Since then we have been up the 4WD Holland Track to Coolgardie and the goldfields, camped at rock catchments, explored history of the pipeline and the goldrush, and most recently I have taken you to the far north west of Western Australia to Purnululu National Park in the Kimberly. Wow what a diverse State I live in!
But I did promise to take you back to the south west corner, specifically to the Boranup Forest.
If you are driving along Caves Road south of Margaret River you will pass through the spectacular Boranup Karri Forest in the heart of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. There is a particular stopping place where people pull over to take photos of the forest. In the early morning the lighting is spectacular. It has been photographed many many times by many many people. It is hard to come up with something new, but I was really pleased with the image you see above, with the morning sun breaking through the trees.
Boranup Karri Forest is unique for its proximity to the coast. This is the furthest west that these huge Karri trees grow. Karris can reach 60 metres or more in height and cover the hilly slopes and valleys of the forest. Evidently the whole area was logged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the forest you see today has grown back since then. Karri is the third-tallest tree species in the world. Karri trees are also a feature of the Pemberton-Walpole-Denmark area.
Here is a picture I took years ago in 2005 on slide film around about the same spot - hopefully I have learnt something about photography since those days.
I have just started using all manual controls. The lighting certainly is very tricky with shadows and highlights.
You can see some more views here. The group of people in the middle RH pic were getting ready to go abseiling - which you can do near here. I love Karri trees.
You can also divert off Caves Road south of Lake Cave and drive along Boranup Drive, which is a good gravel road. There are picnic spots and a camp ground at the southern end of the drive.
Did I tell you there are caves? The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is home to over 100 caves along the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge and were formed by the flow of water underground.
There are several caves you can visit - guided tours and cafe at Lake Cave and Jewel Cave and self guided (with audio commentary) at Mammoth Cave. Whereas Giants Cave and Moondyne Cave are for the more adventurous.
On this trip we visited Mammoth (see above) and Calgardup Cave (see below). Calgardup is a Department of Environment and Conservation run cave. Suitable for all ages, it is self guided along unlit paths, boardwalks and stairs. To tour this cave you wear a helmet and carry a flashlight. Turn off your flashlight and see how dark it is! It was our first visit to Calgardup Cave and we really enjoyed it.
I hope you have enjoyed this little tour through the Boranup Forest and the caves of the
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
To find out more visit - Margaret River Visitor Centre by clicking here - Margaret River Tourism
I am linking up to Mosaic Monday, Travel Photo Monday, Our World Tuesday, and Travel Photo Thursday, and Oh the Places I've Been. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
Mosaic Monday
Travel Photo Mondays
Our World Tuesday
Travel Photo Thursday
Oh The Places I've Been
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Love the winding road and the scenery. Very pleasant! The caves look amazing...
ReplyDeleteWonderful forest scenes! And what is it about the long and winding road that draws one right in?
ReplyDeleteThe trees are reflecting the light making it a magical place. Much different than our version of a forest with dark tree trunks. The cages look like they would be a fun excursion although a little eerie with so many dark shadows.
ReplyDeleteThe size of the trees is impressive. They dwarf the car on the road. Great scenery. Valerie
ReplyDeleteMagical Jill. So very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love driving through the tall trees in the south-west corner. The only problem I have is when the sun flickers through the trees as you drive along in late afternoon. I like your collage with the bike riders :)
ReplyDeleteThe road winding through the tall trees is like a poem-picture. Love the early morning light in your first photo, too. You live in a beautiful part of the world, very different from mine, but this world is full of such diversity.
ReplyDeleteI agree, shooting in changing light is always tricky to capture the look and feel with blown out and very dark areas, takes a bit of practice and finding the right composition to make it work and you did well using your manual.
ReplyDeleteHi Jill! This is my first time to your blog. I am looking forward to getting a cup of coffee in the morning and coming back to look at more of your blog. The photos on this post are exceptional. I am visiting from Mosaic Monday and am now a follower of your blog. I would love for you to visit me at Still Woods Farmhouse and follow my little bog. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Still Woods Farmhouse
Jill, beautiful shots of the forest. The trees and shadows look pretty. My hubby would love to tour the caves. Wonderful photos and mosaic. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, mysterious woodlands. You've captured the spirit of place in these shots. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots of a wonderland! I have never seen such big trees!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the light coming through the tall, slender trees, and the curvy road. I feel like I have been on a pleasant drive.
ReplyDeleteWhat an outstanding place!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Sandy. I never tire of it. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteAwesome scenic shots and those caves are inviting.
ReplyDeleteGascinating area!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous! Some of the things seem very familiar to NZ but then very different all at once. Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured the light so perfectly, and it's really tricky in the forest. I love this drive, and the moment you drive around the bend to see that sea of forest is something I never grow tired of.
ReplyDeleteI never grow tired of it either Jo. But you really have to be there when the light is right, and then play around with the manual settings on your camera. Tricky!"
Deletethank you all dear readers for stopping by and driving through the Forest with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jill for stopping. These again took my breath away.
ReplyDeleteI will be gone for a few weeks on Vacation. See you soon
Boranup Karri Forest looks beautiful. I love how erect and elegant the trees are. The drive through the forest must be peaceful and exhilarating. Wow, those caves are dramatic and magical. Great manual shots, Jill!
ReplyDeleteJill, how I enjoyed this drive through the Forest! You've captured it well with your photography.
ReplyDeleteThe trees are simply wonderful Jill -- I love how the dappled sun filters through in a forest and your pictures capture that perfectly. Interesting cave (very hard to get good pictures I've found). There is a Mammoth Cave here in the state of Kentucky...it is a National Park.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is indeed beautiful. I like that bit of sun peeking through. I didn't realize how big the Karri trees are until I noticed how small the cars are in comparison. And great cave photo! My cave photos always look horrible since I don't carry a tripod.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is also the winding road - love all the trees.
ReplyDeleteGreat tour, Jill. Love your photos -- I feel almost as if I was looking over your shoulder.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! I don't think I've heard of Karri trees before and they look so elegant. Love that winding road through the forest. I am fascinated with caves and always enjoy seeing different ones from around the world. Thanks for the virtual tour.
ReplyDeleteOne day, one day ...
ReplyDelete