Trunk Western
It Disappears Into Clouds. South West Australia's Most Terrifying Adventure Travel Experience
Climbing the north face of the Eiger has always been a challenge for experienced mountaineers. If you are looking for a similar gut wrenching challenge in Australia, look no further than the South West corner of Australia.
Only it's not a mountain, it's a tree. A frightening monster, one of the tallest in Australia with a summit sometimes disappearing into the clouds. Even on a clear day, those on the platform at the top disappear from view.
The rewards and the fears.
If you manage to tame the 75 metre beast and reach the summit, you will be rewarded with some of the finest views in Australia.
The South West corner of Australia spreads before you like a map, from the pristine rain forests below, to the majestic Southern Ocean in the distance.
But you have to climb to the summit first and when you reach the top, the hard part starts. The return journey to the ground can be even more difficult.
Therein lies the challenge. Your open air staircase is 130 thin steel bolts winding around the trunk and the only protection you have from plummeting to the ground, is a thin wire cage.
Only the brave and intrepid reach the summit. Many succumb to fear and the sheer physical challenge. On a windy day, the tree actually sways and on a wet day, the steel rungs are cold and as slippery as ice.
Have I climbed it?
Yes and no. On the first occasion, at the age of 18, I was challenged by my mates and the 3 of us reached the summit to enjoy the amazing views. But when I reached the ground, my legs were like jelly.
On the second occasion, I was on my honeymoon. It was cold and rainy and despite my bride's protests, started the climb. Then common sense prevailed and I abandoned the attempt, reasoning that I had done it before, so had nothing to prove. As my wife said, "At the age of 30, you're too old for that sort of stuff".
Three backpackers in front of me also gave up after climbing a short distance. Sarah, aged 22 from Oxford described it as "Scary beyond belief."
Where is this terrifying tree?
The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree is on the outskirts of Pemberton, an easy 5 hour drive south of Perth. The town was once the centre of the forestry industry, but is now a thriving tourist hub with much to offer the visitor.
The wineries in this district produce cool climate wines and are surrounded by magnificent Jarrah and Karri forests. They are tucked away in the high rainfall region of the lower South West. Pemberton is the coolest wine region in the state. The climate is ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties with a distinct regional flavour.
Accommodation?
The town offers a variety of hotel and motel accommodation as well as a youth hostel just a short distance from the town centre.
Looking for something a little less challenging?
If you are overcome with vertigo at the very thought of climbing this monster and leaving your comfort zone, here is a great alternative.
The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk is an award winning tourist attraction in the Nornalup National Park near Walpole, just a short distance from Pemberton. The walk is made of six bridges and you actually walk through the forest canopy. How cool is that?
Footnote.
The prestigious travel Guide Lonely Planet has chosen Australia's South West as one of the World's top 10 regions for 2010. It is the only Australian destination to make it into the list.
About the Author
YOURS FREE! For a limited time, Australian travel specialist Graeme Lanham is offering a free gift of his book "Travel Tips Australia" with every order for his new book "Australia 4 Backpackers." This new e-Book was written by backpackers for backpackers and singles seeking adventure experiences in Australia. Claim your copy now at: http://www.australia4backpackers.com Payment is quick, totally secure and easy, the book is on your screen in seconds and your investment is just $29.97. For lots of travel hints to save you time and money in Australia, plus fresh, new articles, follow Graeme on Twitter at http://twitter.com/traveltipsaustr
Trunk Western
 |
 ACCURAIL GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 6 PACK OF 6 DIFFERANT CARS NUMBERS  US $82.88
|
 50 SINGLE DOOR BOX CAR 4 KITS GRAND TRUNK WESTERN GTW PROTO 2000 KIT 21973 US $59.95
|
 HO scale Blueprint Series Grand Trunk Western Box Car 4 Pack KITS US $48.00
|
 50 SINGLE DOOR BOX CAR 3 KITS GRAND TRUNK WESTERN GTW PROTO 2000 US $44.99
|
 InterMountain HO CCS1112 Grand Trunk Western Caboose US $41.95
|
 Walthers HO Gold Line Grand Trunk Western 60 Double Door Boxcar 2 Car Set US $40.00
|
 3 HO GTW Grand Trunk Western Box Car Kits Roundhouse Front Range Proto 2000 2PK US $39.99
|
 HO Athearn GT GTW Grand Trunk Western 2893 Cubic Feet Covered Hopper 113894 US $39.95
|
 HO Athearn GT GTW Grand Trunk Western 2893 Cubic Feet Covered Hopper 113899 US $39.95
|
 HO Athearn GT GTW Grand Trunk Western 2893 Cubic Feet Covered Hopper 113926 US $39.95
|
 HO Athearn GT GTW Grand Trunk Western 2893 Cubic Feet Covered Hopper 113876 US $39.95
|
 Walthers Platinum HO Grand Trunk Western 3 window offset Caboose F S 932 7517 US $34.98
|
 GRAND TRUNK WESTERN ATLAS MASTER HO 50 FT POSTWAR BOXCAR RTR 2 QTR 2012 AT1453 US $34.95
|
 932 7517 Platinum Line 30 GTW Caboose w Offset Coupola Grand Trunk Western US $34.95
|
 Walthers HO 932 4880 Grand Trunk Western Tri Level US $33.98
|
 NEW WALTHERS HO GTW GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 55 CUSHION COIL CAR US $31.98
|
 HO Bi Level Auto Carrier Grand Trunk Western 40104 US $31.50
|
 932 40104 Bi Level Auto Carrier Grand Trunk Western US $30.59
|
 WALTHERS PLATINUM LINE 77931 GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 30 WOOD CABOOSE NIB US $30.00
|
 INTERMOUNTAIN 45300 Grand Trunk Western 4750 CuFt Covered Hopper Cars w 3s US $29.99
|
 InterMountain HO T452914 Grand Trunk Western Hopper US $29.65
|
 InterMountain HO 45324 23 PS 2 4750 hopper car Grand Trunk Western GT GTW RTR US $27.99
|
 HO KADEE 5289 40 PS 1 BOXCAR GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 516869 NIOB US $31.63
|
 932 40104 Gold Line Bi Level Auto Carrier Grand Trunk Western US $26.95
|
 HO KADEE 5277 40 PS 1 BOXCAR GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 516651 NOB US $26.15
|
 WALTHERS HO 89 ENCLOSED AUTO CARRIER GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 504123 4804 US $25.89 |
Why do some local mature trees have metal studs in their trunks?
These were spotted in the trucks of trees in Private Gardens in front of Lancaster Crescent, fronting Great Western Road, Glasgow, directly adjacent to Botanic Gardens.
Might they be for some sort of monitoring? If so what exactly?
Looks like you folks have come to the same conclusion as me.
Studs are most likely for monitoring purposes as they are valuable 'mature' trees and they don't want to loose them to disease, which is so prevalent these days, Or it's to prevent people stealing them, although doubt it... there are places to steal from that aren't as conspicuous as the gardens these trees are in.
uhh i hear some environmentalists put metal spikes into trees so that when someone tries to cut it down they fuck up their chainsaws or themselves