Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Tucked into the far south-west corner of Western Australia, Walpole-Nornalup National Park is a quiet, ancient landscape of towering karri and tingle forests, placid inlets, and wild ocean beaches. It’s a place where the forest meets the sea in a tangle of giant trees and ferny gullies, offering a serene counterpoint to the more famous wine regions and surf breaks of the Margaret River area. The park is named after two interconnected inlets—Walpole and Nornalup—and its heart is the Valley of the Giants, a boardwalk loop through a forest of red tingle trees, some of which are over 400 years old. For travellers on a self-drive between Perth and Albany, this is the perfect overnight stop to stretch your legs and breathe in the damp, earthy scent of the world’s tallest flowering trees.

Highlights & What to See

• Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk – A 600-metre elevated walkway that takes you 40 metres up into the forest canopy, with views over a grove of ancient red tingle trees. It’s a gentle, wheelchair-accessible stroll that feels like floating among the birds.
• Ancient Empire Walk – On the ground below the Tree Top Walk, this boardwalk weaves through the massive, fire-hollowed trunks of the tingle trees, some of which you can walk inside. It’s a humbling encounter with trees that were saplings before European colonisation.
• Coastal scenery at Conspicuous Cliff and Mandalay Beach – Drive to the southern edge of the park for dramatic granite headlands and long, empty beaches where the Southern Ocean crashes in. Great for a picnic or a bracing walk.
• Walpole and Nornalup Inlets – Paddle a kayak or take a scenic cruise on these calm, river-like inlets, where the forest comes right down to the water’s edge and you might spot ospreys, pelicans and the occasional dolphin.
• Circular Pool and the Frankland River – A short walk leads to a deep, clear swimming hole on the Frankland River, perfect for a cool-off on a warm day. The surrounding forest is cathedral-like in its stillness.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors can experience the park’s highlights in a half-day, but to truly soak it in, plan for a full day. Start with the Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire Walk in the morning (arrive early to avoid crowds), then drive the scenic loop to Conspicuous Cliff for lunch. Spend the afternoon paddling on the inlet or walking one of the longer trails, like the 2.5 km Giant Tingle Walk. If you’re self-driving, consider spending one night in Walpole town or at one of the nearby campgrounds—it makes the experience more relaxed and allows for an early morning walk when the forest is at its most magical.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Denmark – A 40-minute drive east, Denmark is a laid-back town with a thriving food and wine scene, plus beautiful beaches like Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.
• Albany – An hour and a half east, Albany offers rich whaling and convict history, the stunning Torndirrup National Park, and the dramatic Gap and Natural Bridge.
• Pemberton – North of Walpole, Pemberton is another forest town known for its towering karri trees, the Gloucester Tree climb, and excellent trout fishing.
• Margaret River Region – Two hours north-west, this world-famous wine region also offers caves, surf breaks, and a vibrant food scene—a perfect contrast to the quiet forests.
• Valley of the Giants – While part of the national park, the Tree Top Walk is often listed separately; it’s a must-do and can be combined with a visit to the nearby towns of Walpole and Nornalup.

Please check official sources for current details.