Our trip started out with a drive through Stirling Range National Park. The blue-green colour of the mountains in the background of the red ochre coloured gravel road and golden yellow field grass was a truly magnificient splendour for the eye.

That night we found a nice quiet carpark on the outskirts of Albany overlooking King George Sound, curled up in the back and enjoyed a long peaceful sleep.

Then the next morning we headed over to 2 Peoples Nature Reserve for some wonderful views while enjoying yoghurt, fruit and museli for breakfast.

On our way out of the town we came across the brig Amity. "The Amity sailed from Sydney on 9th November 1826, carrying a party under the command of Major Edmund Lockyer, who had orders to form a settlement at King George Sound.

After a difficult voyage, the first half battling through heavy weather in Bass Strait and the second enduring the summer heat of the westward run, the brig reached Princess Royal Harbour on Christmas Day.

The settlement party comprised the commandant Major Edmund Lockyer, a captain, surgeon, storekeeper, 18 rank and file soldiers, and 23 convicts, mostly tradesmen. Also on board were the vessel's own crew and a naval party comprising Lt Colson Festing, a quartermaster, midshipman and a marine batman - and stores for six months, including sheep and pigs.

Later sold back into private ownership, in 1831, the Amity was operated in Tasmania until, in June 1845, she was wrecked in Bass Strait on an uncharted sandbank.

The project to build a replica of the brig Amity commenced in 1972. After much discussion and research, construction started in 1975, with local boat builder Mr Stan Austin as project supervisor and Mr Pieter van de Brugge as leading shipwright. Other local craftsmen joined the team, with the aim of making the replica the focal point of celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the brig's arrival."

Quote taken from http://www.historicalbany.com.au/amity.htm

It was a steep sudden drop surrounded by some fragile rock with fractures running in different directions. Suffice to say neither of us were going any closer. (The arrow points to the gap behind).

The Natural Bridge. Again neither of us were going to cross it. I think we were kind of spooked after reading all the warning signs like 'Do not pass this point others have died doing so' and 'Tides are unpredictible even on calm days, entering may result in injury or death'. (The arrow points to Kim).

Then it was off to visit the Valley of Giants, where one of Australia largest eucalypts are found - the Red Tingle tree. The Walpole-Nornalup National Park is the only place where the red tingle tree (Eucalyptus Jacksonii) is found. They are the largest based of all the eucalypts with a girth of up to 20 metres. Growing up to 70 metres tall this buttressed, rough barked tree, can live to over 400 years old.

Tingle trees are often ‘hollowed out’ by fire and fungal attack however their structure means that they can continue to grow. An example of this is the Giant Tingle Tree near Walpole, other examples can be found along the Ancient Empire Walk at the Valley of the Giants.

The initial timber walk-way was easy as you started at ground level and walked along a fairly level gradient. Being in awe of the size of these trees we were unaware that the ground sloped away as we strolled along ('always looking up' syndrome). Then we reach the start of the Tree Top Walk which is a steel walk-way and the first step out onto this rickety, swaying contraption that zigzags higher up into the canopy is already 15 metres above the hard ground below. The first step is the hardest as the whole thing vibrates and sways like a flimsy branch in the breeze. Well, maybe not that bad but it is awfully tempting just to step back onto the solid timber walk-way.

Shane is that little blue speck on the right side of the walk-way.

A zoomed in shot of Shane on the walk-way and still he looks like a little blue speck.

These red tingles are huge trees. The Ancient Empire walk allowed us to get up close and really see how big these trees are.

Further down the road is the tree known as Big Tingle. I think it is now the biggest Red Tingle in the forrest since the one along the Ancient Empire Walk fell down - well thats what the DVD running in the information shop at the Tree Top walk said.

"Mmmm! Lunch! I'm hungry! Lets try this place for lunch. Its just up the road and the name makes it sound really cool - Circular Pools"

After a relaxing lunch we decided to visit Fernhook Falls. We didn't stay long as the falls were not that impressive, but the scenery was. Though with some rain Im sure they would be. The walk to them was enjoyable and we found a minature whirlpool created by water flowing under the rock a mesmerising distraction.

Fernhook Falls.

The last picture before we ran out of memory for our camera and decided it was time to head home.