Starting from the car park off Old Padbury Road, Balingup, Golden Valley Oak Grove Walk offers a near effortless circuit through the esteemed Golden Valley Tree Park, Western Australia's largest arboretum, showcasing a rich diversity of tree species from across the globe. Nestled amidst the scenic hills of Balingup, a charming town located three hours south of Perth, this 60-hectare landscaped sanctuary boasts a heritage-listed status. The park's tree collection traces back over a century, flourishing amidst the picturesque South West countryside. Wander through the captivating World Collection, adorned with beloved deciduous trees displaying their autumnal splendour alongside rare and unique specimens. The park's Australian Collection proudly presents an array of native tree species, from majestic eucalypts to dry-season deciduous varieties, complemented by a selection of rare West Australian species. With labelled trees and provided maps at information shelters, visitors can easily navigate the diverse landscape. Regardless of the season, the walk promises a visual feast, with vibrant colours adorning the canopy year-round. Accessible via a short drive or a pleasant 2-kilometer stroll along the Bibbulmun Track from town, the Oak Grove Walk is one of six trails within the park. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the park amenities, including toilets, wood barbecues, picnic tables, and a gazebo shelter. Entry to the park is free, with donations gratefully accepted to support the work of dedicated volunteers. Please note that camping is not permitted within the park grounds. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wadandi, Pibulmun and Ganeang people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Possible small hail in the southwest in the late afternoon and evening. Damaging winds possible near the Southwest Capes. Winds northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h shifting south to southwesterly in the late afternoon then decreasing to 20 to 30 km/h in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures between 14 and 17.
UV Alert: Sun protection not recommended, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
Monday 21 July
2°C → 12°C
Shower or two. 60% chance of rain 0 → 2mm
Cloudy. Patches of frost in the north in the early morning. High chance of showers in the south, medium chance elsewhere. Winds southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h increasing to 30 km/h before turning westerly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon and evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 1 and 7 with daytime temperatures reaching between 11 and 15.
Tuesday 22 July
4°C → 14°C
Shower or two. 70% chance of rain 0 → 2mm
Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h increasing to 25 km/h before turning northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 16.
Wednesday 23 July
6°C → 13°C
Showers. 90% chance of rain 2 → 9mm
Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h turning west to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 6 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 16.
Thursday 24 July
3°C → 11°C
Shower or two. 60% chance of rain 0 → 2mm