Walpole (2 nights)

Given the weather we headed east sooner than we planned, we had thought we would bush camp in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National park but camping with no facilities in the rain and cold did not appeal.  We still checked out the southern-most part of the area via Margaret River (more wineries set in picturesque countryside), Augusta and Cape Leeuwin (another lighthouse) and Pemberton.  We had now entered the beautiful Southern Forests with the giant karri trees, most of which are now conserved, historically this area was logged extensively.  Pemberton still has a timber mill and lots of the cute timber cottages are still there from the days when there was a huge mill workforce in the town.  Mountain biking is now one of the key attractions in the area.  

rows of cute timber cottages in Pemberton

There is a 60m high tree called the Gloucester Tree which was used as the forest fire lookout back in the days.  The spiral ladder up the tree is still there and you can climb up it if you wish.  Much to my horror Leon set off up the tree but I then noticed that the sign said “wear sturdy footwear – no thongs” (that’s jandals in NZ language and he was wearing some!) and “Climbing is not recommended for children”, of course when I called this out to him I switched “not recommended” for “not permitted”.

Leon starting to climb the Gloucester Tree 

We finally made it to the Coalmine Beach camping ground in Walpole by the end of the day.  The camp kitchen was covered but a few walls were missing allowing mozzies in to attack their latest victims.  The rain continued through the night but wasn’t too bad for our day of exploring the Walpole area.  The forests are just amazing and we found another forest fire lookout at the top of Mount Franklin.  There was an ‘art loop’ walk where a number of sculptures were installed including this long mirror with etchings of the history of the forest (timber days through to conservation).  The Tree Top Walk (600m long, 40m high suspended walkway) through the giant tingle trees was also pretty cool.

The tree top walk

double trouble

driving through the giant karri trees

We have seen lots of crows on our trip and despite their evil appearance and scary croaky bird call we haven’t experienced any issues with them, until now…I had left a closed carton of eggs outside on the table and had popped over the kitchen for something and when I got back the carton was lying open 5m away with the 4 remaining eggs gone and a crow watching my reaction.  I am now looking out for those sneaky characters!