VALLEY OF THE GIANTS TREE TOP WALK
📍 VALLEY OF THE GIANTS TREE TOP WALK (Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants)
🚗 Located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, just search for the name to find it.
🎫 Admission: AUD $21 per person
This site features a walkway built atop the tree canopy, standing approximately 40 meters high and stretching about 600 meters in length. The path is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it convenient for everyone!
Although the treetop walkway is the highlight of this destination, I believe the real gem here is the unique local species—the "Red Tingle Tree."
Walking above the canopy is indeed a unique experience. Looking down, you'll see 400-year-old trees beneath your feet. However, those with a fear of heights should be cautious! 🤣 After completing the treetop walk, make sure to explore the nearby circular trail, where you can wander among the majestic Red Tingle Trees and play hide-and-seek with the various tree hollows. 🌲
🔔 Fun Facts About the Red Tingle Tree
This tree species is unique to Western Australia and only grows in a small humid forest area between Walpole and Denmark. Its most striking feature is its impressive tree hollows!
💡 Origins of the Tree Hollows
The hollows are actually the result of a combination of biological and non-biological factors:
1️⃣ Fire as a Key Factor 🔥
Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem cycle. The Red Tingle Tree has extremely tough bark and natural fire-resistant oils, which help it withstand flames. However, repeated fires over the years can still hollow out the tree's base.
2️⃣ Fungal and Insect Erosion 🐛
After a fire, the charred areas often become a haven for fungi and insects. Decay fungi and wood-boring insects gradually erode the burnt wood, expanding the hollow areas and creating a three-dimensional "tree hollow system." This process can last for decades or even centuries.
3️⃣ Natural Wind Erosion and Humid Climate 🌬️
The Walpole region is humid with abundant rainfall during winter, keeping the base of the Red Tingle Tree moist and accelerating natural decay. Strong winds can also create cracks in the already weakened interior, further enlarging the hollows.
🌳 These trees are truly "living history."
Some tree hollows have small doors installed, and these are from trees that have already died. They make for whimsical photo opportunities and are incredibly charming. Nature's power is always awe-inspiring. Despite enduring many challenges and leaving behind scars, these trees continue to stand tall, showcasing the beauty of life’s journey. Just like our own lives, we should embrace and appreciate the marks of growth rather than criticize them.
To these trees, I say:
"May I be like you—standing tall and growing strong despite the trials of wind and fire."