Balingup Golden Valley Tree Farm has busiest autumn yet

As autumn’s cool weather set in, the leaves on the trees at Balingup’s Golden Valley Tree Park began to turn, painting the town’s valleys in gold and bringing with it a much-needed tourism boost. With coronavirus restrictions forcing the closure of many venues, South West residents over the past few weeks have taken to exploring, picnicking and exercising in the great outdoors. And with the 60ha park, home to the biggest arboretum in the State, offering plenty of space, walk trails and scenery to-boot, the carpark has seldom been empty. After the regional border to Perth opening on Monday, visitor numbers are not expected to slow down any time soon. Co-founder Chrissy Sharp said while the official traffic count was not finalised, just by looking at the carparks it had been the busiest autumn ever. The heritage-listed park is dotted with paths meandering through a variety of forests – representing different regions of the world – planted by Mrs Sharp and fellow volunteers 40 years ago. And come autumn, the leaves on the deciduous trees turn, casting rich mahogany and golden hues against the town’s bright green hillsides, giving it what Mrs Sharp called the “Instagram factor”. While the golden colours are only temporary, with the leaves set to fall in the coming week, it has provided a welcome tourism influx to the tiny town of Balingup during a time of crisis. “I imagine if people weren’t in lockdown it might be different as people are really restricted as to what they can do,” Mrs Sharp said. “But the word has definitely got out there now that it’s a nice place to come for a walk or picnic.” Looking ahead, Mrs Sharpe said come spring they would develop a kids precinct – dubbed The Magic Oak Woods Project – to add some extra magic for children visiting.