In the far south-west corner of Western Australia, a forest of red tingle trees has been growing for centuries — some trunks wide enough to park a car inside. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk gives you a bird's-eye view of that canopy from a steel walkway engineered for accessibility, not adventure tourism. It's a rare experience: genuine wilderness at a pace that suits you.
What exactly is the Valley of the Giants?
The Valley of the Giants is a forest reserve within Walpole-Nornalup National Park, about 14 kilometres east of Walpole township on the South Coast of Western Australia. Its centrepiece is a stand of red tingle trees — Eucalyptus jacksonii — that can live for more than 400 years and reach a girth that genuinely stops you mid-sentence. These are not just big trees. They're in a different category of old.
The precinct contains two distinct experiences. The Tree Top Walk is the elevated steel walkway that rises gradually to 40 metres above the forest floor, looping 600 metres through the canopy before returning you to ground level. Below it, the Ancient Empire boardwalk winds among the base of veteran tingle trunks — many fire-hollowed into vast caverns — on a flat, firm surface that's free to walk at any time during opening hours.
The two walks together cover around two kilometres of easy, well-maintained path. Neither demands fitness. The Tree Top Walk's gradient is gentle by design — built to wheelchair standard — so you ascend and descend without noticing the elevation until you look out and realise you're level with the tops of most suburban trees back home.
How accessible is the Tree Top Walk for older travellers?
Accessibility here is genuine, not aspirational. The Tree Top Walk was engineered to comply with wheelchair-access standards: the ramp gradient is consistent and manageable, the steel mesh underfoot is stable, and the handrails are continuous. Travellers who use walking frames or sticks navigate it comfortably. The only honest caveat is that the walkway sways gently in a breeze — not dramatically, but perceptibly. If heights or movement underfoot unsettle you, it's worth knowing before you step on.
The Ancient Empire boardwalk at ground level is equally accessible and, for some, even more affecting. Standing at the base of a tingle trunk that's three or four metres in diameter puts the scale of the forest into proper perspective. Several of the trees have fire scars large enough to step inside — a humbling experience that costs nothing and requires no elevation at all.
Facilities at the site include toilets (including accessible amenities), shaded seating areas, and a small visitor shelter. The car park is close to the entry point, which matters on a warm afternoon. The site is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Parks and Wildlife Service WA), and staff are generally present during peak hours.
When should you visit, and how long do you need?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. September through November brings wildflowers to the surrounding heath, clear skies, and temperatures that stay well below the summer peaks. March to May offers a similar mildness, with the added bonus of fewer school-holiday crowds. Summer in this part of WA can push past 35 degrees — the forest canopy provides shade, but the drive and the open sections of the walkway don't.
Most travellers complete both the Tree Top Walk and the Ancient Empire boardwalk in around two hours. Add time to sit, have a proper look, and take photographs without rushing, and three hours is a comfortable allowance. If you're driving from Denmark (about 65 kilometres west) or Pemberton (about 100 kilometres north), a half-day return trip is realistic. Staying overnight in Walpole — the township has a small but decent range of accommodation — turns it into a more relaxed experience with time to explore the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet and the surrounding national park.
The walkway opens at 9am daily and closes at 5pm, with last entry at 4:15pm. These hours are subject to change, particularly during high fire-risk periods when sections may close at short notice — always confirm with the visitor centre or Parks and Wildlife Service WA before making the drive.
Getting there from Perth and from the eastern states
From Perth, Walpole is roughly 420 kilometres south-east — about four and a half hours by car along the South Western Highway. The drive itself is pleasant through the Wheatbelt and into tall karri country, though it's a long day if you're returning the same evening. Many travellers base themselves in Manjimup, Pemberton, or Denmark and visit the Valley of the Giants as part of a broader South Coast itinerary.
TransWA operates coach services connecting Perth to Walpole, with stops at several regional towns along the route. It's not a fast service, but it's reliable, air-conditioned, and removes the fatigue of driving. Confirm current timetables and fares at transwa.wa.gov.au. If you're travelling without a car, accommodation in Walpole itself is essential — the forest reserve is 14 kilometres out of town and there's no public transport to the site.
For travellers arriving from Victoria, South Australia, or the eastern states, the most practical approach is to fly into Perth and hire a car or join a guided tour of the South Coast region. Several Perth-based touring operators include the Valley of the Giants on multi-day South Coast itineraries, which can be a very sensible way to manage the distances without the fatigue of self-driving every day.
What does it cost, and is there a seniors discount?
Entry to the Tree Top Walk is indicatively around $21 for adults, with concession rates available. The concession price is typically lower — confirm the current rate directly with Parks and Wildlife Service WA or at the entry point, as pricing is reviewed periodically. A valid concession card (Australian Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or equivalent) is generally required to claim the reduced rate.
