Event: Australia

Valley of the Giants

When:	Daily
Where:	Valley of the Giants
Costs:	A$6; 6-15 yrs A$2.50

Near the town of Walpole in the Southern Forest region, 340km south of Perth, is one of Western Australia's most popular attractions - The Valley of the Giants.

The giants in question are not the type that are likely to grind your bones to make their bread - they are in fact the large red tingle trees that grow in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park. One particular grove within the forest contains trees that are so old that it's known as the Ancient Empire. Some of the trees are up to 16 metres in circumference at the base and a special boardwalk has been constructed to allow you to meander among them.

The boardwalk also serves as a conservation aid by preventing people from damaging the forest floor or the trees themselves. The Ancient Empire boardwalk starts from the Tingle Shelter visitor centre. The first part is suitable for people in wheelchairs (assisted), and the car park, with picnic facilities and toilets, is nearby.

While it is an awesome experience to wander among the trees on the forest floor, a visit to the tingle forest is not complete without a trip along the award-winning Tree Top Walk. The securely-built walkway allows visitors to travel along a 420-metre elevated trail that leads over a deep, red tingle gully, providing a parrot's eye view of the forest floor 40 metres below. Built on the side of a natural valley, the walkway rises up above the forest floor on a gentle grade that's suitable for all ages and abilities.

Other highlights of the area include the nearby Parrot Jungle Bird Park and whale watching off the coast at Conspicuous Cliff.