Werrilyiup Walk Trail - Whiteman Park

The 3km Werrilyiup bush trail loops around Horse Swamp, a natural palusplain wetland that comes to life in the winter months, but is usually dry for the greater portion of the year. In the past when horses in the Swan Valley region went missing they were commonly found roaming in the lush pastures surrounding this wetland on the southern edge of what is now Whiteman Park. The area became known as Horse Swamp.

Note the different spellings Werrilyiup and Werillyiup are both used by Whiteman Park.

The trail starts just past the eastern end of the fenced dog park in Mussel Pool East and is signposted. Parking is available at the dog park. As you pass through the gate the blue tipped trail markers are in sight. You can continue straight ahead along the wide path for a clockwise loop or you can head along the dog park fence line to the right to do an anti-clockwise loop. Heading anti-clockwise here will bring you to the new boardwalk (2025) across the brook and is probably what I would recommend as the most pleasant way to access the clockwise loop trail.

We chose to do the loop in a clockwise direction as this kept the sun behind us. After a short distance along the gravel road markers indicate where you turn right to cross a meadow before passing through a gate. When we walked this late in 2025 there was a construction site further along the gravel road so be aware of vehicles in this area.

If you wish to visit the bird hide detour at the sign. Continue past the benches and along the semi raised grass track until you come to the hide. The hide provides fabulous views right across Horse Swamp but when we there, around midday, the birds were busy elsewhere as we didn't see any.

We retraced our steps back to the main paved trail which follows the edge of the wetlands. The paved trail finishes just before reaching the viewing platform.

Keep an eye out for purple swamphens, Eurasian coots, pelicans and black swans and if you are lucky you might see long necked turtles or frogs. Keep your eyes peeled for tiger snakes too as this is their habitat. Beyond the viewing platform the track is still flat and firm but grassy. Looking through the paperbarks you might see kangaroos or cattle grazing in the paddock with a distant train passing by along the Ellenbrook line.

We did this walk mid winter and although it had been very wet ten days of sunshine had dried up most of the surface water so the track was relatively firm. After rain the track could be quite soggy and soft so take this into account if planning to do this walk. Of course the wetlands are at their best after good rainfall. We planned to walk this again in 2025 but after a record breaking wet winter we had to wait until November as the trail had been inundated and was impassable.

During wet winters the swamp waters overflow and fill the tributaries leading to Mussel Pool. During these months the area is alive with water birds, including black swans which visit annually to raise their cygnets. Nests are constructed upon the man-made islands which provide much needed refuge from predators for the birds and their young.

We passed some semi rural areas including the back of the Swan Valley Egg Farm before passing an area of Xanthorrhoes brunonis - a balga which differs from the more common grass trees in not having a trunk above ground. Pass through a gate and you will pass the new boardwalk as you follow the dog park fence line back to where the trail started.

Opposite the Dog Park at the start of this trail is the new nature based all abilities playground at Pias Place - perfect for a pre/post walk play or grab a drink and some food at the Mussel Pool Kiosk. There is lots of parking around this area as well as toilets, bbqs, benches and gazebos (which can be hired). Dogs are permitted leash free within the dedicated 250 hectare Dog Park and are also permitted on lead within Whiteman Park.

We took about 45 minutes to complete this walk including a side trip to the bird hide at a good pace and with few stops. It was flat and easy to follow. There isn't much in the way of shade so it is better for cooler days. This walk is best in winter or spring before Horse Swamp dries up as the beauty comes from the water. The map is a little outdated as it doesn't reflect the new playground or boardwalk but it is still relevant.

You can take a Heritage Tram ride or Vintage Train ride between Mussel Pool and Whiteman Village as another activity to fill your day. Alternatively visit the Whiteman Park Village Shops or one of the museums or head to Caversham Wildlife Park. There is so much to do at Whiteman Park make sure you explore further. As well as Pias Place there are several other playgrounds as well as the Children's Forest and other trails to walk such as Goo Loorto and Wunanga.

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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 extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.