Jarrah Forest Country East of Donnybrook
Overview
Preston National Park lies east of Donnybrook in Western Australia’s south-west, with the park split into two separate areas of about 6000 hectares each. It protects a sizeable stretch of jarrah forest country, including old growth forest, and sits within a broader landscape of valleys, woodland and dense shrublands that give the area a distinctly varied feel rather than one uniform block of bush.
Highlights
The scenery here is shaped by forest rather than big rock features or coastal landmarks. Old growth jarrah is the defining character, with tall open jarrah and marri forest giving way in places to swampy banksia woodland, wandoo woodland and thicker vegetation along valley floors. That mix creates constant changes in colour, texture and light through the landscape, especially where the country shifts from open forest to lower, damper ground.
Best Time to Visit
Spring is the standout season, when many of the park’s wildflowers are in bloom during Djilba and Kambarang. At that time of year the forest floor and woodland edges are usually at their most colourful, and the milder conditions suit a longer day out in the bush.
Plants and Animals
Jarrah is the dominant tree across the park, but the vegetation is more varied than that suggests at first glance. Alongside old growth jarrah there are areas of tall open jarrah and marri forest, swampy banksia woodlands, open jarrah forest and patches of wandoo woodland. Dense shrublands on the valley floors add another layer again, creating different habitats across the park.
That range of vegetation supports native fauna including tammar wallabies and woylies. The combination of forest, woodland and wetter low-lying areas also makes the park a good example of the ecological diversity found in this part of the south-west.
Culture and Heritage
Preston National Park is recognised as Country for Kaniyang and Wiilman people, whose connection to this area continues through the cultural landscape of the south-west forests.
