Echidna Trail, Walyunga NP Echidna Trail, Walyunga NP
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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.
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Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
3 - 4 hours
Length
11km loop
Trail Start
The trail starts at the Walyunga Pool car park, Walyunga NP 1 hour north east of Perth
Trail End
Bush Walk
Class 4
Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.
Visit Trail Tips for further information.
Additional information
What To Pack
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of drinking water (as a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person).
- PLB or satellite phone
- Clothing to suit the activity, environment and weather conditions.
- Map/ Compass, do not rely on your phone in remote locations.
- Snacks/ Meals to keep your energy levels up on longer walks
- Extra food and water in case of unexpected delays
- Rubbish bag to remove all your rubbish
- Reference material such as wildflower wildlife guides.
- Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute)
- Small trowel for toilet emergencies, and a few sheets of toilet paper in a small waterproof bag.
- Personal first aid kit (check that items are clean, properly sealed, have not exceeded expiry dates and that used items have been replaced).
- Torch/ Headlamp
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
Biodiversity
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife.
Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Please leave your pets at home or prevent them from entering this area.
For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.
Facilities
- 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
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