Golden Valley


Balingup Golden Valley Tree Park


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Golden Valley Information

The sixty hectare Golden Valley Tree Park is a unique collection of exotic and native trees from all over the world.  The park is easily found only two kilometres south of Balingup via a well signposted sealed road.

Golden Valley Tree park is a co-operative project between the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) and the Balingup Community, and is run by a joint committee.  The aim of the park is to create a place for all to enjoy the beauty of nature.  The year 2005 marked the 25th Anniversary of the park.

Park FacilitiesGolden Valley


The park has good picnic facilities (wood supplied for BBQs), a safe playing area for children, scenic lookouts and walk trails.  A winter creek provides an easy walk to a duck pond.  Dogs on a lead are welcome and the Bibbulmun Track passes through the centre of the park.

Entry to the park is free although donations are always welcome.  There is a gazebo centrally located in the overseas section of the park which gives details of walk trails and other park information.  Information boards are also located in other areas. 

Trees

Golden Valley Tree park is divided into two sections; the 'Australian Collection' and the 'Overseas Collection'.  The 'Overseas Collection' was first landscaped by the early settlers and features many mature trees.  It is here that trees from all over the world are grown, including many deciduous trees which provide a spectacularly colourful sight in autumn.  They thrive in the park due to the frosty Balingup climate.

Golden ValleyThe first of the additional trees in the arboretum were planted by a group of around 50 local people on 5 July 1981.  Over 5000 trees were planted in both the Australian and Overseas Collections during the next 15 years.  CALM and local volunteers continue to maintain and develop the park.

Some of the trees to be found in the park include: Oak (over 20 species), Elm, Persimmon, Gingko, Poplar, Sandalwood, Sheoak and Horse Chestnut, along with many different types of Eucalypts.  In autumn the huge claret ash trees put on a magnificent display.

A mixture of fruit trees also can be found in the park.  Apple, pear and mulberry are some of the trees that can provide good eating for those lucky enough to visit the park at the right time.

Brief History

The park is on two former farming properties " Yungerup" and "Golden Valley",  first landscaped by the original settlers.  The name Yungerup means 'watering place of the kangaroos' and Golden Valley was named after the wattles that flowered there profusely before the area was cleared.  The original Golden Valley homestead has been retained and is classified by the National Trust.

Golden Valley was one of the earliest farms established in the area and Yungerup had many exotic trees planted by the Cleveland family.  Both farms had been sold to the Forestry Department, and in July 1980 a community group was formed with the aim of preventing the establishment of a pine plantation on this land.  After considerable negotiations between the Balingup Progress Association and the Forestry Department, it was agreed that the two properties could be developed as an arboretum.

The Golden Valley homestead was refurbished during 1992-1993.  Facilities such as picnic tables and walk trails have been established by CALM over the years, and further improvements were made in 1999.  The homestead is currently not open to the public.  Plans are for it to become a caretakers residence, museum and tree information centre.

Check the Golden Valley Tree Park web site

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