Whenever you are scanning a new place and the things to do and beginning to create a list or an idea of the things that you really want to do or see before you leave, there are inevitably things that simply do not live up to the hype, and equally there are often little things that somehow made it onto the list without much thought that turn out to be surprise highlights of the entire trip, and whenever in the future you tell the tale of your journey, or think back to a certain place and time, this one thing is what epitomizes it for you. For me, in south west Australia (and in many ways my whole Australian experience) this happened with the Tree Top Walk. It's a simple thing, as many of the best excursions are, but was so good that whenever I think of Australia it is one of two or three stand out moments that always occur to me (and this amidst one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken). It wasn't on any list we compiled before we left Scotland, and it didn't even make it onto the list in the many times we changed it in the first weeks. But when we got out the maps and local guides about to head down to the southwest tip of Oz, suddenly there was the Tree Top Walk, and we decided it was worth a stop down there.

Given all the sightseeing that occurred on our way south, many of the things we had planned on doing got pushed aside for other adventures... but one thing we decided to be inflexible on was the Tree Top Walk, and I am so glad we did. We arrived just south east of the little town of Walpole just as the afternoon was settling in towards evening and the sun wasn't quite as hot as midday (and excellent time to do the walk). The drive up to the Walk from Walpole is stunning in itself, through the amazing Valley of the Giants park filled with towering karri and red tingle trees. I was pleased with everything about this walk... it's not long, or strenuous, so don't go expecting a strenuous hike. Though if you have a real problem with heights you may want to give it serious thought. For the very reasonable $6 AU you then walk up a steel reinforced platform with a slow but steady incline until you are at the very top of the 60 meter high tingle trees. It’s something you really must experience for yourself, because words don't do it justice. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk it, but it is a breathtaking sight, and one heck of an experience. And when you're done, be sure to walk through the Ancient Empire Walk on the ground below (you can walk this for free if you haven't got the 6 bucks) and see 300 year old trees. Amazing.