Walpole, Australia Travel Journals & Blogs

Traveler Maiah's Big Lap
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- Feb 8, 2023, 10:00am
- ☀️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 13 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Pioneer Park -34.976678, 116.73230134°58’36” S 116°43’56” E
Day 43
Walpole
February 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
We stayed at Walpole for a couple days, where we went to see the giant tingle trees. We went on a local boat tour around the inlet, and stayed in a caravan park surrounded by trees.
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Traveler Around Oz 2023-24
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- Nov 9, 2023, 12:17pm
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 7 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Walpole River -34.987658, 116.7206834°59’16” S 116°43’14” E
Day 177–184
Walpole
November 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Walpole certainly ticked all the boxes. Stunning forests, with the impressive old Tingle Trees. I have fallen in love with them. Such wonderful shapes.

The inlets and waterways are lovely. It's a great spot to have a boat. We thought about fishing, but very cold. We are not that keen.

We had fish and chips at Peaceful Bay. Would be a beautiful spot on a warm, sunny day. But in the mid teens and blowing a gale, we didn't venture into the water. But we did climb the steps up to the lookout. Was a great view and worth the climb.

We also found a suspension bridge in the middle of nowhere. Part of a long hike, one of many in the area. Amazing what you find when exploring some 4WD tracks.

The walk to Circular Pools was lovely. There are so many great walks in this area. We only tackled the shorter ones. But many for the keen hike.

All in all, we really enjoyed Walpole. Was a great spot to relax after our virus, while also doing a little siteseeing.Read more
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Traveler Walpole Pemberton area
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- Oct 27, 2021, 5:47pm
- 🌧 11 °C
- Altitude: 12 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Pioneer Park -34.97718, 116.72807334°58’38” S 116°43’41” E
Day 6
Boxall Road and Bibbulmun
October 27, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
Oh dear. We shared a 500ml bottle of cider with dinner last night, and both of us were asleep by 8.30pm. So it was an early start this morning with our last walk amongst the tall trees on the section north of South West Highway. Plan was to drive to Sappers Bridge and do a short walk eastwards on the Bib, but the road leading to bridge was closed due to slippery conditions.
We did drive to Circular pool which was down the road from Sappers Bridge turnoff and both of us had a dejevu experience like we'd been before. Then it occurred to us that we came with our dear friends a long time past when international travel was common.

Enquiry at the Visitors Centre showed us Boxall Road as an alternative entry, but the lady was not sure of the road conditions as the rains were rather heavy in previous days. Yes, we experienced that. We drive about 2 km into Boxall Road and parked at the shoulder when road conditions deteriorated. We walked the remaining 2km to the Bib.

It rained most of the way. Not heavy like yesterday, just a consistent light rain, enough for umbrellas to be raised and boots to be damp. Fortunately, pants stayed dry. It might also have something to do with newer hiking pants and better fabric technology. It was cold though. Much colder than yesterday. Not far into the walk, I had to take shelter in the hollow of a Tingle tree to put on a fleece layer under my raincoat. I stayed perfectly dry in nature's changeroom.

The vista along Boxall Road was almost as beautiful as in the Bib. Karri and Tingle trees gave way to thin maleleuca looking trees with very small stands of sheok forests. The sheoks thrilled me with the raindrops clinging to the ends of its spindly needle leaves like jewels. Looking through that gossamer lace of leaves onto the forest was like looking through The finest lace. These images helped me up the steep inclines as I eagerly stepped on to see what else was ahead.

However, the Chinese in us took over after only 4.5km in. We only packed an apple each and a small handful of seeded crackers. The hike back was fuelled by the promise of fish and chips at Peaceful Bay.

