Walyunga National Park
- Out and About
- May 21, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 18, 2024
This is one of my favourite places to hike. Normally we go in winter when the river is full and you can hear the water rushing along as you hike Syd's Rapid Trail. This time we went in Autumn and it was a different experience. The river is still very pretty even though the water was so much lower than previous visits. I did miss hearing the water rushing by and the path didn't quite feel like the river walk I am used to.
Walyunga is open between 8am and 5pm daily. Please note there is an entrance fee per car as this is a National Park and there is a pay station just inside the gates. If you regularly visit Perth national parks look into the annual park pass. You can get a park pass which covers the whole state or a pass that will cover parks in and around Perth. These are available at a discount through the RAC if you are a member. No dogs are allowed in National Parks.
WALYUNGA POOL:
Walyunga Pool has a toilet, picnic benches and barbecue facilities. The river forms a large and very pretty pool and there are lots of rocks which the kids will love to climb - water levels permitting.
WALYUNGA HERITAGE TRAIL
The 1.8km return Heritage Trail meanders along the river bank between Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool. This wider trail is well maintained and has interpretive signage along the way explaining Aboriginal myths and legends and the importance of plants and animals to the Nyoongar people, who traditionally camped in this area. This track is generally flat but has some small inclines and a few steps. Sections fall away quite steeply to the river so watch the kids. Along the way you will see the "gates" on the river which are part of the kayak training course used by competitors in the Avon River Descent. It is an easy 10-15 minutes walk each way with some wide stairs to negotiate along the way. There are toilets and picnic benches at both Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool carpark.
BOONGARUP POOL
There is more parking, toilets and picnic tables at Boongarup Pool where all trails intersect.
This is a 3.5km trail (there and back the same way) which follows the river from Boongarup Pool to Syd's Rapids. It is a very pretty walk and is mostly flat however the track can be muddy and slippery with some streams to cross after rain. Often you will find kangaroos grazing along the river in the early morning.
At the end of the Syd's Rapids Trail turn left and start the climb uphill. This 5km loop trail includes a one way section of the Syd's Rapids Trail and can can take between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop. There are several long steep sections before the trail intersects the Kangaroo Trail and winds gently back down to the river. Quite often you will hear trains rumbling along on the other side of the valley and if you are lucky you might spot some grazing kangaroos.
We hiked this trail after the 2021 bushfires but the area has now recovered. The 4km Kangaroo Trail can be viewed at https://www.outandaboutfnc.com/post/kangaroo-trail-walyunga-national-park.
All trails are very clearly marked. Please note the Echidna Trail does incorporate a section of The Pilgrim Trail so don't take a wrong turn here.
We have also walked the section of The Pilgrim Trail between Bells Rapids and Walyunga National Park which is a 13km return walk along the edge of the river.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.
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