Stockyard Gully Cave Trail, Stockyard Gully Reserve

Overview

This easy 1.3 kilometre return trail in Stockyard Gully takes you along a sandy gully and into a cool and refreshing tunnel carved into limestone. The tunnel itself is big enough to stand within and walk through.

Stockyard Gully Cave downstream entrance

Sunlight pouring through the downstream entrance

Photo Credit: Department of Parks and Wildlife

View trail map

About the Trail

Stockyard Gully has an interesting history, named after the Stockmen who used the deep and cool gullies as a natural holding pen for their cattle. The stock were droved from Geraldton to Perth for market during the 1950's. The cave and gully offered a safe and refreshing place to camp.

Nowadays the droving days are gone and instead remains an oasis of lush vegetation along a sandy river bed and an inviting tunnel. From the upstream picnic area, follow the sandy creek bed into the cave. Then get your torch out because it is going to be dark. The cave is great for those entering a cave for the first time, its wide open spaces make all feel at ease. It is self-guiding however, care must be made to ensure your own safety and the welfare of the cave and its inhabitants. Keep noise to a minimum, no smoking within the cave and don't shine your torch at the bats. Bee hives are present in large numbers and both entrances, take care not to disturb the bees. The bees will be more prevalent on hot days.

The reserve itself is abundant in flora species, a real mecca during wildflower season.

Need to Know

  • Time

    30 minutes

  • Distance

    1.3km return Length is 1.3km (Loop).

  • Trail Start (Loop)

    Cockleshell Gully Road picnic area, 50km NE of Jurien Bay which is 220m (2.5hours) north of Perth

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels.
    Bush Walk: Grade 2 - No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km. Suitable for families with young children.

  • What to Pack?

    + extra water. No drinking water available + torch for use in cave + insect repellent for ticks + protective clothing from bees

    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

    Wildflower season August to September

  • Facilities

    • Car Park
    • Picnic Area
    • Public Toilet

  • Hazards & Warnings

    Large number of bee hives and ticks present in this area

  • Prohibited Items

    No firearm, pets or wood fires.

  • Access to the Trail

    4WD access along Cockleshell Gully Road

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service
    Telephone: (08) 9688 6000
    Email: jurien@dbca.wa.gov.au
    Web: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/stockyard-gully
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreparkswa
    Twitter: @exploreparksWA