Be dwarfed by majestic karri tree giants, one of the world's tallest hardwoods, in the pretty historic milling town of Donnelly River. You'll find adventure in epic proportions as you tackle one of the world's great long-distance trails - the mighty Bibbulmun Track.
Donnelly River lies 3.5 hours drive south of Perth in the forested heart of Western Australia's South West. The Bibbulmun Track passes right through the town centre, offering the opportunity to take in the region's beauty at a slower pace, whether you walk just a small section or over 1,000 kilometres from its starting point in Kalamunda to its finish line in Albany.
Originally a timber milling town, Donnelly River was home to the only steam-driven mill in the region in the 1950s. Today, the lovingly preserved mill is heritage listed and the old worker's cottages have been converted into quaint holiday accommodation. Nearby, One Tree Bridge also provides a glimpse into the town's past - this enormous felled karri tree that once provided access over the Donnelly River, now makes an interesting photo opportunity.
To see one of the most impressive survivors of the milling era, head for The Four Aces, a line of four towering karri tree giants that have stood proudly for over 230 years. From there, and many of the region's attractions, you can follow walking trails through the natural bushland habitats of emus, kangaroos, kookaburras, possums, parrots and other Australian wildlife.
During the springtime, Mother Nature presents a spectacular display of Western Australian wildflowers. In fact, nearly 80 percent of the region's plant species are found nowhere else in the world, including many of the brightly coloured members of the Banksia family.
For a peaceful picnic and a refreshing dip, Donnelly Lake and Glengoran Pool offer picturesque swimming and picnic spots. Or, to make the forest your home away from home for a few nights, book a stay at one of the town's comfy, cosy, self-contained cottages.
Donnelly River lies 3.5 hours drive south of Perth in the forested heart of Western Australia's South West. The Bibbulmun Track passes right through the town centre, offering the opportunity to take in the region's beauty at a slower pace, whether you walk just a small section or over 1,000 kilometres from its starting point in Kalamunda to its finish line in Albany.
Originally a timber milling town, Donnelly River was home to the only steam-driven mill in the region in the 1950s. Today, the lovingly preserved mill is heritage listed and the old worker's cottages have been converted into quaint holiday accommodation. Nearby, One Tree Bridge also provides a glimpse into the town's past - this enormous felled karri tree that once provided access over the Donnelly River, now makes an interesting photo opportunity.
To see one of the most impressive survivors of the milling era, head for The Four Aces, a line of four towering karri tree giants that have stood proudly for over 230 years. From there, and many of the region's attractions, you can follow walking trails through the natural bushland habitats of emus, kangaroos, kookaburras, possums, parrots and other Australian wildlife.
During the springtime, Mother Nature presents a spectacular display of Western Australian wildflowers. In fact, nearly 80 percent of the region's plant species are found nowhere else in the world, including many of the brightly coloured members of the Banksia family.
For a peaceful picnic and a refreshing dip, Donnelly Lake and Glengoran Pool offer picturesque swimming and picnic spots. Or, to make the forest your home away from home for a few nights, book a stay at one of the town's comfy, cosy, self-contained cottages.