Walpole – Wonderland of the Rainbow Coast
Walpole is situated on the south coast of Western Australia. Located at the meeting point of the South Western Highway and the South Coast Highway, its easy accessibility by car makes it an ideal resting point on your driving holiday.
Surrounded by the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet System, this unique wonderland is home to pristine wilderness, calm waterways and spectacular coastal views. Walpole enjoys a mild climate year round, with the small town country atmosphere allowing visitors to feel welcome and comfortable.
Established in the early 1930’s as a foreground for local farmers, the industry in this area developed from its humble beginnings in timber milling to become a rich dairy and beef farming area. Today, the area is commonly known for the Giant Red and Yellow Tingle Trees, which contribute to Walpole’s familiar name of “Chlorophyll Country”.
The tranquil rivers and inlets of the Walpole area make this the ideal location for water based activities. The Nornalup Inlet is a safe place for the whole family to fish, canoe, kayak and sail. Enjoy a day out on the water, returning to the shores for an Aussie BBQ at one of the many facilities available.
The local beaches also offer safe swimming and surfing, with Mandalay Beach the easiest accessible by car. Here you will be able to view the remains of the Mandalay Wreck, which allows you to gain an understanding of some of the local history of Walpole. Mandalay Beach is also the ideal place for a spot of fishing, so sit back, relax and soak up the fresh sea breeze!
A visit to Ennicas Fine Art Gallery will give you a sense of the strong cultural ties of this friendly country town. Situated right in the heart of Walpole, the gallery displays a contrast of fine European art and Indigenous exhibitions. The talents of the locals also shine through, with the art giving you a taste of the local scenery and surrounds.
For a fun activity for the kids, take a drive east along the South Coast Highway until you come to the Toffee Factory. This is a popular destination for sweet-toothed visitors who are looking for a unique range of locally produced toffee and sweets.
Venturing into the scenic wilderness of Walpole’s surrounds will bring you into the Valley of the Giants, which is situated in the heart of the Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Take the charming drive through the giant Tingle and Karri trees and picnic or bushwalk at one of the rest stops along the way. This area is also home to the world famous “Tree Top Walk” which permits you to walk among the canopy of this spectacular forest.
Another of the area’s scenic drives is the Hilltop Drive and Lookout. Experience the astounding natural sights of this ancient forest. Reaching the lookout rewards you with stunning views of the Frankland River, the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet and the islands of the south coast. These views capture the essence of the beauty and tranquillity of this magnificent area.
Conspicuous Cliff is another of the scenic drive’s that offers car access to the coast. This drive will allow you to enjoy the remarkable coastal heathland which comes to life in summer when the red flowering gums bloom. Enjoy the sights and smells of this drive while soaking up the fresh country air and crisp sea breezes.
While staying in Walpole, the range of accommodation options abounds. Choose to stay on the foreshores of the inlet or venture into Peaceful Bay where you will find an idyllic caravan park to suit all your needs and wants. Located only 100 metres from the beach, Peaceful Bay Caravan Park is the ideal place to stay for those seeking a seaside holiday!
The beauty and wonder of Walpole is evident in the friendly town centre, the spectacular coastal views and the dense forests that form the essence of this community. Staying in Walpole brings you back in touch with nature and allows you to relax, enjoy and soak up the peaceful serenity of what Australia has to offer!
Author Bio: Christine Barton is a Content Writer for Discovery Car Hire Perth, Australia’s travel focused online car hire company. She frequently writes information about Car Hire Perth and travel information relating to Australia.
Category: Travel
Keywords: car hire, car rental, car rental adelaide, car rentals, perth, western australia, australia