We did not mind this shorter walk as we will certainly return to hike some more in Walpole.Read more
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Traveler Albany, Walpole and Pemberton
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- Feb 28, 2022, 9:28pm
- 🌙 18 °C
- Altitude: 143 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole John Rate Lookout -34.9834, 116.6790134°59’0” S 116°40’44” E
Day 9
John Rate Lookout to Mt Clare 8.6km
February 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
We woke this morning with no intention of doing a walk. We had planned to sleep in, have a long lazy breakfast, pack and leave for Pemberton. However, by 830am, we were finished with breakfast and to while away time, watched the last bits of a movie on Netflix. Only 10 mins into the movie, Ruby declared that the movie was too depressing. We decided to pack up and checkout early so we could do a short 6km hike starting at John Rate Lookout and see where 6km would take us. The hike was so lovely amongst the shivering sheok, tangled Tingle that we continued further. We got to the start of the Nuyts Wilderness tracks, and decided to continue onto the summit of Mt Clare before turning back. When we returned, Ruby, who was in front of me, came upon a man who was butt naked. He had his hands in front of his bits, and said to her, "Nice day for a walk." She was looking elsewhere, then noticed his lack of clothing as she replied. She quickened her pace and we got away from him as he apologised. Further on, Ruby thought that maybe we should have checked that he was ok. So I called the Walpole Visitors Centre to report the encounter. I told the lady on the phone that we did not feel threatened, but were worried about the man, or other hikers or visitors to that area. The weather warmed up during our return hike, and the March flies were buzzing around us. They are huge with long proboscis and very bitey. The walk back took half the time as we could not stop for fear of being bitten. The Walpole policeman called me back to report that they had found the man. He was harmless, and just liked to walk naturally in nature, "nothing sexual", they reported. He was told to do so in more secluded areas in future.
The drive to Pemberton was uneventful.Read more
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Traveler WA Road Trip 2023
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- Apr 3, 2023, 12:00pm
- ⛅ 20 °C
- Altitude: 17 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Walpole-Nornalup National Park -34.979955, 116.72952734°58’48” S 116°43’46” E
Day 11
Rainbow Coast WA
April 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
This morning as we set out in a shower of rain, we thought we might see first hand why the region around Albany is known as the 'Rainbow Coast'. But true to our local guide’s word, the rain was short-lived and followed thereafter by patches of sun (sadly no rainbows).

We headed along the South Coast Highway towards Denmark and Walpole. The Valley of the Giants famous Tree Top Walk was pretty cool, comprising a series of platforms and suspension bridges reaching 40m above the forest floor! Sadly my childhood memory of driving through the hollow of a giant Red Tingle tree wasn’t to be relived, as it turns out such activity (including by generations before us) ultimately played a part in killing the tree, with its surprisingly shallow root system destroyed by years of ground compaction. Fortunately, the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is now actively correcting the errors of the past and protecting these magnificent trees and forests so we may appreciate them for years to come.

As the sun came out, we headed for William Bay National Park and another of my childhood memories - Greens Pool. We also checked out nearby Elephant Rocks and Waterfall Beach. They are each spectacular swimming spots in their own right, so it’s unfair to say we were underwhelmed. But we all agreed they just didn’t compare to Lucky Bay and Cape Le Grande NP. We’ve been ruined, no beach will compare!

Returning to town we explored the Brig Amity to experience what life would have been like aboard one of the convict ships that came to the West Coast of Australia in 1826.

