Post 7/7 in our Australia blog series
Australia is brimming full of incredible landscapes and stunning coastlines, making it one of the most ideal destinations for scenic driving holidays. Due to the sheer size of the country and the endless choice of routes to pick from, I’m sure most driving enthusiasts or even holidaymakers looking for some adventure must feel like a slightly overwhelmed child in a pretty epic sweetshop! That’s where Economy Car Hire come in! This month we have been picking out our Aussie highlights to help narrow down the selection. So, to round off the month join us on our final scenic route detour with The Great Forest Trees Drive.
The Great Forest Trees Drive is a 48km one-way loop through the spectacular Shannon National Park. It is located in the heart of the Walpole Wilderness, which is home to an extensive forest of Karri trees! Karri trees can grow up to 90m tall here, making them the 3rd tallest tree in the world and earning them the nickname ‘forest giants’! Besides the trail drive, the forest is also a popular destination for bush camping, hiking, canoeing and trout fishing. Many visitors tend to spread the drive out over a few days allowing them more time to explore the forest more thoroughly!
The Great Forest Trees self-drive tour is by far the best way to see the forest in its entirety. There are 6 information stops and the park’s own special FM radio station that you can tune into for key information and popular stories about the forest. Enjoy the numerous treks, trails and activities that you can get involved with on the way round, this trip is bound to be a memorable one!
The road to Shannon National Park is located halfway between Manjimup and Pemberton. It leads you right through the heart of the Great Forest Trees Drive, teasing you with a brief glimpse of what’s in store! Starting at the day-use area on the north side of the South Western Highway, the drive loops round the forest ending at the Shannon campground on the south side. Although the campground was once the site of Shannon Town during the forest’s timber mining days, all of the original buildings were actually packed up and sold on when the mill closed in 1968. The campsite does have toilets, hot water showers, and gas and wood burning BBQ’s, as well as two small huts and Shannon Lodge. Whilst you may be getting up close and personal with nature you won’t be too far from your usual creature comforts!
Where should you stop on the route?
1. Shannon Dam– You will reach Shannon Dam not long after you start the drive. Set back off the road this hidden gem is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, canoeing and trout fishing. You can also follow the Shannon Dam Trail, which starts at the day-use area and is a great way to stretch your legs before you start driving! Follow the old logging tramways and railway tracks or, depending on time, why not venture a bit further and follow the boardwalk to Mokare’s Rock for great views of the area.
2. Great Forest Trees walk– This 8km loop follows an old forestry track but with steep terrain near the river crossing this walk is perhaps better suited to those looking for more of an explorers trek rather than a scenic stroll.
3. Snake Gully Lookout– Located in the southern half of the forest and accessed by a boardwalk, the Snake Gully Lookout is a great place to view the forest giants. Here you will find Shannon’s tallest Karri trees, which seem so overwhelmingly huge many visitors report feeling almost spiritual!
4. Big Tree Grove– Lookout for native birds: cockatoo and lorikeet which nest in this area of the forest canopy. Some of these trees were originally designated fire lookout trees in the forest’s timber mining days, and are studded with metal hoops that spiral round the trunk forming a ladder. Visitors can climb these trees at their own peril, but on reaching the lookout cabin at the top (about 60m above the ground!) will be rewarded with fantastic views of the forest canopy.
To take your car into the park it only costs $12 per day, and to camp it is $10 per night per adult! The Great Forest Trees Drive is particularly popular during wildflower season when over 1500 different species of plant begin to flower blanketing the forest in a spectacular array of scents and colours! But, there is no doubt visiting the forest will be a scenic sensation whenever you visit!
Have you visited Shannon National Park? Or perhaps have some more ideas on scenic drives in Australia? Then why not fill us in on your holiday hotspots and leave us a comment below! For more ideas on driving is Australia check out our other blogs or for more information on booking car hire visit our quote page.
