Walyunga National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- CALM Perth (08) 9334 0333
- Park ranger (08) 9571 1371
Introduction
Set on the edge of the Darling Scarp just north of Perth, Walyunga National Park encompasses a section of the Swan River valley. It is here that the Swan River transforms from a series of pools in summer to a raging torrent in winter; every August, the river’s long stretch of rapids becomes the location for one of Australia’s best whitewater canoeing events, the annual Avon Descent. The park is also significant as the site of one of the largest known Aboriginal camping grounds in the Perth region. With a history going back 6000 years, the area was still used by the Nyoongar people up until late last century.The parkland is made up of heaths, granite outcrops and woodlands. As the valley climbs, vegetation changes from large flooded gum on the banks of the river, through forests of wandoo, marri and powder-bark, to stands of jarrah on the ridge tops. Late winter and early spring is the best time for wildflowers. Western grey kangaroos, western brush wallabies, short-beaked echidnas, sacred kingfishers, grey fantails, shingleback lizards and carpet pythons inhabit the park.Activities include canoeing, birdwatching, picnicking and bushwalking. The Aboriginal Heritage Trail (1.2 km return, 45 minutes, easy) gives an insight into local Aboriginal myths and culture; Syd’s Rapids (5.2 km return, 2½ hours, medium difficulty), a lovely walk under shady wandoo and flooded gum, leads along the grassy flood plain of the river; Kangaroo Trail (4-km loop, 2 hours, medium difficulty) traverses granite outcrops; Kingfisher Trail (8.5-km loop, 4 hours, medium difficulty) focuses on flora; and Echidna Trail (10.6 km return, 5 hours, difficult) offers panoramic views of the Swan and Avon valleys.
Fact file
Camping
Bush camping; contact park ranger
Location and access
40 km north of Perth via Great Northern Hwy and Walyunga Rd
Park Information
Size
1900 ha
Where to Stay
Upper Swan Valley (08) 9379 9400
Campsites
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