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Tuart Forest National Park

One of the rarest ecosystems on Earth

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Western Australia
Tuart Forest National Park

Drive through this ancient, majestic forest

Tuart Forest National Park is a three-hour drive south of Perth, in the southwest region of Western Australia. This very special national park contains the largest remaining section of pure Tuart Forest in the world. This narrow strip of trees is situated near Ludlow, a 10-minute drive from the delightful seaside town of Busselton and is often referred to as Ludlow Tuart Forest.

Visitors can drive through this majestic, ancient forest where the Tuart trees are between 300 and 400 years old and on average 33 metres high. Their girth can reach a whopping 10 metres. There are also walking trails that wind through this fascinating landscape filled with beautiful native animals, birdlife, and spring wildflowers. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy the wonders of nature.

Explore the rare Tuart Forest with Fun Over 50 Holidays

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Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
14
days

Head way out West and discover the beauty of WA’s wildflowers, natural formations and historic attractions. Flights take you in to Perth for 2 night stay with coach touring which includes visits to Geraldton, Dalwallinu, Hyden, Albany, Pemberton, Margaret River and Busselton. Cruise the Donnelly River, marvel at The Pinnacles and Wave Rock, enjoy the delights of Rottnest Island and be mesmerised by dreamtime legends in the Ngilgi Caves.

The unique Tuart trees

Tuart Forest National Park is a peaceful forest made up of the last remaining pure forest of Tuart trees in the world. Tuarts can only be found in this small strip situated 200 kilometres on either side of WA’s capital Perth.

They grow on coastal limestone and can reach gigantic proportions of over 42 metres high with a 10-metre girth. The tallest and widest specimens of tuart trees on the Swan Coastal Plain are at Ludlow Tuart Forest and it’s an amazing experience to drive or walk through these giants.

Tuart forests were once abundant and local Aboriginal people used the trees area to take shelter, hunt wildlife and use bark from the trees for tools and weapons. When Europeans landed, Tuarts were cleared for building and fuel which continued well into the 20th century. Today a mere three percent of the trees remain. The National Park was declared in 1987.

One of the rarest ecosystems on Earth

What to see in nearby Busselton

Just 10 minutes from Tuart Forest National Park is the pretty coastal town of Busselton. This popular tourist haven is most famous for its 150-year-old, 1.8-kilometre-long, heritage-listed jetty. To walk it takes around 25 minutes each way. The Busselton jetty is a wonderful sight any time of the year and the perfect vantage point for the annual whale migration between May and December.

It’s the longest timber pier in the Southern Hemisphere and features an underwater observatory where you can come face-to-face with the local marine life without getting wet! The best place in Busselton to dive right in is the calm, clear waters of Geographe Bay.

Busselton is perched at the top end of the Margaret River region, famous for its spectacular vineyards, outstanding wines, and farm fresh produce. Busselton itself has gained fame for its growing number of local craft breweries, artisan dining, and strong arts and entertainment precinct.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ludlow Tuart Forest named after?

The Ludlow Tuart Forest was named for Frederick Ludlow. Born in 1796, Ludlow was an early colonial settler who is credited with the discovery of the nearby Capel River.

What is the scientific name for the Tuart tree?

The Tuart’s scientific name is Eucalyptus gomphocephala and is one of the six giant forest trees of Southwest Australia. The Tuart tree is also known by local Aboriginal people as tooart, duart, moorun or mouarn. Tuart trees are sometimes referred to as white gum.

Which animals live in the Tuart Forest National Park?

There is an abundance of wildlife in Ludlow Tuart Forest, during the day and at night. There are large mobs of kangaroos, and the forest borders the Wonnerup wetland, home to a variety of waterbirds, frogs, and reptiles.

Tuart Forest National Park has WA's largest remaining wild population of the endangered western ringtail possum. Visitors can spot them on the Possum Night Spotlighting Trail along with kangaroos, brush-tailed phascogale, bush rats, quenda, and many species of nocturnal birds as well as nocturnal birds of prey including tawny frogmouth owls.

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