Giants Trail among Western Australia's natural attractions to receive improved access

The Valley of the Giants' Ancient Empire Trail is among Western Australia’s regional tourism attractions in the south west to attract state government funding for improving accessibility.

More than $5.7 million in upgrades are now complete at the Valley of the Giants and Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.

The Valley of the Giants is a major drawcard in the south west region, with the Tree Top Walk attracting more than 150,000 visitors in the year to June.

Popular attractions such as these cater to people of all abilities and encourage people to explore the natural environment.

These upgrades have opened the Southern Forest to visitors using wheelchairs or prams, ensuring even more people can enjoy the magic of this unique place

The Nornalup Inlets Marine Park works include an upgraded boat ramp and a new accessible paddle facility at Nornalup, which provides access to the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and means all visitors can safely launch their dinghies or paddle craft to explore the scenic Frankland River up to Monastery Landing.

The Nornalup jetty features an all-abilities ramp and boardwalk connecting the car park to the floating jetty, complete with seating and an accessible paddle craft launch chute.

Elsewhere, the Ancient Empire Trail within the Valley of the Giants has been transformed to enhance accessibility and improve the visitor experience, with Traditional Owners providing input.

The improved 540-metre-long loop replaces the existing stairs with smooth, levelled timber decking, making it easier for people of all abilities to experience the majestic tingle forest.

Work remains ongoing on the Giants Trails network, which consists of more than 50 kilometres of walking and cycling trails connecting Walpole, Nornalup and the Valley of the Giants, along with key natural attractions.

Those works, valued at $3.1 million, are focused on creating accessible, functional, and sustainable trails and are set to open in March 2025.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby noted that the state government is “committed to supporting regional tourism by making Western Australia's natural attractions accessible and appealing destinations for local, interstate, and overseas visitors.

"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."

Image. Valley of the Giants' Ancient Empire Trail. Credit BIG4