Walpole-Nornalup National Park

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Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Menang people as the traditional owners of Walpole-Nornalup National Park. 

This photograph was taken at the Hilltop Lookout and shows views of the Nornalup Inlet in the distance, with forest in the foreground, and the Frankland River flowing in between. The view is seen through a canopy of trees, with the blue ocean in the distance. The ocean is calm and is a crisp blue. The sky above is blue, with streaks of grey clouds.
Hilltop Lookout, Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Photo credit: The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

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Overview of Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Welcome to Walpole-Nornalup National Park, located in Western Australia’s beautiful South West, about 4.5 hours from Perth. 

A biodiversity hotspot, this area is known for its incredible range of flora and fauna – much of which can be found within the national park. And there are plenty of ways to explore it! 

Visit one of the park’s most popular spots, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, to see the huge, endemic tingle trees from above (40 metres up, in fact) and below. On the Ancient Empire walk, keep an eye out for quokkas! 

Hike or bike along one of many walk trails – including the famous Bibbulmun and Munda Biddi – and get a closer look at the vibrant wildflowers, unique native plants, and karri and jarrah forests. Listen to the song of the native birds (find out more in our Biodiversity section). 

Walpole-Nornalup National Park is also home to beautiful, pristine waters, from Circular Pool to Nornalup Inlet. There are even opportunities to spot whales along the coast on their migratory journey from June to September. With plenty of options to swim, paddle or fish, and picnic along the shore, a perfect day in nature awaits. 

Entry to this national park is free, but pets must be left at home.  Please beware of snakes during warmer summer months and ensure children are supervised around bodies of water. See our Safety section for more information.

Download the free Every Kid in a Park app for a digital tour of
Amenities & Points of Interest

 

Points of Interest

Key amenities and points of interest include:

  • Circular Pool
  • Coalmine Beach
  • Conspicuous Cliff 
  • Giant Tigle Tree
  • Hilltop Lookout
  • John Rate Lookout
  • Monastery Landing
  • Mount Clare
  • Sandy Beach
  • Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

Download the Every Kid in a Park app to use the interpretive map featuring photographs of each point and additional information.  

This photograph was taken at the lookout at Circular Pool. The lookout is a brown wooden platform with a grey handrail. There are two (2) wooden benches on the lookout, which is surrounded by a thick forest of trees with green leaves and brown trunks. The blue sky is shining above, creating natural shade cover over part of the lookout.
This photo shows a tall tingle tree amongst a forest of trees. The tree trunk is brown in colour and the hollow in the base of the trunk is big enough to walk through. A brown wooden boardwalk leads through the tree. A person is standing at the base of the tree on the boardwalk and is looking up to the sky above. Green plants surround the base of the tree, and the sun is shining bright above the treetops.
This photo was taken on the white sand at Coalmine Beach and shows two (2) large pelicans resting on the sand. The pelicans are white in colour with patches of black feathers on their wings and back. Both birds have long pink beaks and beady black and yellow eyes. The water is flat and calm. There is a forest of green trees growing in the distance. The blue sky is shining above.
This photo shows the Giant Tingle Tree and surrounding boardwalk. The Tingle tree is brown in colour, and bumpy in texture, with patches of dark grey. The surrounding wooden boardwalk is brown in colour. There is a wooden staircase leading down to the walkway next to the tree. There are two (2) small children walking down the stairs. The first is wearing blue, and the second is wearing pink. A green forest of trees and shrubs are growing behind the walkway. The sun is shining through the trees, creating shadows in the treetops.
This photo was taken by a drone and overlooks the Valley of the Giant Tree Top Walk. The grey walk bridge is seen through the forest, and there are people standing on the bridge overlooking the trees. The treetops are green in colour, with thick brown trunks. The forest continues off into the distance.

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Interpretive Trail

Explore Knolls Trail using the Knolls Interpretive Trail. The Interpretive Trail follows the Knolls Trail, which is family friendly and travels along an uneven dirt path through a forest of marri, karri and jarrah trees.  

This is a short walk and offers a great introduction to nature for young kids. The Interpretive Trail consists of six (6) stops and can be accessed on the Every Kid in a Park app.  

