We set off one lovely winter day to rediscover the challenging 11 km Echidna Trail in Walyunga Naitonal Park. Having hiked this trail from Walyunga Pool we decided to park at the Boongarup Pool carpark as this would shave off a few kilometres. In any case the carpark at Walyunga Pool was full as the kayakers were practising on the kayak course ahead of the Avon River Descent in early August.
We set off just after 9am sharing the path along the Syds Rapids Trail with a number of very tame kangaroos eating their breakfast. After good winter rains the Avon River is flowing well.
After about 30 minutes we left the Syds Rapids Trail (1.8km each way) and started the climb which goes forever!!!!!! We passed the side trail which is the Kingfisher Trail (a less challenging 5km hike) and continued climbing. We could hear the trains passing in the valley below. We stopped for a snack at a handy bench about 2/3 of the way up with fabulous views east along the Avon Valley towards Toodyay.
The trail keeps climbing passing right next to some houses – we could see the kids zooming around their deck on scooters. We encountered a short downhill section beyond the houses but then the trail climbed again on a rough stony track before diverging from the fire trail which runs behind the houses.
We sat on a log a bit further along for another drink/snack break. The trail is still climbing!
Finally we made it to Woodsome Hill the highest point on the trail at 260m above sea level. We contemplated going up the ladder but our legs are way too tired! (Not sure if you are allowed to climb it anyway!)
The trail starts to head downhill through wandoo woodland with lovely views across the Chittering Valley and later the Perth Coastal Plain can be glimpsed through the trees.
We passed the turnoff where the Pilgrim Trail heads towards New Norcia. The woodland soon changes to open scrub after passing through a patch of sheoak.
There is one more uphill slope to tackle and then the trail heads downhill crossing the Kingfisher Trail, passing a water reservoir and then the Kangaroo Trail.
Mid Winter there were not many flowers out along the way but the wattle was starting to blossom.
We stopped to look at one of the pink flowers which was just opening up as the day warmed and discovered a bobtail just sitting there watching us…..it had a bit of pink hanging off it's mouth so I guess it has been dining on these flowers.
We made it back to Boongarup Pool for a coffee and something to eat . The trail took us 2 hours and 45 minutes. Adding on the extra section to Walyunga Pool along the Walyunga Heritage Trail would add another kilometre and about 15 minutes each way.
Walyunga is a National Park so a $15 per car entry fee applies, payable at the entrance gate which opens at 8am and closes at 5pm. Annual park passes can be purchased. Dogs are not permitted in National Parks. There are carparks, toilets and picnic benches at Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool.
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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.