The area is also home to many of the giant red Tingles, some of which are up to 400 years old and up to 70 metres high. The free Hilltop Tingle Tree Trail is a leisurely 30-minute stroll through 800 metres of pristine forest
From the trail, take a 10-minute drive to the town of Walpole for the starting point of a must-do cruise. The two-and-a-half hour WOW Wilderness Cruise and adventure takes you into the Walpole Nornalup National Park.
his tour is special because the only way to access the park is by boat. After the boat ride, there's a short stroll through the bush to the magical Shelly's Beach where you'll see pink sand! The sand colour comes from the semi-precious stone of the area, called garnet.
Back in town, head ten-minutes east of Walpole to the 'blink and you'll miss it' village of Nornalup. This tiny town has a population of just 70 and it is a great place to stop and have afternoon tea. The Nornalup Tea House is a great place to start and most of the produce is home grown.
The facts
Skywest flies from Perth to Albany twice a day, seven days a week. Fly/drive packages are available to Albany including two-day car hire. The package costs $320 per person and conditions apply.
Skywest Airlines
Tel: 1300 365 412
WOW Wilderness Cruises run ever day and cost $22 per adult and $11 per child.
WOW Wilderness Tours
Tel: 08 9840 1036
Accommodation at Walpole Wilderness Resort in a three-bedroom self-contained cottage is available from $140 per night.
Walpole Wilderness Resort
Tel: 08 9840 1481
Western Australian Tourist Centre
Tel: 1300 361 351
Nornalup Tea House
Tel: 08 9840 1422
