Six great spots in Walpole-Nornalup National Park, from coast to forests, fishing to golf

Conspicuous Cliffs

BEST FOR: A peaceful escape.

Nornalup has many beautiful beaches, but none quite compares to Conspicuous Cliffs. To reach the beach you walk along beautiful sets of wooden steps and a lush green trail. This trail opens onto a stretch of sparkling sand that brings a sense of exclusivity and peacefulness to anyone that experiences it. The rugged limestone cliffs surrounding the beach give this place its unique name. The cliffs have a lookout where you can see spectacular views of the pristine beach and large swell. If you’re lucky enough to come during the winter and spring months, you may also have the amazing experience of being able to watch the whales as they migrate south. Having grown up with fond memories of running down the sand dunes, fishing and picking up shells with my brothers, this place is somewhere I highly recommend.

Tingle Trees

BEST FOR: A little bit of history.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s widest girth eucalypt tree. Follow the 800m walk at the Walpole Tree Top walk to arrive at the gigantic fire-hollowed red Tingle Tree. Walking underneath this tree, which stands at 24m tall, will make you appreciate the true peacefulness of nature. I highly recommend this activity not only to see the historic Tingle Tree but to also learn about the incredible flora and fauna of the forest as you venture along the board walk. The walk can be completed by almost anyone with no specific fitness level or bushwalking experience required.

Frankland River

BEST FOR: Fishing and kayaking.

The Frankland River provides the perfect destination for families, couples, retirees or even individual travellers. You can enjoy taking a boat ride or kayak up to the beautiful monastery and have a picnic in between the trees. Catch bream off a classic boatshed along the waterfront, use the Tarzan swing to jump into the river, or simply just sit in solitude with the peaceful chirps of the birds. Nornalup River Chalets provide for a lovely place to stay with all the resources available to experience the best of Frankland River.

Walpole Country Club

BEST FOR: A unique golf experience.

Experience 18-holes of golf at the Walpole Country Club. Venture through the pristinely kept, lush green golf course situated in the middle of the wilderness. You’ll be amazed at the quality of the layout with several doglegs and blind tee shots providing a great golfing experience. You’ll also be astounded at the kangaroos and wildlife that follow you around like your very own spectators gallery. Walpole Country Club has always provided a great day of activities for my family whose golfing abilities deeply vary. I highly recommend this activity for people of all ages. The Country Club also provides golf buggies for those who don’t want to or are unable to walk the course and allow dog companions to come along for the journey.

Mt Frankland

BEST FOR: Breathtaking views.

The best way to experience all that Walpole has to offer is from the top of Mt Frankland. The granite peak of Mt Frankland stands at 411m and allows a breathtaking 360-degree view from far above the forest floor. Mt Frankland has many different walks to choose from, depending on the amount of time you have and your fitness ability. My favourite is the longer trail leading up to the summit, where you can see the Stirling Ranges and Southern Ocean. Although, this trail is one of the more strenuous walks/climbs, the incredible view and achievement you feel once reaching the top is indescribable. For a break between the walks, you can also stop at the gorgeous picnicking spot with incredible views for some rest and lunch. I highly recommend taking an adventure to Mt Frankland as it accounts for multiple fitness levels and allows you to immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Peaceful Bay

BEST FOR: Delicious fish and chips.

Experience life the old-fashioned way and have a refreshing break from reality at Peaceful Bay. With cellular reception not being too good around certain parts of Walpole, this provides the perfect time to disconnect. Peaceful Bay delivers an incredible spot for swimming, snorkelling, four-wheel-driving or getting your steps up by following one of the spectacular walking trails. The Bibbulmun Track runs all the way from Conspicuous Cliffs to Peaceful Bay, so for those willing to accept the challenge you can experience two glorious locations on the same day. There is also a path to the beach which allows four-wheel-drive vehicles to enter as the fishing is renowned by locals to be one of the best spots in Walpole. It does not come as a surprise that Peaceful Bay has the most delicious fish and chips with fish caught that day: by far the best I’ve tasted. I highly recommend a day at Peaceful Bay for not only families but couples looking for a romantic getaway.