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Rocks Walk Trail, Shannon NP Rocks Walk Trail, Shannon NP

  • 1-3 hours
  • 2.5 km
    • Bush Walk Class 3

      Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

The route to Mokare’s Rock is steep in places but the view to leafy karri crowns and across the Shannon Basin is magnificent. A boardwalk across Mokare’s Rock protects the fragile carpet of mosses, lichens and flowers growing on the granite.

Visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities from canoeing/kayaking, swimming, cycling and bush walking.
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This walk starts at the Shannon Dam in the Shannon National Park.

Cross the causeway at Shannon Dam and start to climb alongside the karri crowns. As you walk, try to identify the different tree species. The chattering birds urge you to continue your climb. As you go higher, the trees thin out and the drought tolerant jarrah tree becomes more prevalent as the ground becomes rocky. Turn a corner in the trail and there is Mokare’s Rock, complete with a colourful carpet of flowers, mosses and lichens, from a boardwalk, you can get a close look at the delicate foliage without damaging it. Pause for a moment to enjoy the view across the Shannon River Basin, before slowly winding your way down through shady glens of karri oaks to the short spur trail to Smeathers Rock. It's worth taking this 360m return trail to see the Hollowbutt Karri and the forest views from Smeathers Rock. 

From Smeathers Rock, it is a short walk back to the Dam. 

For a longer walk, you can start at the Shannon Campground and follow the Shannon Dam Walk Trail up to the Dam before picking up the Rocks Walk Trail. 

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Be trail ready for Rocks Walk Trail, Shannon NP

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

Time / Duration

2 hour return

Length

2.5km

What To Pack

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

Trail Start

Shannon Picnic area in Shannon National Park, 348 km (4 hours) south of Perth

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Trail End

Shannon Picnic area in Shannon National Park

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

Steep in some places.

Hazards & Warnings

Some sections steep.

Facilities

Some of these facilities are only at the Shannon Campground.
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities

Best time of year

All year round

Fees

National Park fees

Trail Access

Drive or bus to Pemberton. No transport from Pemberton to Shannon Dam.

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2 trail goers have rated Rocks Walk Trail, Shannon NP as 4.5 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.

Kevin Ryan

Reviewed 8 May 2022, 12:23pm

Great hike, plenty of Big Kari’s to look at. Couple of Kangaroos on the trail as well. Made a detour on the trek to Smeathers Rock (360m return to trail).
Lauren Gibson

Reviewed 30 May 2015, 7:27pm

Track very difficult and steep in places. Also slippery on both up and down hills. Fantastic view and very peaceful place.

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