Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world. I am a photographer, writer and multi-media artist.
Focussing mainly on Western Australia and Australia, I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it.

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Sunday 28 July 2024

Four Aces and One Tree Bridge, Nannup, Western Australia

Hi all, I hope you are doing well. A couple of weeks ago I took you down to Nannup in Western Australia's south west where we explored some of the walk trails over a weekend. If you missed it you can see it here - Weekend away and bushwalking in Nannup, Western Australia

As promised, this week I am taking you to the Four Aces and the One Tree Bridge located 37 kilometres east of Nannup via Vasse Highway and then Graphite Road towards Manjimup. We decided to park at the Four Aces picnic area about one kilometre short of the bridge. From here you can follow a 400 metre loop walk through the karri trees before walking the one kilometre (each way) to One Tree Bridge. 

But first the drive through the karris. Karris are my favourite tree of the southern forests. 

Western Australia’s southern forests are dominated by Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) trees which grow only in WA’s wettest corner.  Belonging to one of the 900 Australian eucalypt species, many of the Karri trees are over 400 years old. Reaching a maximum height of about 90 metres they are one of the tallest forest trees in the world - behind the Californian Sequoia Redwood and the Australian Mountain Ash. Karri’s are easily identified. Their long straight trunk has a smooth bark which is shed every year, and changes colour as it matures. Interspersed with the Karri are Tingles, Jarrah, Marri, Bullich and Blackbutt trees and a stunning display of over 1500 wildflower species from September to November. 

The Four Aces are 4 tall karris growing evenly spaced in a straight line - you can see them in the photo above. Estimated to be over 250 years old, and over 70 metres tall, it is thought these trees grew up in a fallen log from seedlings in the ash of a previously fallen karri tree which had possibly been burnt in a bushfire. 

 From here there is a 400 metre Karri Glade loop walk trail through the karri forest, suitable for all levels of fitness. It was a pleasant walk through the forest. Take your time to appreciate the forest. 

Unfortunately we were too early for wildflower season, but there is always something to photograph. 
The yellow flower below is I believe the Cape Leeuwin Wattle (Paraserianthes lophantha). It has a fern type leaf and is common in karri forest, though I don't think I have seen it in flower before. There are invasive wattles from the Eastern states in the south west forests, so I was glad to learn this is not one of them.

Below that is bracken fern, a fungi, and a fallen leaf. 


We then walked the one kilometre through the karri forest to One Tree Bridge


At One Tree Bridge you can see the remains of a bridge built from a single karri log over the Donnelly River. In 1904 there was no bridge over the river, so settlers Herbert and Walter Gilblett felled the giant karri across the 250 metre wide river, forming the basis of the bridge. Jarrah tree wood was used to complete the building of the bridge. Only part of this bridge survives today. 

In 1948 a second bridge was constructed. In 1955 a new bridge was constructed to cater for heavy log trucks. This is the bridge that operates today, with a foot bridge adjacent. You can see the remains of the old bridge below here and the new bridge and footbridge below that. 



The early days of One Tree Bridge (Manjimup Historical Society)

The 1,000 kilometre Bibbulmum Track from Perth to Albany and the Munda Biddi bike trail crosses the river here at One Tree Bridge south of Donnelly River township. 


Munda Biddi markers on left, Bibbulmun Track on right. 

From One Tree Bridge we returned to Four Aces and had our lunch under the picnic and information shelter while the rain drizzled. It is a beautiful spot to just sit and absorb the forest sights and sounds. 


Below clockwise from top left - Water Bush (Bossiaea acquifolium) - it's amazing the amount of rain water it drops on you when you brush past, Karri Hazel (Trymalium floribundum), Tassel Flower (Leucopogon verticillatus) and a native orchid leaf emerging. Sadly none in flower!


And a Spotted Pardalote pair we saw at Four Aces - female on the left, male on the right. Thanks to my husband for these photos. It was lovely sitting at the picnic area listening to all the birds.


You cannot camp at either Four Aces or One Tree Bridge but there is a campground at Green Island, about 4.6 kilometres away -  turn back towards Nannup on Graphite Road and then turn north at the Green Island sign. Gravel road but suitable for 2-wheel-drive. 
There are 21 campsites surrounding a central grassy cleared area suitable for tents, camper trailers and small caravans. Jack and Irene Green first settled here in 1929 with the hopes of growing tobacco. Unfortunately the venture failed and they left after several years of hard work. 


On our way back to Nannup we stopped in at Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park - two kilometres east of Nannup on Brockman Highway. Here there are many mountain bike trails for all levels of experience. I am not a bike rider, let alone a mountain bike rider, so I don't have more photos to share. The bike trails are colour coded easy, moderate, difficult and extreme. I suggest you select the correct one for you! There is a good guide here - Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park


Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week. 
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
   

16 comments:

  1. One Tree Bridge is so fascinating. The birds you have spotted are fabulous too

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  2. I am fascinated seeing "Pardalote" ♬ Our city used to be a sister city of one of your countries cities as a translator. I had LOVELY memories. Lot's of LOVE from Japan. MIyako

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  3. The Four Aces and One Tree Bridge are incredible natural wonders. Your photos are beautiful.

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  4. Beautiful photos of the forest and plants. The spotted birds are so cute. I like seeing the old photo of the bridge compared to the newer bridge. Looks like a beautiful place to enjoy nature and take a walk. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  5. Driving or walking through karri trees and being tuned into nature at the Four Aces and One Tree Bridge must be refreshing.

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  6. Lovely place to walk and enjoy God's beauty!
    Thank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2024/07/inside-pennsylvania-academy-of-fine-arts.html

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  7. Wow I can not get over how tall and straight those trees are! What a lovely forest walk/ride.

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  8. Great post! I want to visit Australia someday!

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  9. Thank you for the kind words in the comment.

    I'm a little short of energy at the moment, I admit openly. We're just getting from one day to the next... Comforting words definitely help. I love the nature here in your post, Jill. Never seen before a Karris.

    I am very happy about the contribution to MosaicMonday again.
    Kind regards from Heidrun

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  10. Liebe Jill, vielen Dank für den Besuch in meinem Blog. Du hattest recht, es gab keinen Translator. Das habe ich nun geändert.
    Du lebst in einem faszinierenden Land, das ich leider nie besuchen werden kann. Aber ich schaue mir gerne die Bilder an und lese Deine Beiträge. So kann ich aus der Ferne alles miterleben.
    Liebe Grüße von Ingrid, der Pfälzerin

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    1. translate -
      Dear Jill, thank you very much for visiting my blog. You were right, there was no translator. I have now changed that.
      You live in a fascinating country that I will unfortunately never be able to visit. But I like looking at the pictures and reading your posts. This way I can experience everything from a distance.
      Kind regards from Ingrid, the Palatinate woman

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    2. I learnt about a new place today - Palatinate!

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  11. What a fantastic post! Your detailed exploration of Four Aces and One Tree Bridge in Nannup is both informative and inspiring. The way you’ve described the Karri trees and the historical significance of One Tree Bridge really brings the area to life. The photos and descriptions of the flora and fauna are a delightful touch, making me feel like I’m right there with you. I also appreciate the additional tips on where to camp and visit nearby spots. This is a wonderful guide for anyone looking to explore Western Australia's stunning natural beauty. Thanks for sharing such a thorough and engaging account of your adventure!

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I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog. Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I read and very much appreciate every comment and love hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return.