Echidna Trail, Walyunga NP

Overview

This 11 kilometre loop trail in Walyunga National Park initially follows the Avon River before it ascends steeply to the western side of the river.  It passes through marri and wandoo woodland, currently with a thick understorey of regrowth after fire, before offering good views of the Avon Valley from Woodsome Hill.

Trail beside river

Trail beside river

Photo Credit: Department of Parks and Wildlife

View trail map

About the Trail

The track is rocky and involves some steep gravel ascents and descents.   In late winter and spring there are abundant wildflowers. The trail is marked with black footprints and is best walked in an anticlockwise direction. 

Walyunga National Park covers 1,800 hectares of the Darling Range, tucked behind the Darling Scarp, covering both sides of a steep valley.  Just to the east of the park, in the picturesque Avon Valley, the Avon River joins the Brockman River to form the Swan River which passes through the tree lined valley.

Walyunga contains one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century. The area has been used as a meeting place for more than 6000 years. Walyunga is an Aboriginal name, but its meaning is uncertain.  Local Noongar people believe the Swan River was carved by the Waugal, and greet the dreamtime serpent here by rubbing sand on their bodies and throwing it in the water.

The Swan River is the main attraction in the park as it thunders through in winter and meanders by in the drier months, lined with smooth granite boulders. The Echinda trail starts beside the lower pool in Walyunga and follows the river past Syd's Rapids. It then ascends steeply to Woodsome Hill from where there are excellent views of the Avon Valley.  It passes through heathlands with hakeas, grevilleas, verticordias, hibbertias and triggerplants. Although the animals except for kangaroos are elusive during the day, there is a myriad of birdlife including galahs, parrots, black-faced cuckoo shrikes, thornbills and fantails. The trail is best walked anticlockwise, so as to avoid a slippery and steep descent. Its marker is a black footprint.

Need to Know

  • Time

    3 - 4 hours

  • Distance

    11km loop Length is 11km (Loop).

  • Trail Start (Loop)

    The trail starts at the Walyunga Pool car park, Walyunga NP 1 hour north east of Perth

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Moderate - Moderate level of fitness and experience required.
    Bush Walk: Grade 3 - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.

    The steep ascents and descents make the trail suitable to experienced walkers.

  • What to Pack?

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

    • Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)
    • Map or guide book where suggested
    • Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
    • First Aid kit

  • Best Time of the Year

    March to November Walyunga National Park is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm

  • Facilities

    • BBQ Facilities
    • Camping
    • Car Park
    • Coach Parking
    • Parking for Disabled
    • Picnic Area
    • Public Toilet
    • Shaded Area
    • Sheltered Area

  • Fees

    National Park fees apply

  • Prohibited Items

    No pets or fires are permitted in the National Park

  • Access to the Trail

    Road 2WD

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service
    Telephone: (08) 9290 6100
    Web: http://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/walyunga
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreparkswa
    Twitter: @ExploreParksWA