21 February – Albany to Nannup



After a prompt breakfast at Three Anchors again, we left Albany heading for the delights of the Tingle Forests. Unfortunately, Greens Pools at Denmark, were closed for redevelopment, so we headed straight for the Valley of the Giants walkway.

After a half hour guided walk which was so informative, giving us an overview of the forest and the Tingle trees in particular, we headed off on the tree top walk. We have done many of these types of walks, but this was one of the first to open, in 1996. They are quite an achievement to erect in such a fragile environment, with as little disturbance to the forest as possible.

Next stop The Giant Tingle Tree. The turn off for this took us up a well graded dirt road. An ample carpark already had several vehicles parked. Lots of very tall Tingles here, but the Giant is tucked away down a circuit path. Quite an amazing sight.

As we were ahead of schedule we decided to visit Mt Frankland NP. Again, we eventually found ourselves on dirt road for many kilometres. It was well graded so quite easy going. This was a very worthwhile visit.

We were uncertain what to expect, as material we had found was rather sparse in detail. Fortunately a young man was just returning from the trek to the top and he explained what we could expect. It was a tough walk starting gradually but then becoming steep. Lastly, you finish the climb with hundreds of steps including two ladders. The view at the top was very much worth the hike. Spectacular. I needed my pole to negotiate the steps on the way down as it was steep and uneven. Great walk.
The short walk out to a lookout via an accessible path was mild by comparison, but equally worthwhile.

Still two hours to our accommodation, we made it in pretty good time. After a cup of tea (essential) and settling in, we headed for the village where the pub beckoned. Being a Friday night it was very busy. This is timber country, so the pub was full of, what were probably, timber cutters and ancillary workers. Meals were good. Looks like it will do us for tomorrow’s dinner too.

In the Tingle Tree forest

Orchids make their homes in the bark of the trees

These are seriously large trees


On the Tree Top Walk





Viewpoint on our way up to the Giant Tingle Tree



The Giant Tingle Tree!

Hike up to Mt Frankland

Lots of stairs


Beautiful views

Made it to the top!

Accessible viewpoint at Mt Frankland



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