| Walpole | |
Location: | 423km southeast of Perth |
Shire: | Manjimup |
Population: | 290 |
Postcode: | 6398 |
Walpole and its sister town of Nornalup were settled in the early 1900s by three pioneering families. Further settlement took place during the depression of the 1930s when unemployed men and their families were sent to the area to establish farms out of the virgin bushland.
The town is in a very attractive location on the banks of an inlet, surrounded by bushland and karri forests. The local industries in Walpole today are dairy, beef cattle and sheep farming, fishing, forestry and tourism.
One of the most spectacular attractions in the region is the Valley of the Giants, located a few kilometres east of Walpole. The forest contains vast stands of giant karri and red and yellow tingle trees. The biggest tree, a red tingle aged between 300 and 500 years old is 46 metres high. Walpole Nornalup National Park also boasts magnificent stands of karri and tingle trees as well as the beautiful coastal scenery of the wild southern shores.
There are many scenic drives around Walpole through the forests and coastal areas. Excellent views of both Walpole and Nornalup Inlets are seen at Knoll Drive, and 7 kilometres west of the town, Tinglewood Road leads to Mount Clare and Nuyts Wilderness Walk.
The drive to Conspicuous Cliff is through stands of red flowering gums. This spectacular coastal area is ideal for fishing but is not safe for swimming. Mandalay Beach to the west of Walpole is also a popular fishing spot and the Frankland River provides an excellent opportunity for fishing and boating.