Walyunga National Park

If you are looking for a challenging walk then head off to Walyunga National Park on the Great Northern Highway.

It is well signposted and is about a 50 minutes drive from Perth CBD and 40-45 minutes from the northern suburbs.

We visited the park during the WA long weekend and a group walked the Echidna Loop trail while non-walkers visited the nearby Swan Valley wineries.

The walking group included several seniors including a 73 year old and two 70 year olds. Start the trail from the Walyunga Pool car park and walk anti-clockwise as it is easier to climb the steepest hills than to try a risky descent.

An average walker can complete the walk in 2-3 hours but we would not recommend it for people with reduced mobility, as there are a few steep gravel ascents and descents. Walking poles are a great help. There are no seats provided anywhere on the trail.

However for an exhilarating walk that has magnificent views over the Avon Valley to the city, this is certainly one to have on your list. Part of the walk follows the route of the annual Avon River descent.

Take some provisions and, as we did, after the walk enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine/coffee and cheese and biscuits taking advantage of the picnic tables or bbqs by the lovely Avon River.

Opening hours: 7 days a week, 8am to 5pm

Cost: $13 per vehicle or $7 (senior or concession card) Honesty box system: Envelopes are provided – write your car registration number and the area in which you live and pop the fees inside.

Facilities: Two large car parks with toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables.

Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/walyunga 

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

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.

• Little French Nest, Fremantle - December 6, 2024
• Tamarind, Mount Hawthorn - August 23, 2024
• Purple Gate Bistro at Yanchep Lavender Farm - August 9, 2024
• The Wine Tree Cidery, Dwellingup - July 19, 2024
• Hotham Valley Heritage Railway - June 28, 2024
• Dwellingup Community Hotel - June 14, 2024
• Last Drop Brewery, Beeliar - June 14, 2024
• Harry’s at Conti, Wanneroo - May 10, 2024
• Heno & Rey, Perth - May 3, 2024
• The Spaniard, Northbridge - March 15, 2024

View All Posts