Walpole Wilderness Tour and Treetop Walk thru Valley of the Giants

The amazing Gary "Gazza" Muir

 "For those who wear shoes, the world is made of socks!"   What ??  This is one of the little gems uttered by Australian Horseman, Coffin Bob, the grandfather of our intrepid Wilderness Tour Guide, Gazza (Gary) Muir.  Our group dutifully scrapped and washed our shoes with disinfectant rinses as we boarded our vessel for a fun-filled cruise in the Walpole Wilderness Area.  The shoe washing helps contain a disease that is rampant in the area called "Die Back" which can destroy the unusual plants and fauna of the area. 

First order of business was a memorable vessel safety talk with demonstrations of how to use the life preserver.  Our group immediately knew this was no ordinary boat captain -  Gazza Muir was a master of entertainment, comedian, history buff and anatomy authority all rolled into one!  His swift delivery of information kept us all in stitches as he piloted the boat past islands inhabited black poisonous snakes and rare birds.  His family has lived in Walpole, "the belly button of the world" for generations.

We learned amazing tidbits and stories with twists and turns.  Letters were discovered in a boatshed that described a local's connection to Tolstoy?  Suddenly, we were treated to a lesson in marsupial physiology with a demonstration using buckets and snorkels!  We saw the Moses Line where the ocean meets the river.  We learned about a plant in the area that produced peas that were so poisonous they are used in a chemical called 1080.  

Everyone in Friendship Force agreed - this was one of the most entertaining fun experiences we have had the pleasure to experience! 

Onward to the Treetop Walk in the Valley of the Giants!  We climbed up high in the treetops of the giant tingle trees suspended by steel cables.  Awesome views.  Fun experience!


In the giant Tingle Tree



Maggie Scott, our host, with Joanne on Tree Top Walk