NATURE & ENVIRONMENT
WOOD WORK A
s a self-confessed outdoors guy, Ben Tannock likely has, if not one of the best jobs in the world, then at least one of the most envy-inducing occupations in Western Australia. As Parks and Visitors Services Coordinator for the Blackwood District, Ben spends the greater part of his day managing various aspects of the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, WA’s most visited national park and one of the world’s most untouched. It’s a huge job, not least because of the national park’s size – extending from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, it stretches more than 120km in length, showcasing incredible beaches, more than 300 limestone caves, forest walks, camp grounds carved in bush and stunning ocean views from white limestone cliffs. Not forgetting the 140km attraction that is the Cape to Cape walking track.
“Part of what makes the park really unique is that multiple entrance and exit points allow for a really high degree of visitation,” Ben explains. “Obviously surfing is huge down this way, but then really what it’s about are the very special environments that are unique to the Leeuwin Naturaliste ridge.” Visually stunning, the mix of closely positioned microclimates – cave, forest, sea, marine heathlands – allows park users to spread themselves across dramatically different environments within the space of kilometres: from WA’s signature mix of white limestone cliff and turquoise water at Contos Beach it’s only 10 minutes by car into the thick of Boranup forest with its towering karri trees and lush undergrowth. “Also incredibly popular are the two lighthouse sites,” Ben chips in, “the experiences offered at those lighthouses are second to
none.” After the taxing stair climb at Leeuwin Lighthouse, the quaint little lighthouse café certainly serves up a mean coffee and cake. Throw in the subterranean element and it becomes simple to understand the park’s rare appeal. “There is a huge amount of caves that we manage as part of the park,” Ben says. Calgardup and Giants caves are some of the most accessible, though permit systems allow entry with trained guides and commercial operators to some of the more restricted caves for those seeking a little hot sauce atop their experience. As for Ben’s favourite private spot, the experienced outdoorsman and devoted Western Australian won’t be drawn. “I’m endeared toward the coast and the bushland so I certainly wax and wane between the two,” he prevaricates. “As long as I’m in the outdoors, then I’m a happy man.”
Explore the beautiful forests of the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park and you’ll be rewarded richly says Sarina Lewis. Image by ELEMENTS MARGARET RIVER.
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