Tucked away in the south west of Western Australia amongst the stunning Blackwood River Region is a small quaint country town of Balingup. Thanks to the community of Balingup along with the Department of Parks and Wildlife there is a very unique place to visit and this is the Golden Valley Tree Park. 

This is a heritage listed Arboretum and is in fact the largest in Western Australia with around 60 hectares of trees from Australia and around the world. The park is divided into two sections – The Australian Collection and The World Collection both with three short walking trails to follow and explore.

Brief History

The land was favoured by the Nyunar people, according to the aboriginal man Balya Balina (whom Balingup was named after), as a hunting ground and a source of fresh water from the Yugurup Spring. Later this are became two farm properties one being the Golden Valley, 1880’s, and the other Yugurup, 1898. Later the land was purchased by the Forests Department to develop a pine plantation but the shire of Donnybrook-Balingup intervened by putting a 2 km zone around the township of Balingup to prevent this. In 1980 there was an agreement to make this land into an Arboretum and then this became heritage listed in 2001. If you would like to read more about the history of this park go to www.goldenvalleytreepark.org.au.

The Australian Collection

In the Australian Collection of Trees you will come across many variety’s of Mallee, Wattle, Sheoak, Gums plus much more, you will stroll through the different sections like the South West Species, Arid Woodland and the Rare WA Species.

The three trails you can wander along to see these beautiful trees are:

• • Hill View Track approx 1.5 km or 45 mins loop, this is a moderate walk and can be uneven underfoot so wear appropriate footwear. The symbol to follow is blue with a Mottlecah gum-nut on it. Be aware that there is very few signs the track is mostly marked by a series of cairns.

• • Wattle Walk a little shorter than the Hill View and will take around 30 mins loop, this is a moderate walk and can be uneven underfoot so wear appropriate footwear. The symbol to follow is yellow with a wattle blossom on it. Be aware that there is very few signs the track is mostly marked by a series of cairns.
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  • Tall Gums Short Walk this will take you around 15 mins loop, this is a moderate walk and can be uneven underfoot so wear appropriate footwear. The symbol to follow is a green symbol with a gum leaf on it. Be aware that there is very few signs the track is mostly marked by a series of cairns.

For more information and maps go to www.goldenvalleytreepark.org.au or pop into the Information Centre in Balingup.

The World Collection

In the World collection of Trees you will come across many variety’s of Oaks, Birch, Willows, Maples Cedars and many more from all over the world.

The three trails you can wander along to see these beautiful trees are;

• Oak Grove approx 1.5 km or 45 min loop. This is a moderate to easy stroll though do be aware if it’s been raining can be a bit slippery in some areas. Follow the orange oak symbol.
• Pear Walk A little shorter loop and will take around 30 mins to complete. Moderate to easy as like the Oak it can be a little slippery when wet as well as bit of a climb. Follow the green pear symbol.
• Sequoia Short Walk This is a very easy stroll and will take around 10 mins to do the loop. Just follow the red sequoia nut.

For more information and maps go to www.goldenvalleytreepark.org.au or pop into the Information Centre in Balingup.

How to get there

You will find the park around 1.5 km south of Balingup off the South Western Hwy, just follow the signs it’s easy enough or alternatively you could walk from Balingup on a section of the Bibbulmun Track which goes straight through the park. Entry is free though there are donation boxes which goes back into the park which is volunteer run.

Open 7 Days a Week and there are guided walks you can join in as well as you are able to hire section of the park for functions. For information on this go to www.goldenvalleytreepark.org.au or email them info@goldenvalleytreepark.org.au.

Facilities Toilets, BBQ’s, Picnic tables, and a Gazebo.

We really hope if you are wandering around the South West of Australia you do pop into the Golden Valley Tree Park, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

♥ Happy Trails.