WALPOLE

FRI 20 - SAT 21.12.2013: Off to the "Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire". This world famous attraction provides a unique way to explore the forest at different levels. After reaching the height of 40 metres above the ground (no climbing involved), the walk gradually descends to ground level to complete the loop. There are wheelchairs available if required - we considered it, but argued too much over the 'pusher' and 'pushee' roles!

It is difficult to actually capture the height of the trees and denseness of the forest below - the rainforest environment ensures that both flora and fauna flourish. The forests in the main are Red Tingle (Eucalyptus jacksonii), growing up to 75m tall and 20m in girth, with very shallow root systems. They are immediately recognisable by their large hollowed out bases. These hollows are created by a combination of fire, fungal and insect attack removing the dead wood from the centre of the tree. Also, the Karri Oak (Allocasuarina decussata), reminiscent of pine needles, the long greenish needles of the Karri Oak are actually slender, jointed branchlets. These trees grow up to 15m tall and are almost entirely confined to the Karri forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ancient Empire features a grove of uniquely shaped veteran tingle trees.

'BURLS' - CAUSED BY INSECT,
MITE, BACTERIAL OR FUNGAL
ATTACK



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'GRANDMA TINGLE'
ESTIMATED 400 YEARS OLD
THE BURLS AND GNARLED BARK
GIVE IT AN ALMOST HUMAN
CHARACTER - A FEMALE,
GRANDMOTHERLY CHARACTER