Tall Timber!

At last - the opportunity to see the legendary karri and jarrah forests of Western Australia!   This is the only place these trees are found naturally and only grow in a relatively small belt where the rainfall is about 1100mm annually.  Karri trees are the second tallest hardwood, growing 90+ metres high.    The smooth mottled yellow trunk of a tall, straight tree is a beautiful sight; a stand is stunning!   Large karri trees have been used as fire lookouts in the past, the tops being cut back, a hut built on it for the towerperson and steel climbing rods spiraling up to the hut.  Three of such trees are available for the public to climb, the largest being the Bicentennial Tree, at 68 metres:  I climbed the Gloucester Tree, only 60 metres high.  Jarrah trees are famous for their rich red timber, which is  very durable, thus it is sought after for uses varying from sleepers to structural timber and fine furniture.  The bark is dark and fissured , thus not nearly as beautiful as the karri trees but King Jarrah is a spectacular tree to view. 

So, on arrival in this wonderful forest, my first stop was Shannon National Park, where it rained each of the four days I was there.  Shannon was a millsite and town  in the centre of the forest:  The buildings no longer exist but many exotic trees planted by previous residents make  it a pleasant camp.  Between showers short walks were undertaken and the 48 Km. Great Forest Trees Drive was a 'must', with stops at the Shannon Dam and various scenic outlooks giving a good overview of the forests.

Then onto Manjimup, a major town in this wooded belt, which is also a thriving orchard area and boasts a truffle season as well.    The Timber and Heritage Park gives a good history of the area, with both outdoor and indoor exhibits.  They had a model of a sawpit - a log is placed over the pit with one sawyer below and one above, operating a two man saw to cut boards; you don't want to be the chap underneath the log!  The Giant Jarrah tree is only a short distance from the Manjimup so like a moth to a flame... 

Pemberton next, more forests and great campsites within:  Pemberton also hosts many fine wineries.  A trip on the tourist tram through the forests - why not!  That nite I camped at the nearby Arboretum Campsite, whereupon suddenly descended five Trackmaster caravans and their large 4WD towing vehicles, which parked nearby.  A flurry of noisy activity and soon a large fire was burning in the firepit in front of my van, surrounded by a dozen people in camp chairs.   Hard to ignore, so I joined them for what proved to be an enjoyable evening of banter, advice on great places to visit and the odd tall tale!  The weather was clear (and cool!) now, so getting about in the forests was a pleasure and interesting to see that the previously logged forests fully stocked with healthy regeneration!  A day trip to Windy Harbour, which is a popular spot south of Pemberton, but not very exciting in the winter.  It did yield some good photos of the ocean and cliffs, however.  But forgive me, I am raving on, I will leave it to the photos to tell the rest.  But I gotta tell you just one last bit! 

My last nite was spent in the Snottygobble Loop campsite, where a chance conversation with a Park employee informed me about the nearby Goblin Swamp -  he couldn't understand why it wasn't mentioned in brochures or by the Information Centres, but insisted it is worthwhile visiting.  And so it was!  It is a small area containing large but tangled and twisted melaleuca trees, unlike anything I'd ever seen.  I refer you to the photos as I cannot adequately describe it, but I can confirm; it is aptly named!