Fred Jacoby Park and the Portagabra Track, Beelu National Park - Mundaring

We returned to Mundaring for our mid winter bush walk. Previously we had tried to walk the Portagabra Track but due to a lack of information and maps we walked the O'Connor Trail instead. This time we had completed a bit of research and found a review of the Portagabra Trail which provided a much needed guide. (Thank you). It took us 80 minutes to complete this trail which is a 3.5 km loop through pristine bushland. After having this trail on our walk again list for some time we finally managed in 2025 and again thoroughly enjoyed the trail.

We were going to have lunch at the Mundaring Weir Hotel after the walk and as we had trouble finding parking on past visits we decided to park at the hotel and begin our walk from there. Although several other walks are signposted the Portagabra is not but we knew that the path started at Fred Jacoby Park so we backtracked alongside the C.Y. O'Connor water pipeline until we reached the intersection of Mundaring Weir Road and Allen Road. We crossed straight over and then walked down into Fred Jacoby Park. There is plenty of parking at Fred Jacoby Park so this might be a better starting point. If you are visiting the Hotel it is only a short walk there and back again.

Fred Jacoby Park was a surprise. A wide open area of landscaped parkland with toilet facilities and primitive barbeque hotplates. There are information plaques scattered around the park telling the park's history including the story of the 150 year old oak tree. (Sadly this magnificent tree was felled during a storm in January 2024). We wandered around the park for a little while collecting rubbish lying on the ground (plogging) and following the paved pathway down towards the pipelines. We have also revisited the park during late autumn as it puts on a colourful display.

As directed we found the entrance to the Portagabra Trail at the end of the pathway and headed under the giant pipeline. The track is clearly signposted all the way. We took the right hand trail opting to travel in an anti-clockwise direction. Initially the trail follows a fire track with dense bush to either side. At the intersecting fire trails take the right hand trail which climbs quite steeply but the turnoff to the Portagabra Trail is on the left a short way up.

Here the trail narrows to a single file track climbing at a very gradual pace through thick bush. You are brushing against the bush so if it is tick season make sure you spray with DEET, wear long sleeves and pants and check for ticks after your walk. As far as we knew we were the only people on the track. At one point you cross over some rocks which may or may not have running water over them depending on rainfall. From here you continue to climb gently until you reach some boulders. You can see the ridge so know you are getting close to the top.

At the very top the path flattens out before intersecting with a wider fire trail. Turn left and then towards the rocks for another great view across the valley and then continue a short distance before the trail heads left along a narrower trail.

This part of the walk is a gentle descent with views through the trees down in to the valley. The trail is a little wider here and you descend through some distinct vegetation. You will pass an old Portagabra Track sign and a rudimentary bench. The forests and balgas give way to a small section of banksia forest before you intersect a fire trail.

On our original walk the track headed to the right from this fire trail through the pine plantation and then over the pipeline with a short walk alongside the pipeline back to Fred Jacoby Park.

In 2025 the trail followed the fire trail back to connect with the original track above the entrance point. This seemed a better option as from memory the last section of the trail through the pine plantation had been hard to follow.

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I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community.  If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.

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.