We ended another great day with dinner at Due South, a funky casual restaurant down by the waterfront, to celebrate our last night in Albany and farewell Lou and Darcey (and Harry). It’s been so good to catch up xxRead more
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Traveler Trip to Busso for the swim and
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- Feb 13, 2019, 11:14am
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 69 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole -34.95509, 116.7696334°57’18” S 116°46’11” E
Day 6
Walpole, Western Australia
February 13, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Drove from Pemberton down to Walpole.
Very bumpy road along the way. Lots of thoughts as to what might be happening back in the van, but as it turned out, all good.
Stayed at the Rest Point park. A large park, and well appointed. Easy access to the site and a quick setup. Our location was great - right near the estuary, lots of grassed areas around. Bit windy though, but not too bad.
Our next door neighbours were a couple from Perth, travelling with 3 Border Collie dogs, that they took around from place to place to compete in agility trials. Lovely dogs and very well behaved. They were competing in Albany over the weekend.
We spent 2 nights here. Very relaxing stay. Some good walks around the estuary and one evening we surprised a few kangaroos that were in the bush and down by the water's edge.
Did a couple of short trips to Walpole.
On the second day it was Valentine's day, so I thought I should treat Elvira to something special. So, I took her along to the Walpole Country club for a game of golf! Very romantic!
Anyway, we had a good game there. They use the honour box system, $20 for a round of 18 holes which is very reasonable. We had the entire course to ourselves. the fairways were a bit rough, but playable. And they had synthetic grass greens, which I have never played on before. I was a bit sceptical, but they actually played very well. Putting was true and you could actually pitch on to them and it would hold.
Anyway, all up, a good stay at Rest Point - recommended.Read more
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Traveler Albany, Walpole and Pemberton
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- Feb 25, 2022, 4:13pm
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 19 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Pioneer Park -34.97645, 116.7298434°58’35” S 116°43’47” E
Day 6
Sappers Bridge towards Tree Top 10.4km
February 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
We had arranged for transport to pick us from Sappers Bridge where we were to drop our car and take us to South Coast Highway so we could hike one way on the Bibbulman Track. Ruby discovered she had a slight fever, and so the long hike and transport was cancelled. However, she was insistent on visiting her Tall Trees, so we went to Sappers Bridge with a plan to walk 3km towards Tree Top walk (in the drizzle), and then return. Ruby suddenly felt all better, so we hiked till just after 5km when I had to insist we desist and return. Early in the walk, Ruby tried to scale a log and strained her quadriceps. She refused to admit injury but did allow me to put a knee brace on. Somehow, I managed to get blamed for removing her from the forest and cause pain to her knee. Apparently, there was no pain during the whole hike, but pain and swelling only happened once we arrived at the accommodation.

During the walk, Ruby found her Trilogy Trees and insisted we sit on the damp forest floor in the middle of the trees. I must admit that it was rather magical. Shortly after, we passed a group of about 8 elderly ladies charging towards Boxall Road.

It was a lovely walk, and I'm now going to treat Ruby's knee as I'm sure she'll want to hike again tomorrow.Read more
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The Shifting Spanners Marg n Pauls Gap Year 2017
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- Sep 22, 2017, 10:08pm
- 🌙 10 °C
- Altitude: 7 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Coalmine Beach -34.98916, 116.7391334°59’21” S 116°44’21” E
Day 289
Walpole
September 22, 2017 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
We decided to stay 2 nights in a powered site at Coalmine Beach near Walpole as the weather has turned wet and cold. We had the heater going overnight and I was able to get some work done as well.

Walpole is famous for it's Tall Trees - the Tingle trees. We did the Valley of the Giants drive and checked them out as well as Circular Pool, Conspicuous Cliff, and Walpole jetty.

Showers and cold 7-16°Read more
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Traveler Walpole Pemberton area
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- Oct 26, 2021, 6:33pm
- 🌧 10 °C
- Altitude: 12 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Pioneer Park -34.97729, 116.7279834°58’38” S 116°43’41” E
Day 5
More photos of Nuyts, n spot the orchid
October 26, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 10 °C
For those of you who have not been orchid hunting, I thought you might want an idea of what the fuss is, and how difficult it can be to spot them. The last 2 photos are of the forest floor. The forrest mantis spider orchid shown in the third photo is on the forrest floor of the last 2 photos.Read more
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Traveler Walpole Pemberton area
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- Oct 25, 2021, 8:20pm
- ⛅ 10 °C
- Altitude: 12 m
- Australia Western Australia Manjimup Walpole Pioneer Park -34.97721, 116.7280334°58’38” S 116°43’41” E
Day 4
Mt Clare Shedley Loop Walk
October 25, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Weather forecast for the next 4 days is for rain, rain and more rain. I have always admitted to being a fair weather hiker. But the tall trees beckoned, and with raincoats and umbrella, we were ready for the 11km hike at 8am, taking the wrong turn mileage included.

It is always special being on a hike. However, there is a special exhilaration being amongst the tall trees. The retro tingle trees with their bell bottom trunks, the straight and majestic karri, the gossamer sheoks, and the many colourful wildflowers. The feeling and privilege of being in this forest is indescribable. Bonus was having the track to ourselves, except for a couple laden with big packs to spend many nights on the Bibbulman. They were heading in the opposite direction, so our paths crossed for only a few seconds. As we climbed Mt Clare, the tall trees disappeared and vista opened up to short eucalypts trees and scraggy shurbs. Grace even spotted enamel orchids and many stylidiums, trigger flowers.Read more
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