Western Australian Sites

Valley Of The Giants, Walpole Nornalup National Park, Western Australia

The Valley of the Giants is located within the Walpole Nonalup National Park located on the south coast of WA.  In the late 1980s the towering tingle forest became a highly visited tourist destination.  The area was in danger of being loved to death.

Tingle includes species Eucalyptus jacksonii , known as Red Tingle which occurs only in the Walpole area and E guilfoylei.

In 1990 the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) held a design competition for the site.  The Master Plan was to provide for a Tree Top Walk, Visitor Centre, walking tracks, carparks and access roads.

Forty entries were received from around the world.  Four finalists were chosen to provide detailed costs proposals.  The winning team consisted of architects, engineers, environmental artists and quantity surveyors.  The bridge structure sited within the Eucalypt forest is described below:

The form of the trusses mimics the natural form of sword grass, a predominant local plant species, while the pylons resemble tassel flower. (CALM 1996)

Landscape Architect, Rowena Howard was commissioned to design the interpretive experience.  Using boardwalks and stabilised earth paths visitors can
“ ….explore the science, fantasy, intrigue and grandeur of the old trees.” (CALM 1996).  Paths serve a dual role:

For the young and the fit, it is a discovery trail, while the contemplative visitor can make use of interpretive stops, scattered along the way, with seats and inspirational poetry sculpted into metal leaf structures.” (CALM 1996).

Good planning and design now protects the site while providing users with a vibrant nature based experience.

REFERENCES
CALM (1996) ‘Saving the giants’ brochure

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