credit : Sean Mack.
Across to the other end for the start of your gentle descend.
The forest is alive with the calls of the birds through the trees and the breeze stirring the leaves. Visiting the Valley of the Giants is a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of the treetops. The size of these trees is awe inspiring and the chance to stand beneath them and then climb into their canopy is an opportunity not to be missed.
Eye level view at the highest point of the walkway.
Looking down to the ground.
Descending from the tree top, walk past the souvenir shop (also the exit) and it will bring you to the boardwalk of the ‘Ancient Empire’ walk. This is a continuation of your tour after the Tree Top walk (if you wish). The 450m boardwalk loop winds between and even through the giant tingle tree allowing you the chance to see its massive trunk up close. Some of these giants are over fifteen metres at its base. Here you’ll enter a grove of towering 400+ year old tingle trees which are only found in this particular area of Western Australia.
The track map of the Ancient Empire walk.
Tall tress reaching for the sky.
Vegetation on the ground. Beware of this grass, its sharp and can cut you.
This giant, living tingle tree, you can walk through.
You come out at this end.
