We set off to explore the Koondoola Sensory Walk on the first day of the Noongar season of Djilba. We had previously attended a WA Wildflower Society guided walk around the southern section of the bushland (see below) and were keen to see what the Sensory Walk had in store.
The Sensory Walk is a 500m paved path running north from the start point opposite the Koondoola/Burbridge Avenue intersection. The trail is set in bush but as it borders Koondoola Avenue I found the traffic noise detracts from the sensory experience. We stopped to read the signs but most were somewhat degraded and difficult to read which is a shame as the information on them was interesting and encouraged you to have a sensory experience of the surrounding bush.
Having walked one way along the trail we took the dirt tracks in an easterly direction and were rewarded with views from the high point through the bush to the hills beyond. We spotted a hairy, hungry caterpillar but don't know if it was one that turns into the rare Western Jewel Butterfly which lives in this bushland. We looped around back to the start of the Sensory Trail, walking for about 30 minutes (2Km).
Koondoola Regional Bushland is a 137 ha piece of bush bordered by Alexander Drive, Marangaroo Road, Beach Road and Koondoola Avenue. There are many more trails (8.6km of limestone trails and a further 9.2km of sand tracks) to explore with a number of pedestrian entrances around the perimeter of Koondoola Regional Bushland.
WA Wildflower Society run regular walks through Koondoola Regional Bushland. On our walk they took us to the southern edge of the bush reserve bordering Beach Road and taking in the "wetlands" which were very dry even in mid winter (2019) We did however see lots of beautiful wildflowers even though it was early in the season. There is nothing like a trained eye to point out hidden beauties like orchids and fungi but most were easily visible on the sides of the path.
With so many trail options you can spend as long as you like wandering around. Parking is mostly on the verge at the various entrance points off Koondoola Avenue or Waddington Crescent. There are no picnic or toilet facilities. Toilets can be found at the Koondoola Community Centre (when open) or across Alexander Drive at the Malaga Weekend Markets.
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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.