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Emu Walk, Racecourse Flora Reserve, Balingup Emu Walk, Racecourse Flora Reserve, Balingup

  • Less than 1 hour
  • 0.9 km
    • Bush Walk Class 1

      All abilities access, flat, even, hardened surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for unassisted wheelchair users and prams. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required.

The Emu walk is a short wildflower walk located on Racecourse Flora Reserve, 2.5km out of Balingup near Mullalyup. This flora reserve is a significant area of protected bushland, virtually an island in a sea of farmland. Many of the flowering plants have name plaques to identify them.

Walking the Emu Walk
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Racecourse Flora Reserve is situated between the towns of Mullalyup and Balingup, approximately 2.5 kilometers northwest of Balingup.  In 1999 the Balingup community identified bushland considered worthy of protection in three adjoining reserves. These reserves contained abundant flora and areas of conservation value. The reserves included the site of the old racetrack and gymkhana ground. The three reserves are now amalgamated and vested with the Shire of Donnyrook-Balingup as a reserve for the purpose of conservation and recreation.

The reserve (approx 108 ha) is an island of bushland surrounded by cleared land. It straddles the Mullalyup Brook/Balingup divide and is underlaid by the Kirup Conglomerate, a geological formation uncommon in the area.

While some areas within the reserve are degraded from previous activities, many areas are in very good condition. The Balingup Friends of the Forest, with the help of supporters and the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, continue to both protect the high conservation value bush and restore degraded areas.

In Spring, the reserve becomes a blaze of colour, with an amazing abundance and diversity of wildflowers. Each week of spring sees change until early December.  Banksia grandis (Bull Banksia) is one of the last plants to flower, with its wonderful bright yellow candles, which then form into the well-known Banksia ‘see’ or ‘nut’.

A copy of the herbarium for the reserve is held by the Balingup Friends of the Forest. The herbarium contains photocopies of the plants identified on the reserve, along with their botanical names.

Balingup Visitor Centre

(08) 9764 1818

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Be trail ready for Emu Walk, Racecourse Flora Reserve, Balingup

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

20 minutes

Length

900 metre loop

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

South West Highway, Balingup which is 240km (2hrs 40mins) south of Perth.

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 1

All abilities access, flat, even, hardened surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for unassisted wheelchair users and prams. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Facilities

  • Car Park
  • Dog Friendly
  • Picnic Area
  • Shaded Area

Best time of year

August to October

Fees

Trail Access

Road 2WD

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Complete Emu Walk, Racecourse Flora Reserve, Balingup to earn badges and points!

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Wildflower Wanderer

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1 trail goers have rated Emu Walk, Racecourse Flora Reserve, Balingup as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Deb Vanallen

Reviewed 28 Apr 2016, 1:18pm

This is a fabulous short walk as part of the Race Course Flora Reserve in Balingup. There's a diverse range of flora and fauna to be seen and the wildflowers are stunning! Would definitely recommend spending time exploring this reserve.

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