Shannon National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
Introduction
Shannon National Park, between Manjimup and Walpole in Western Australia’s southern forest region, encompasses the Shannon River as it flows southwards to meet the sea at Broke Inlet, and protects a diversity of habitats including old-growth and regrowth karri forests, heathlands and wetlands. The old abandoned timber town of Shannon, just off the South Western Highway, is now the park’s main camping ground, although bush camping is also permitted throughout the park. The Shannon Dam, originally built to ensure adequate water supplies for the town, is now used for swimming, canoeing and trout fishing. Trout can also be caught in the river.The Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia’s only long-distance walking trail, passes through the park on its way from Perth to Albany. Other bushwalks include: the Shannon Dam Trail (3.5 km return, 1½ hours, easy), the first kilometre of which is suitable for wheelchairs; Rocks Walktrail (5.5 km return, 2 hours, medium difficulty) with a granite outcrop that can be easily climbed for great views of the old Shannon townsite; and the Great Forest Trees Walk (8 km return, 3 hours, medium difficulty), which is steep in places, particularly where it crosses the Shannon River. Those who want to move at a quicker pace can take the Great Forest Trees Drive (48-km loop) through old-growth karri forest, incorporating six information stops and two walks. Starting at the information shelter near the old mill, the drive is well signposted and can be accompanied by car radio broadcasts about the area on a special park radio channel. The roads for this scenic drive are not sealed, but are suitable for 2WD vehicles.
Fact file
Camping
Shannon (abandoned timber town); bush camping
Location and access
53 km south-east of Manjimup; 67 km north-west of Walpole; via South Western Hwy
Park Information
CALM Pemberton (08) 9776 1207
Size
53 500 ha
Where to Stay
Manjimup (08) 9771 1831
Northcliffe (08) 9776 7203
Pemberton (08) 9776 1133,
1800 671 133
Walpole (08) 9840 1111
Campsites
Explore Australia’s National Parks
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