Discovering Western Australia's Giant Tingle Tree

Finding West Australia’s Giant Tingle Tree was on our Kid Bucket List when we explored the southern section of the state over the summer. We had heard that the base was big enough to drive a car through and we wanted to see it for ourselves.

Found only in this part of the world, the Red Tingles (Eucalyptus jacksonii) are some of the biggest trees in Australia and a true marvel to behold. We had to see them.

Where to find the Giant Tingle Tree

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The Giant Tingle Tree is found just outside Walpole on the picturesque south coast of Western Australia, approximately five hours (415km) south of Perth.

To find the Giant Tingle Tree, start from the Walpole town centre and embark on a short ten-minute drive. Take the South Coast Highway heading east until you spot the turnoff for Hilltop Road.

Follow this one-way gravel road as it ascends the hill, and be sure to keep an eye out for the signs directing you to the Hilltop Lookout and ultimately to the Giant Tingle Tree. The road is suitable for 2WD vehicles, however, you are unable to take caravans down the track.

As you arrive, you’ll find ample parking available, along with convenient amenities such as an information gazebo and toilet facilities.

What Makes the Giant Tingle Tree Special?

The Giant Tingle tree is a mammoth fire-hollowed red tingle tree that grows exclusively in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Whilst it isn’t the oldest living eucalypt tree like some websites profess, it is one of the biggest trees still standing in terms of circumference. Tingles are the largest girthed eucalypt known in the world.

The remarkable tale of the Giant Tingle Tree, also known as the “Hollow Trunk,” began in 1952 when Ted Bellanger first discovered its existence. A captivating photograph from that time showcases a car positioned within the tree’s cavernous hollow, highlighting its extraordinary dimensions.

This Giant Tingle Tree stands out due to its uncommon feature—an enormous hollowed-out trunk. The hollow stretches about 15 meters (49 feet) in height, initially formed by forest fires and later expanded by the activities of insects and fungus.

Despite its precarious appearance, as though it might succumb to the next storm, the Giant Tingle Tree miraculously remains standing, defying the odds.

Experts estimate that the Giant Tingle Tree has graced the earth for approximately 400 years. However, it has experienced substantial loss, with the upper portion of its trunk no longer intact. Consequently, the Giant Tingle Tree stands shorter compared to many other ancient red tingles in the vicinity. The resilient upper branches bear the marks of battle, having endured the relentless forces of wind and lightning.

Walking to the Giant Tingle Tree

The walk to the Giant Tingle Tree from the car park is quite a pleasant and easy stroll for all members of the family. The loop is a 800m trail that guides you through the bush to the awe-inspiring Giant Tingle Tree and back.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful nature, including Tingles, Karri trees, and lots of different plants and animals. It’s a peaceful and calm walk that goes well with the amazing experience of seeing the Giant Tingle.

Along the path, there are special codes called QR codes that you can scan using a phone or tablet. When you scan them, you can use an app called South West NatureGuide to learn more about the forest and its amazing things.

But the most exciting part that makes people come from far away is definitely the Giant Tingle Tree itself. It’s a huge tree that will amaze you and leave a lasting memory. The tree is protected by a special wooden walkway, so you can get close and take fantastic pictures. You’ll also get to see how big the hollow inside the tree is, which is really impressive.

Amenities Near the Giant Tingle Tree

Thankfully, once you park in the Giant Tingle Tree car park you will easily find the toilet facilities which were unexpectedly clean on our visit. There are also sheltered areas perfect for a picnic.

Be mindful that the Giant Tingle Tree is found in a National Park, so you can’t bring your dog (or any other pet) and you need to take your rubbish home with you.