Forests of South West WA

The Southwest of Western Australia is home to the Jarrah and Karri tree species, both of which are unique to Western Australia. Local Jarrah, Karri and Tuart forests can be seen by using Dunsborough as a base and either booking a tour or self driving to the areas, following well signposted roads and tracks. 

Jarrah Forests

The Jarrah species is unique to Western Australia and the trees grow to around 40 metres in height. The Jarrah tree has a long straight trunk of richly coloured and beautifully grained timber making it perfect for furniture and wood art. The straight trunk and the known durability of the timber make it ideal for structural use in buildings.

Dining settings, wall units, bed frames, chairs, desks and desk chairs, lounge settings, lounge chairs and art pieces, are all made from the richly coloured timber

The Jarrah forest closest to Dunsborough is the Wellington National Park.

Karri Forests

The Karri tree is a tall, smooth-barked tree, that generally grows to around 60 to 80 metres in height making them the world’s third highest hardwood trees. The Gloucester Tree near Pemberton is 72 metres tall and is the tallest tree in Western Australia. It is also the world’s tallest fire lookout tree and visitors can climb up to a platform in it upper branches for a magnificent view of the surrounding Karri forest.

Be dwarfed by these magnificent trees by visiting the Boranup Karri Forest near Margaret River. The drive through the forest is superb and a walk through the forest is even better.

Karri has many uses but is generally used for heavy construction and locally for plywood, furniture and woodchip. It is not used for dock or harbor structures.

Tuart Forests

The only natural stand of tall Tuart trees left in the world grow in the Ludlow Tuart Forest, which is just north of Busselton.

Tuarts can grow up to 30 metres in height and are characterised by grey bark and elongated, spiral shaped leaves and live for 300 to 500 years.

Tuart timber is almost impossible to split or splinter and was valued by shipwrights and wheelwrights in the early part of the 19^th century.

 

Galleries, Woodcraft and Furniture Businesses

Many wonderful Galleries, Woodcraft and furniture businesses are in the Dunsborough area and accessible by well signposted roads. Gallery tours are available and a drive to the chosen destination will prove exciting.

Galleries that are close-by include:

• Goanna Gallery – Dunsborough;
• Deep Blue Gallery – Dunsborough;
• Wood Be Good – Yallingup;
• Yallingup galleries – Yallingup;
• John Streater Fine Furniture Gallery – Yallingup;
• Jahroc – Art – Furniture Gallery – Margaret River, WA;
• Boranup Gallery – Witchcliffe;
• Gunyulgup Gallery – Yallingup;