Autumn in the Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup, Western Australia

It is autumn here in Australia. As our native trees are evergreen we don't experience here in Australia the rich fall colours on mass like those who live in the northern hemisphere. There are pockets though where this can be enjoyed.

One place is at the Golden Valley Tree Park located on two former farming properties (c 1890s) only 2 kilometres south of Balingup in Western Australia's south west corner.  Last weekend we visited to see the autumn colours. It was a beautiful windless day and as there was a light cloud cover it was actually a great day for walking and photography. 

 Please click on "read more" to keep reading and seeing more pics


 

The original 20 plantings of exotic species by Olwyn Cleverland during 1930-1940's has grown to an impressive world collection of over 250 species, represented by over 1000 individual specimens. The Park, which is is heritage listed, is maintained by volunteers and sponsorship.

The park is split into two sections the World Collection spread over 35 hectares and the 25 hectare Australian Collection.
Within the World Collection there are 3 walks - the 10 minute easy Sequoia walk which has disabled access, the Pear Walk (30 minutes) and the Oak Grove walk (45 minutes)
The second two walks are moderate to easy, although over uneven ground and grass. You are free to wander off the paths and walk wherever you like.

You should allow much more time than the suggested times however to really experience the park in all its glory. If like me you have a camera, well, time becomes unimportant. Each tree had it's own glory to be admired and photographed. So our walk became an pleasurable leasurely amble.

There were many trees which I had never seen before. I was very pleased to see a Pomegranate tree as I love Pomegranates but I had never seen a tree before. 

These Josephine Pear trees at the pear tree lookout are over 100 years old, part of the original farm orchard. The views you saw in the first images were from this lookout. There is a seat here, and in other spots around the park, for you to rest-awhile and just enjoy the views.

These are Chinese Pistachios

Sheep roam the park and help to keep the grass under control. They have ingenious gates which don't have latches. The long distance walking track, the Bibbulmun Track, passes through the park on its way from Perth to Albany. You can see the yellow triangle marker on the gate below.

I loved the way the sun came through the leaves of this ash tree

Some children were enjoying running around in the leaves under the Persimmon tree - another tree which I had never seen before.  I wished I was the age of this little girl running in joyous unselfconscious abandon.

There were many families enjoying the park when we visited. And we agreed the park is a wonderful place to spend the day. There are walk paths and picnic areas, places to wander and sit. How about this amazing old mulberry tree? (bottom right). Does it bring back childhood memories of picking mulberries?

From its first plantings over 100 years ago the the Golden Valley Tree Park is now the largest arboretum in Western Australia.  All year around there is something to enjoy.

Golden Valley’s Australian Collection showcases the wide diversity of Australian native trees from tall eucalypts and mallee woodlands to dry season deciduous species and a range of rare West Australian species.
 There are 3 walks around the Australian Collection - the easy 15 minute Gum walk, and the 30 minute Wattle walk and Hillview walk (45 minutes). These last two have no formed paths.   
We have visited the Australian Collection before, but ran out of time this visit, so next time.

 Golden Valley Tree Park is only 2kms from Balingup. Follow the signposts on Old Padbury Road. Open 7 days a week, entry is free, but please make a donation to help the work of the volunteers. Dogs are allowed on a leash. No camping. Several gas powered BBqs, picnic tables, and long drop disabled access toilets. 
Walk paths are marked and the majority of the trees are labeled. 

This is an Irish Strawberry Tree

For more information, maps and merchandise please go to their web site by clicking here  - Golden Valley Tree Park



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