We set off nice and early to explore this 2.7km loop at the back of suburban Byford. There is limited car parking at the dead end on Beenyup Road where the trail starts with a steep climb up stone steps following the valley along a brook. Marcora is an aboriginal word meaning wet season or winter so it makes sense that the falls were not flowing yet in early June. We might have to return after more rain when the falls are flowing!
All those stairs were worth it for the views at the top across Byford to Kwinana and Perth. The trail markers are evident but of no help as they are so degraded. At a junction we chose the lower path along the fence line which passed some historic water tanks beside the quarry face, the site of the old 1914 brickworks.
Once past the water tanks the trail descends between some houses and we passed some forest red tail black cockatoos foraging in the trees. The last km of the trail is along suburban streets where you will pass a mix of older homes and new McMansions. An access walkway links Stephenson Street and Bradshaw Road. Not a very exciting finish to what started as a lovely walk. In hindsight we should have turned around and headed back the way we came through the bush, perhaps choosing the higher trail this time. The walk took us about 45 minutes to complete.
The newer housing developments nearby have some interesting nature based playgrounds if you have kids in tow or you might like to head into Byford to explore the Byford Sculpture Trail.
We stayed overnight in Byford while exploring the Jarrahdale/Serpentine area which has a variety of options for exploring from short town walks to longer all day trails. Find out more in my A Day in the Country - Jarrahdale/Serpentine blog which also covers Serpentine Dam and Serpentine Falls.
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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.