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Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP

  • 1-3 hours
  • 5.1 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 Syd’s Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Walk trails can be accessed from either the Walyunga Pool carpark or Boongarup Pool where the two trails meet.

The combined distance of both trails is 5.1km return

The trails are located in the Walyunga National Park, 40 kilometres north east of Perth.  These family friendly trails provide interpretation on the indigenous history, plants and animals and the history of white water rafting in this beautiful location.

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Walyunga National Park lies in the Darling Range, just behind the Darling Scarp.  The Swan River runs through the centre of the park, forming a string of placid pools along the valley floor in summer, and a raging torrent with long series of rapids in winter. The latter provides one of Australia's best white water canoeing courses and is part of the annual Avon Descent race each August.  

Walyunga contains one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been used by regional tribes for more than 6000 years.  

The easy 0.8km (1.6km return), Aboriginal Heritage Trail meanders along the river bank, between Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool, and allows people to learn about Aboriginal myths and legends and see the park's plants and animals through the eyes of the original inhabitants.

Syd's Rapids continues another 1.75km (3.5km return) along the river from Boongarup Pool to the Rapids and returns by the same path. 

The park is also known for sensational wildflowers in winter and spring, abundant native animals and rugged valley scenery which can also be enjoyed on a number of other, longer loop trails 

Swan Valley Visitor Centre

(08) 9207 8899

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Be trail ready for Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP

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

Time / Duration

Time depends on whether you do one or both trails

Length

5.1km if you do both trails

What To Pack

Group A - Urban Trails (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.

Trail Start

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

Difficulty Notes

The trail is suitable for sturdy prams.

Facilities

Camping may be arranged with the Ranger
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area

Best time of year

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

Fees

National Park fees apply

Trail Access

Road 2WD

Prohibited Items

No pets or fires are permitted in the National Park
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Complete Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP to earn badges and points!

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Aboriginal Culture

This trail is part of the Aboriginal Culture badge.

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2 trail goers have rated Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP 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.

Alex V

Reviewed 23 Mar 2024, 12:04pm

Amazing place to go for a walk.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 14 Sep 2022, 10:42am

This is such a great family friendly trail within Walyunga. I love the interpretative panels that provide info about Aboriginal myths and legends and allow visitors to see the park's plants and animals through the eyes of the original inhabitants.

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