The Ancient Empire boardwalk is free of charge and open during the same hours as the Tree Top Walk. This is worth knowing if budget is a consideration, or if a member of your group prefers to stay at ground level — they can explore the Ancient Empire independently while others take the elevated walk.
There's no café or kiosk at the site, so bring water and a snack. The nearest food options are in Walpole township, where a small number of cafes and a bakery serve straightforward meals. It's a practical detail, not a complaint — the absence of a coffee van is part of what keeps the place feeling like a forest rather than an attraction.
What to pair with your visit
Walpole-Nornalup National Park extends well beyond the Valley of the Giants. The Walpole and Nornalup inlets form a calm, sheltered waterway that's lovely from the foreshore at Walpole township — particularly at dusk when the light on the water is something else entirely. The Coalmine Beach Foreshore area, just outside town, has flat walking tracks and picnic facilities.
Denmark, about 65 kilometres to the west, is a natural pairing for a two-day itinerary. It has a good range of accommodation, a well-regarded farmers' market on weekends, and access to William Bay National Park, where the Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks are among the most quietly beautiful coastal spots in Australia. The town also has several wineries along the Scotsdale Road that produce cool-climate wines worth a serious afternoon.
Pemberton, to the north, is another option — known for its karri forest, the Gloucester Tree (a fire lookout tree with climbing rungs, though this one is decidedly not for everyone), and excellent trout fishing. The Pemberton Tramway offers a slow, scenic rail journey through the forest that suits a relaxed travel pace very well.
Practical tips for a comfortable day
Wear flat, closed shoes with a non-slip sole. The steel mesh of the walkway is safe but the texture is unfamiliar underfoot, and thongs or smooth-soled sandals make the experience less comfortable than it needs to be. Layers are sensible — the forest is cool and shaded even on warm days, but the walk from the car park can be warm in summer.
If you're travelling as a couple and one person is less certain about heights, it's worth walking the Ancient Empire boardwalk first. The scale of the trees at ground level is remarkable enough that the elevated walk becomes a natural next step rather than a leap of faith. The gentle sway of the walkway is most noticeable on windy days — if the forecast shows a stiff southerly, the sensation is more pronounced.
Photography is excellent in the morning when the light filters through the canopy at a low angle. By midday the light is flatter and the contrast between trunk and sky is harder to manage. If you have any interest in photographing the forest seriously, aim for a 9am arrival. And on that note — the forest is simply worth looking at. Put the phone down occasionally. The tingle trees have been here for four centuries; they deserve more than a two-second scroll.
Key takeaways
- The Tree Top Walk rises to 40 metres on a gently graded steel ramp built to wheelchair-access standard — no climbing required.
- The Ancient Empire boardwalk at ground level is free and open during site hours, winding among tingle trunks some four centuries old.
- Entry to the Tree Top Walk is indicatively around $21 for adults; concession rates apply with a valid card — confirm current pricing before visiting.
- The walkway sways gently in a breeze, which is worth knowing if movement at height is a concern for you.
- Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the most comfortable temperatures and the fewest crowds.
- Walpole is roughly 4.5 hours by car from Perth; TransWA coach services connect the town to Perth for those not driving.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk suitable for people who use a wheelchair or walking frame?
Yes. The Tree Top Walk was built to wheelchair-access standards, with a consistent gentle gradient, stable steel mesh underfoot, and continuous handrails throughout the 600-metre loop. The Ancient Empire boardwalk at ground level is flat and firm. Accessible toilet facilities are available on site. The walkway does sway slightly in wind, which is worth factoring in for anyone with balance concerns.
How much does it cost to enter the Tree Top Walk, and is there a seniors discount?
Entry is indicatively around $21 for adults. Concession rates are available for holders of eligible cards, including the Australian Seniors Card and Pensioner Concession Card. The Ancient Empire boardwalk is free. Prices are reviewed periodically, so confirm current rates with Parks and Wildlife Service WA or at the entry point before your visit.
How long does it take to walk the Tree Top Walk and the Ancient Empire boardwalk?
Most visitors complete both walks in around two hours at a comfortable, unhurried pace. Allowing three hours gives time to sit, look, and take photographs without feeling rushed. There's no café on site, so bring water and a snack if you plan to stay longer.
Can you visit the Valley of the Giants without a car from Walpole or other towns?
The reserve is 14 kilometres from Walpole township, and there is no public transport to the site. A hire car, campervan, or guided tour is the practical option. TransWA coaches connect Perth to Walpole, but onward transport to the reserve requires a car or tour arrangement. Several Perth-based operators include the Valley of the Giants on South Coast touring itineraries.
What is the best time of year to visit the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and lower visitor numbers than the summer school-holiday peak. Summer can be very warm, and parts of the national park may close at short notice during high fire-risk days. Always confirm site access with Parks and Wildlife Service WA if visiting between December and February.
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