The Valley of the Giants and Tree Top Walk
The Valley of The Giants is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Shire of Denmark.
This famous area derives its
name from the large red tingle trees which are found there and a new dimension has been added to this experience with the addition of
the world famous Tree Top Walk.
The Ancient Empire boardwalk
Alongside the Tree Top Walk, the Valley of the Giants site includes a boardwalk through a grove of
veteran tingle trees known as The Ancient Empire. This area contains the 'Giants' for which the forest
was named. Some of the trees in the Ancient Empire are up to 16 metres in circumference at the base.
The boardwalk meanders around, and sometimes through, the old trees and affords a peaceful experience, with quiet spots to sit and
reflect on the special nature of the tingle forest.
As well as giving visitors a different perspective on the shapes, sounds and movement of the forest, the boardwalk is designed to
protect the tingle trees from the damaging impact of large numbers of visitors.
It is thought that before this measure was taken,
some trees were in rapid decline as a result of compaction of the soil around their root systems caused by vehicles and humans.
The Ancient Empire boardwalk starts from the Tingle Shelter, a visitor interpretation centre. The first part is suitable for
people in wheelchairs (assisted), and the carpark, with picnic facilities and toilets, is conveniently located nearby.
The amazing Tree Top Walk
Walking high up in the treetops is a totally new experience for visitors to Western Australia's southern forests. Now, the whole
family can experience the excitement of exploring the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest.
Most similar canopy walks around the world are constructed using suspension bridge-type structures - not for the faint of heart.
The Tree Top Walk, however, is a series of sixty-metre, lightweight steel trusses built on steel pylons to form a secure ramp.
Beginning at the Tingle Shelter, you can walk along a 420-metre-long steel-truss walkway which leads over a deep, red tingle gully.
Because it is built on the side of a natural valley, the walkway rises up above the forest floor on a gentle grade suitable for kids,
people in wheelchairs and the elderly.
The highest point in the 600-metre loop is about 40 metres.
Information for visitors
Where is it? About 420 kilometres from Perth. From Denmark, about 30 minute drive west along
South Coast Highway. The sealed road leads to the Valley of the Giants recreation area and Tree Top Walk. District Map West D5
When is it open? The Valley of the Giants and Tree Top Walk are open every day of the year except
Christmas Day. It may also be closed during extreme weather (lightning or very windy) conditions.
General opening times - 9 am to 5 pm, with last tickets sold at 4.15 pm.
Admission fee - adult $10.00, child 6-15 years $5.00, family (2 adults and 2 children) $25.00, concession $8.00.
For more information, please visit Department of Environment and Conservation. |
