Denmark, WA, Australia

We sort of drove past the tall timber country on our way here because it was raining so Lyn and I wanted to backtrack about 120km to Denmark, a little town that is home to the Valley of the Giants. This is where the treetop walk and the walk of the ancients is, an area that contains some of the oldest and largest Red Tingle trees.

In order to get there, do the walks and get back to town at a reasonable hour we were up, fed and showered and on the road by 7:00 this morning. Making good time without the caravan we arrived at the gates to the park around 8:15 only to find that it doesn’t open until 9:00. Bugger, foiled again, lucky that we’re halfway through Bryce Courtney’s “Jack of Diamonds” audiobook as this gave us something to sit and listen to why we waited. Heaven forbid we should have to talk to one another….

The treetop walk is a 600mtr elevated walkway rising to 40mtrs above the ground, in the foliage at the top of the red tingle eucalyptus. These trees are only found here, a shrinking habitat as climate changes. The trees are shallow-rooted with buttressed bases which are often hollowed out by bushfire. The walk above the forest floor was great although the walkway wobbled a little. Somewhat disconcerting for a person with a fear of heights, or fear of wobbly things!

After wandering leisurely along the walkway we continued into the ancient empire tree walk. This walk was at ground level, giving a completely different perspective on the trees. They tower above you as you walk through the forest and the bases on the trees are huge as our photos will show. Yes, there are a FEW photos from today’s excursion, don’t worry!

We were back in the caravan park in time for lunch after which we did a little bit of shopping and some last-minute photo shoots around town.

Albany has been terrific, we’ve all enjoyed it and it’s been nice not to have to be on the move all the time as there’s enough to do close to the town. Tomorrow we’re off to Esperance.