Valley of the Giants & Ancient Empire Trail

Statement of Significance

The Tree Top Walk has aesthetic, social and scientific heritage value. It was built as a solution to a serious environmental problem that had arisen in the old Valley of the Giants Forest. In 1990, when one of the giants crashed to the ground, Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) sought a permanent solution for catering for the many visitors to the valley. To protect both the forest and the forest floor a design was sought through a world wide competition. Donaldson & Warne, Architects, were chosen from 40 entrants. and the structural engineers were Ove Arup. The creative interpretive signs in the shape of leaves, by Rowena Howard Landscape Architect, enhance the visitor’s experience. The Canopy Walk was opened in 1996 and has resulted in an increase of visitors to the region. “The redevelopment of the Valley of the Giants, one of WA’s traditional tourist stops, reflects the revolution in recreation site design and management which is turning degraded old sites into world-class models of ecologically sustainable tourism”. (DEC pamphlet ‘Valley of the Giants’). The Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre is set to become a key aspect of interpreting the unique biodiversity of the Wilderness area. Three sites form the Wilderness Discovery Centre, Swarbrick art-in-the-park, Mount Frankland and the famous Tree Top Walk forms a perfect triangle of bases to explore and discover the majesty of the Wilderness.

Physical Description

The Tree Top Walk is one part of an innovative eco tourist attraction, The Valley of the Giants. It comprises tree canopy walk and a natural walkway at root level of an ancient tingle forest as well as a gift shop, classroom and Wilderness Discovery Centre. Highlights include a walk through massive trees and views of interesting trunk formations. The planning and engineering contribution to the Tree Top Walk have led to a well designed walkway approximately 600 metres in length with a gentle gradient which is easily accessible for people with special needs. The walkways take the visitor to the top of the forest canopy 40 metres above the ground. Each span is 60 metres long and is joined to the next one by a circular platform supported by rustic poles built to blend with the surrounding trees. Due to the design elements of the walkway only a limited number of people are allowed on each span or platform at any one time. A new interpretive centre at the Tree Top Walk was opened in January 2009 and features interactive displays where you can learn what makes the Wilderness special. The Visitor Centre includes a gift shop showcasing a range of locally sourced artworks and crafts.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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