White-faced Heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
Animalia: Aves
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Whadjuk & Yued Noongar Country
Part of Yanchep National Park network
Part of Yanchep National Park network
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Learn moreRead more about this trail
The trail is one of the many walk trails located within Yanchep National Park, north of Perth.
A visit to Yanchep National Park is a great family outing providing a unique experience of Australia's natural beauty within a thoughtfully programmed and managed environment. It is one of the shortest walks that offers a perfect introduction of nature to your youngsters, and with its flat 500m disabled access circuit that can be accessed from Boomerang Gorge carpark it is just right for everyone that wants to be out and about. The best season to visit Yanchep NP is during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months.
'Dwerta Mia' is an aboriginal expression for 'the house of the wild dog'. History states that this place was not entered by Aboriginals guiding early European explorers as they believed that the place was not only inhabited by dingos (i.e. wild dogs) but also by evil spirits. The walk can be entered from the Boomerang Gorge (which is also a great picnicking spot) where you walk between impressive cliff formations and amazing greenery, where you can meander through the collapsed cave system. The trail marker is also a boomerang. The Dwerta Mia walk trail enters into the Caves walk trail at the end.
Even though the trail itself is well signposted once you are on it, please make sure you pick up a map for the National Park at the entry station as there are many trails in this area and it might be difficult to locate the start and endpoints of trails.
Comprehensive information on the Perth region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.

Yanchep National Park features a rich mix of coastal woodlands, pristine wetlands, and limestone cave ecosystems that protect a high diversity of native West Australian wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Located on the northern Swan Coastal Plain, its distinct landscapes support everything from nomadic bird populations to ancient plant communities.
The northern and western ends of the Park retain major conservation value and show a range of landscape forms, from tall tuart forests, jarrah and marri forest, lush wetland vegetation surrounded by coastal paperbarks, banksia woodlands and kwongan heath. Distinctive native plants like Balgas (grass trees) and Zamia palms form a core part of the park's ancient understory. Wildflowers are prolific in Spring (August to October), where the forest floor blooms with vibrant native flora, including the iconic red and green Kangaroo Paw (WA's floral emblem), Yanchep rose, wattles and native orchids.
Easy to find, large mobs of Western Grey Kangaroos graze openly on the lawns and golf fairways early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The bushland protects the more shy native species including echidnas, western brush wallabies, and quendas. Over 260 bird species inhabit the park, making it a hotspot for birdwatching. Grebes, swans, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers, parrots, wrens and honeyeaters can be found throughout the woodlands and wetlands. Lesser Long-eared and Southern Forest Bats mainly roost in tree hollows, thick vegetation, and small rock crevice. Interestingly, a koala colony was established in the 1930s, and whilst they are not native to Western Australia, they thrive safely within this managed habitat.
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
45 minutes
2.1 kilometre return
National Park fees apply
Road 2WD
Dwerta Mia Trail can be accessed from McNess House Visitor Centre or Boomerang Gorge for a shorter walk, in Yanchep National Park
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.
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
March flies can be a problem in the drier, warmer months. They will give a painful bite and are particularly attracted to the colour blue.
Please be mindful of visitor risk warnings when visiting the park:
Check the Park Alerts website.
Dogs are not permitted
Includes a flat 500m disabled access circuit that can be accessed from Boomerang Gorge carpark.
17°C
Feels like 17°C
Max 18°C
Min 14°C
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