John Forrest National Park

Perth’s first national park, John Forrest, lies 24 kms east of Perth – about a 30 minute drive from the city and 45 minutes from the northern suburbs.

It’s a popular park with hikers, afternoon walkers, cyclists and locals and no wonder. Easy walks, more challenging walks, wildlife and a tavern – what’s not to like?

A senior walking group (only one under 60 years) took the circular Eagle View Walk, a 15 kms moderately challenging walk and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The path varied from narrow to quite wide with some interesting rock structures, minimal bush on the track and it is well signposted. There are even signs letting walkers know how far they still have to travel.

Views, including from the marked viewing area are of the sweeping valley with its gum trees and a couple of glimpses of the city skyline. No wildlife or birds were sighted until the group returned to the parking area!

Two of the biggest attractions are the Hovea and National Park waterfalls – unfortunately there was not enough water in the area so perhaps late winter is the time to get great waterfall photographs.

The walk took about four and a half hours which included a 20 mins break for coffee and sandwiches. There are no seats on the walk but plenty of rocks to use. Remember to take plenty of water as shade is hard to find.

Born in Bunbury, Sir John Forrest was Western Australia’s first premier, a noted explorer and surveyor. He died in 1918 age 71.

Address: Park Road, Hovea on the Great Eastern Highway

Opening hours: 7 days a week, from 8am.There are three entrances. The Park Rd entrance gate is locked at 4pm

Cost: $13 per vehicle or $7 (senior or concession card). Entry booth is manned. There is also a self-service machine.

Facilities: Several large car parks with accessible toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables. ACROD parking available

Website: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/john-forrest

About the Author
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About Hazel Broomhead

My name is Hazel and I am a Perth senior!

Originally from Edinburgh in Scotland, my husband and I moved to New Zealand with our children in 1974. As my husband is in the oil business, we moved to several other countries including the Sultanate of Oman, the Netherlands, Singapore, the Philippines, the USA, Russia and Kazakhstan during the next 36 years before retiring to Perth.

We have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who live in different parts of the globe – New Zealand, Scotland and Colombia - which makes a great excuse for us to travel and visit.

My career background is in radio and print journalism in Scotland and New Zealand as well as public relations in various other countries.

We love to eat out, walk, travel and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle here in Western Australia.