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. 
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ThroughMy Lens 
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My corner of the world through my camera 
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity. 
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Skywatch Friday

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