Shannon National Park 2010058-0310-1 our environment our future Discover Shannon National Park Shannon National Park lies halfway between Manjimup and Walpole in the heart of karri country. The Great Forest Trees Drive shows off the best of this magnificent old growth karri forest. Snake Gully Lookout and the Big Tree Grove are great places to view these forest giants up close. Camping, bushwalking, birdwatching and picnicking are all popular activities within Shannon National Park. You can even go canoeing on the Shannon Dam. The Shannon was home to a mill town which was built in the 1940s to cater for a timber shortage after World War ll. The settlement had 90 houses, a hall, church, store, post office and nursing station. The mill was closed in 1968 and the buildings were dismantled and removed. Traces of the old settlement can still be seen such as the fruit trees growing in the cleared areas of the campground. The old logging tramways and roads are now used for walk trails and scenic drives. Things to see and do Great Forest Trees Drive Great Forest Trees Drive is a self-guided, 48 kilometre drive that winds its way through spectacular old-growth karri, jarrah and marri forest. There are several stops along the way where you can stretch your legs, have a picnic or just enjoy the views. The drive starts from the day-use area on the northern side of the South Western Highway and finishes at the campground, south of the highway. Tune in to 100FM for radio broadcasts on the area. The Great Forest Trees Drive guidebook is available for purchase from DPaW offices or online. Great Forest Trees Walk This eight kilometre (three hour) walk takes you deep into the karri forest in the northern section of the park. It follows an old forestry track and is steep in places. Shannon Dam Walk Trail This easy, 3.5 kilometre (1.5 hour) walk starts at the day-use area and follows the banks of the Shannon River to Shannon Dam. Rocks Walk Trail This moderately hard 5.5 kilometre (two hour) walk trail meanders through the tall karri forest to Mokare’s Rock – a granite outcrop that overlooks the Shannon River valley. There is also a 2.5 kilometre walk trail that links the day-use area with the campground. Camping The campground has toilets, gas barbecues, hot water showers and a variety of campsites, some of which are suitable for caravans. Two camping huts are available on a first-come-first-served basis. The Shannon Lodge is near the camping area and is available for hire. It sleeps up to six people and has single beds, a hot water system, showers, toilets and a slow combustion stove. This facility needs to be booked and torches and battery powered lanterns are a good idea as without your own generator, there is no electricity. Contact the DPaW office in Pemberton for details.