Resources

Nature Play WA is currently creating fun and interactive resources for Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Throughout October, we will be releasing these resources to assist families in planning their visit to the park.  

Accessible Nature Guide for Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Our Accessible Nature document features all you need to know about recreational activities available in the park, the number and location of key amenities, a map, communications board and more. It’s available to download here. Download your copy PLEASE NOTE: Park entry fees have changed and updated fees can be found below.* Private vehicle with […]

Insider Info: Plan your trip to Walpole-Nornalup National Park with expert advice from Senior Ranger, Christie Bentink!

From tingle trees shaped like teapots and foaming karri forest, to prehistoric snails and fields of orange flowers, Senior Ranger Christie Bentink has all your must-sees-and-dos at Walpole-Nornalup National Park sorted! Christie took the time to sit down with us and share some of the things she loves most about the park, her favourite free […]

Social Story for The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk (Walpole-Nornalup National Park)

This Social Story™ aims to help people of all abilities to plan and prepare for their visit to The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park by explaining what they can expect on the day of their visit. It’s available to download here. Download your copy here.

Five Things to Do at Walpole-Nornalup National Park

This resource is all about our five favourite things to do at Walpole-Nornalup National Park. It’s available to download here, to help you plan your visit.   Click here to download your copy

Every Kid in a Park Resources

Discover fun activities to do at any park!

Activity Sheet: Invent a Scent

Become a master of scents by searching for and combining the best smells of nature. Can you create the perfect perfume? This document is available to download as a PDF or Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download PDF version Download Accessible Word version

Activity Sheet: Seeing Sound

Sounds are only for our ears……. or are they? Find a quiet spot to sit and listen. What can you hear? Use this activity sheet to record and describe the sounds. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Texture Tag

Use this activity sheet to go on an adventure and explore textures around the park! Touch leaves, bark and even the ground, and describe the features. This document is available as a PDF and an Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit.   Download PDF Download Accessible Word version

Activity Sheet: The Bravery Award

With the help of this activity sheet, you’re going to attempt to overcome a fear. That means it’s time to put on a brave face! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Barefoot Bootcamp

Explore the world through your feet with the help of this activity sheet. On your next outdoor adventure, take off your shoes and play barefoot for a new sensory experience! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: A Place of Your Own

For some people, finding a special quiet place helps them connect to nature. Use this activity sheet to find a place in nature of your own. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Plant Pose

Plants grow in all shapes and sizes; just like people! Use this activity sheet to explore the natural environment, or have someone describe it to you. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Stories in the Sky

Find a good place to sit or lay down and watch the clouds in the sky. Take notice of their colours, textures and shapes, or have someone describe these to you. Use this activity sheet to create a story in the sky! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: The Awareness Game

Being aware of your surroundings is a wonderful skill. In this activity, you will be using your senses to test your awareness of the natural environment! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Colour Wonderful

There are so many colours in the natural world. In this activity, you’ll head outdoors with a trusted person as you explore the rainbow of colours and count the shades of nature together. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Biodiversity

Walpole-Nornalup National Park is the perfect place to take in the incredible biodiversity of the South West – much of which is endemic to the area. It’s home to dense karri and jarrah forests, pristine ocean and river waters and of course, the famous tingle trees. 

Tingle trees are known for their huge trunk bases – in fact, they’re the largest-girthed eucalypt in the world! They can live for more than 400 years and reach heights of around 75 metres. Karri, jarrah and marri trees are also plentiful in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. 

From late winter to spring, wildflowers begin to bloom. Purple and pink enamel orchids, cowslip orchids and flying duck orchids are great fun to hunt for. The Holly flame Pea, tassle flower, clematis, Australian bluebell and karri wattle are just some of the wildflowers that add an explosion of colour to the area. 

Some of the many birds you’re likely to see are the New Holland honeyeater, grey fantail, splendid fairy-wren, osprey, Australian ringneck and red wattlebird. The park is also home to some rare, endangered species, including the crested shrike-tit, red-tailed black-cockatoo and Western bristlebird. The Southern emu-wren and hooded plover are also vulnerable. 

The quokkas of the South West are a little different to the quokkas of Rottnest. They are mainly nocturnal and very shy! Other land mammals include the quenda, Western grey kangaroo and Southern forest bat. Try your luck at spotting Southern right whales and humpback whales migrating through the area between June and September from the Conspicuous Cliff lookout. 

