Valley of the Giants’ Ancient Empire Trail and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park open $5.7m accessibility upgrade

A world famous tree walk and water recreation hotspot can now be accessed by visitors of all shapes and sizes following the ribbon cutting of new accessibility infrastructure on January 31. More than $5.7m of upgrades have been undertaken at the Valley of the Giants’ Ancient Empire Trail and Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park. Nornalup now boasts an upgraded boat ramp, a new accessible paddle facility to launch dinghies and kayaks and an all-abilities ramp and boardwalk connecting the carpark to the floating jetty, complete with seating and an accessible paddle craft launch chute. The upgrades allow easier access to visitors wanting to explore the scenic Frankland River up to Monastery Landing. People wanting to visit the 400-year-old giant tingle trees located within the Valley of the Giants’ free 540m Ancient Empire trail no longer have to battle with stairs, thanks to the substitution of levelled timber decking. Environment Minister Reece Whitby, who was joined by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie for the opening, said the upgrades make both destinations more “appealing” for local, interstate and overseas visitors and more accessible to all West Aussies. “Parks and natural attractions are there to be enjoyed by all Western Australians, which is why we continue to make them more accessible for all,” Mr Whitby said. Work on the new $3.1m Giants Trails walking and cycling network, which will connect Walpole, Nornalup and the Valley of the Giants through a 50km track, is ongoing and scheduled to open in March. Referring to the area as a “major drawcard” Ms Kelsbie said the upgrades will open the Southern Forest to even more visitors who are encouraged to “enjoy the magic of this unique place”.