Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Park Coastal national park protecting forests and coastal cliffs
Along Western Australia’s south coast, Walpole-Nornalup National Park protects karri and tingle forests, granite coastal outcrops and the Nornalup Inlet; visitors canoe, walk boardwalks and watch for wildflowers and native birds.
Walpole-Nornalup National Park protects coastal karri and red tingle forests, waterways, and riverine systems in southwestern Western Australia, forming part of the larger Walpole Wilderness area. The park is noted for tall eucalypt forests and elevated canopy access.
The area has long been recognized for its unique tall eucalypt forests and was progressively protected through state park designations in the 20th century; it now forms part of the Walpole Wilderness protection network to conserve forest and estuary ecosystems.
The park lies on the lower southern coast of Western Australia near the small towns of Walpole and Nornalup, in the state’s southwest forest region. It is several hours’ drive south of Perth and is accessible by sealed and unsealed regional roads.
- Tree Top Walk accessibility: The Tree Top Walk provides wheelchair-accessible sections at the entrance area and is one of the park's most visited features; check seasonal opening hours and any visitor limits.
- Notable trees: Look for large red tingle and karri trees throughout the park; some individual trees have hollow bases large enough for people to stand beneath or enter via low openings.
What to See #
- Tree Top Walk: An elevated canopy walkway that runs through a tingle and karri forest, reaching approximately 40 metres above ground and extending around 600 metres in total length, giving panoramic views of the forest canopy.
- Tingle tree stands and boardwalks: The ancient tingle tree stands and boardwalk circuits provide access to large red tingle trunks and root systems; several marked short walks allow close inspection of these endemic eucalypts and their buttressed bases.
- Walpole-Nornalup Inlets: Walpole and Nornalup Inlets form estuarine waterways at the park's edge, with boat ramps and short viewing points used for cruises and wildlife watching.
How to Get to Walpole-Nornalup National Park #
The park is roughly 430 km south of Perth along South Western Highway and then Cookernup/Walpole roads; the town of Walpole is the usual gateway with car access recommended for exploring the park and its lookouts.
Tips for Visiting Walpole-Nornalup National Park #
- Drive the scenic route from Walpole to the park's main car parks to begin the Tree Top Walk or access forest trails.
- Allow time for the giant tingle and karri trees; pauses at boardwalk overlooks reward slow walkers.
- Visit the Warren River mouth at dusk for possible sightings of black swans and shorebirds.
Best Time to Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park #
Autumn and spring are ideal for walking and seeing wildflowers; winter offers dramatic forest moods.
Weather & Climate near Walpole-Nornalup National Park #
Walpole-Nornalup National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1157 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and breezy conditions.
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March
March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (195 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).