There are 32 species of reptiles living in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The marbled gecko, tiger snake and dugite are just a few to look out for. 

This is a close-up photo taken of a cowslip orchid. The flower is mostly yellow in colour with five (5) large petals. The flower’s top three (3) petals have a streak of pink colour and white tips. The flower grows on a green stem with long green leaves. It grows in dark brown dirt next to other orchids.
This is a close-up photo of a bunny orchid. The flower has two long petals that look like bunny ears! The labellum (centre of the flower) is a purple/pink colour and is turned almost into a small circle. The flower grows on a long, thin stem. The background shows long grass and is out of focus.
his is a photo of a quokka standing on brown dirt covered in sticks. The quokka has short and thick grey/brown fur over most of its body with lighter parts on its stomach. It has a black nose on a broad face with round furry ears. The tail is long and mostly has no hair.
This photograph shows a humpback whale jumping out of the water and into the air. The humpback whale is a large, dark grey, torpedo-shaped animal. Most of the whale is dark grey in colour, with a patch of white on its stomach and fin. The water is blue, and the background shows stormy weather with dark white and grey fluffy clouds with a dark shadow of rain pouring down on the forest.
This is a photo of a southern right whale exploding out of the water. Its body is large and stocky and mostly black in colour. It is jumping out of the water on its side, with two (2) of its fins seen out of the water. The water is blue and sits on the shores of the inlet, which is covered in trees and rocky land.
This photograph is a close-up of an Australian ringneck bird. The bird has a plump chest which is mostly shades of green with a splash of golden yellow on its chest and tail. It has a black head with a purple cheek and beady black eye. A yellow collar sits around the bird's neck. Its beak is grey in colour and there is a patch of red feathers above it. Its legs are dark grey in colour and sit on a brown tree twig. The background is blurry and out of focus, showing the forest behind the animal.
This is a photo of a bandicoot. It is a small animal, roughly the size of a rabbit. It has a pointy snout, humped back, a thin tail and large hind feet. It is mostly brown in colour with strands of lighter brown throughout. It has a beady black eye, short snout and round ears. It is sniffing a patch of dirt and green grass.
This photo shows two (2) red tail black cockatoos resting on a brown tree branch. The bird on the left is a female, identifiable by the yellow spots on its mostly black head, neck and wings. Her underbody is a pale orange-yellow and her tail has orange-yellow panels. She has beady black eyes and a light grey beak. The bird on the right is a male, with a mostly black body with lighter patched of red on its neck and cheek. Its tail can’t be seen due to the shadow but has bright red panels. The sky behind the birds is blue, and there are green leaves on the tree branch.

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Safety

We suggest taking time before your visit to read through the safety information. We recommend visiting the Explore Parks WA website to plan when to visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park. 

Walpole-Nornalup National Park is a great place for bushwalking. Before you head out in nature, visit the Explore Parks WA website for tips on bushwalking safety.  

This photo was taken at Circular Pool. The body of water is flat and dark brown in colour. There are brown rocks in the Pool, with some larger rocks protruding above water level. The pool is circular in shape and is surrounded by a thick forest. Some of the trees grow high into the sky, which is bright blue. There are some fluffy white clouds in the sky.
Circular Pool, Walpole-Nornalup National Park.

There are numerous bodies of water located throughout Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Follow these precautions to ensure you stay safe around water:  

  • Take care on rocks on the coast, as there is a risk of slipping and falling. Large waves can suddenly appear and wash over rocks.  
  • Don’t fish if it is too rough; know the weather forecast and tides before fishing. Always fish with someone else.  
  • Swimming at beaches and inland waterways can be dangerous. Be aware of strong rips, variable water depths, submerged obstacles and wet slippery surfaces. For your safety, do not dive or jump into water.  
  • Restricted access and warning signs are placed there for your protection and safety, and to protect the environment.  
  • Stay alert and supervise children at all times.

In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes: 

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas.  
  • Walk and/or cycle in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks.  
  • When bushwalking, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles.  
  • Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking, and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth. 

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about John Forrest National Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Mundy Regional Park. 

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