EDIT 2023 - This trail is currently closed due to METRONET construction in the area.
One of several easy bush walking trails within Whiteman Park the Goo Loorto Trail follows Bennett Brook. Goo Loorto means ‘type of eucalypt’ in the local Noongar Aboriginal language.
Starting from Car Park 24 Mussel Pool West you cross Bennett Brook Rail line before heading through some gates and then following the brook for about 1.5km before returning the same way.
The trail has very clear red-topped pine poles as trail markers and the markers are clearly visible as you follow the trail although the end of the trail near Marshall Road was not as clear. The three red tipped posts and the horizontal log indicated the end of the trail.
As I decided to do this trail at the last minute I had not come prepared with a map. Although the trail is not difficult to follow it is always reassuring to have a map so that you know you are on the right track. The map and trail notes also indicate points of interest along the way.
Download map and trail notes at:
https://www.whitemanpark.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Goo-Lorto-Trail-Map_2015.pdf
After heavy rainfall in June the track was quite wet in mid July but still manageable with only a few muddy patches. Waterproof shoes would have been better as my toes were soon wet from dew on the long grass.
The trail follows the small brook as it babbles along beside you under groves of flooded gums (Eucalyptus rudis). The water is quite brown from tannins but is still very picturesque.
I was very vigilant for snakes even in mid winter (dark soil, lots of leaf matter and a warmish sunny day!) so was focused on where my feet were going Along with ninja arms to break any cobwebs strung across the track it was not a very relaxing walk. I had to stop frequently to take in the lovely surroundings.
When it got too muddy I moved across to the fire break track which runs adjacent to the trail all the way. This was easier to walk on but took you further away from the brook.
At one stage I looked up and a mob of about 50 kangaroos in the field on the other side of the fence were looking at me as if to say "What on earth are you doing!”
You could see where the roos had found gaps under the fence and created a kangaroo highway to the brook. I didn’t see any roos on the brook side of the fence but there were plenty of animal tracks to ponder.
Without a map and on my own this walk felt a bit spooky and felt much longer than 1.5 km each way. It took me about an hour all up taking the trail alongside the brook on the way out and returning along the firebreak.
This walk needs to be planned around the flow of the brook. During the wetter seasons the trail can be very wet and muddy. Spring is the best time as the track dries out and you get the bonus of flowering golden wreath wattle. The brook dries up to isolated pools by early December but the dappled shade of the paperbark trees can make this an enjoyable Summer walk.
This track although flat is definitely a foot track as it would be challenging for prams and scooters as it can be wet and is quite narrow. The fire track, while wider, is very soft sand.
Picnic benches, barbecues and toilets can be found at the Mussel Pool car parks along with lots of grassy green spaces for the kids to run around in. You could combine this walk with exploring the Children's Forest or Whiteman Village or any of the other activities in Whiteman Park. The trail is also not far way from the wonderful nature based Pias's Place playground so you could finish off with a play before heading home.
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For more on Whiteman Park read https://www.outandaboutfnc.com/post/2019/11/05/whiteman-park
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.