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Railway Reserve Heritage Geotrail, John Forrest NP

Whadjuk Noongar Country

Welcome to the glorious Perth Hills!

The Railway Reserve Heritage Geotrail in John Forrest National Park is a 30 minute drive from Perth City.

The section of trail from Swan View to National Park Headquarters is about 4 km one way and provides an easy-to-access glimpse into the geology of the Perth Hills.

Part of John Forrest National Park network

John Forrest NP Geotrail - upstream valley profile +1 Gallery
Bush Walk
Rail Trail, Gravel
Trail difficulty
Easy
Trail difficulty

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

  • Length 7.6km
  • Est. time Half day
  • Return
Today

17°C

19°

15°

Part of John Forrest National Park network

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Read more about this trail

The geotrail starts at the Pechey Road – Swan Terrace car park and meanders east along the route of the former railway. The broad, level surface is ideal for walking or cycling, jogging or even dawdling — so you can stop to smell the… rocks! Cuttings along the trail expose the bedrock where it was excavated to construct the railway. Below the former railway route, Jane Brook forges a path eastwards to its headwaters on the granitic plateau.

You can explore the geotrail while using a handy book published by the Geological Survey of Western Australia. This book describes the main rock types and landscape features encountered along the route. Take a closer look at the rocks at selected locations, and enjoy sweeping views down the valley. Discover how geology, water, weathering, time and the determination of railway labourers have conspired to create a setting that is simultaneously ancient and contemporary. 

Download the book and an accompanying map from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) eBookshop. You can also ask for a free copy at the Shire of Mundaring office or at the John Forrest NP headquarters. 

This trail is part of the following destinations:

Visit Mundaring

Discover the bushland beauty of Mundaring, nestled in the heart of the Perth Hills. This hiker and cyclist paradise boasts an array of trails that lead you through a tapestry...

Mundaring Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9290 6100

Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre

(08) 9290 6645

National Parks

Other Links

Downloads

Flora and Fauna Statistics

80+
Reptile species
2000+
Flowering plant species
40+
Mammal species

Located east of Perth on the Darling Scarp, John Forrest National Park covers 2,676 hectares of diverse ecosystems. It is celebrated for its profusion of spring wildflowers, vibrant granite outcrop vegetation, and abundant wildlife, including the iconic Western Grey Kangaroos.

The park boasts over 500 species of wildflowers, particularly spectacular between late winter and early spring. Dominant trees include Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo. The dense undergrowth features Banksias, Grevilleas, Hakeas, Blue Leschenaultia, and Kangaroo Paws (the state's floral emblem).

A wide array of native animal can be found throughout the park, with over 90 bird species, 10 native mammals, 20 reptiles, and 10 frogs identified. Western Grey Kangaroos and Euros (Hill Kangaroos) are highly visible. More secretive and nocturnal native mammals include the Quenda, Short-beaked Echidna, Yellow-footed Antechinus, and the rare, marsupial carnivore, the Chuditch. Red-tailed and Carnaby's Black-Cockatoos are a sight (and sound!) to keep a look out for. Near water sources, you can find the Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Tortoise) and frogs such as the Motorbike Frog. On the sunny tracks, Racehorse Goannas (Bungarras) and Western Bearded Dragons are often spotted basking.


Keep an eye out for these species:

Chuditch

Dasyurus geoffroii

Animalia: Mammalia

Conservation status: Vulnerable

VU

Southwestern Brown Bandicoot

Isoodon fusciventer

Animalia: Mammalia

Conservation status: Priority 4: Rare, Near Threatened

P4

Gum Trees

Eucalyptus

Plantae: Equisetopsida

Conservation status: Priority 4: Rare, Near Threatened

P4

South-western New Holland Honeyeater

Phylidonyris (Meliornis) novaehollandiae longirostris

Animalia: Aves

Western Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides brachypterus

Animalia: Aves

Twenty-eight Parrot

Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus

Animalia: Aves

Black-faced Kangaroo

Macropus fuliginosus melanops

Animalia: Mammalia

Dwarf Bearded Dragon

Pogona minor minor

Animalia: Reptilia

Gould's Goanna

Varanus gouldii

Animalia: Reptilia

Cowslip Orchid

Caladenia flava

Plantae: Equisetopsida

Blue Leschenaultia

Lechenaultia biloba

Plantae: Equisetopsida

Grasstree

Xanthorrhoea preissii

Plantae: Equisetopsida

Two-leaf Hakea

Hakea trifurcata

Plantae: Equisetopsida

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Mahogany Inn and Distillery

Mahogany Creek

WA family owned & operated, heritage listed inn with 11 bedrooms, 1 apartment, restaurant, bar, garden bar and award winning distillery. Open Tue-Sun. Dog friendly garden.

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Be trail ready

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

Time / Duration

1.5 to 2 hours each way

Length

7.6km return

Elevation

Even, well-formed path climbs gradually from west to east

Fees

Free entrance from west end of trail. $15 per car into National Park picnic area (east end of this trail).

Trail Start

Pechey Road - Swan Terrace car park, John Forrest National Park. 30-40 minutes drive from Perth

Get directions

Trail End

National Park picnic area

Get directions

When to go

All year round, best in spring and autumn

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 2

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

Hazards & Warnings

Possible rock fall hazard from rail cuttings.

Prohibited items

No pets

Facilities

Car parks at either end of the trail. Other facilities are all at the John Forrest National Park picnic area.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Aug 17, 1:08am

17°C

Feels like 16°C

Max 19°

Min 15°

Precipitation: 100%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 7.18km/h N

8-day forecast

Mon

19°

15°

Tue

16°

15°

Wed

17°

16°

Thu

17°

16°

Fri

17°

15°

Sat

18°

15°

Sun

18°

16°

Mon

16°

16°

Weather data provided by:

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6 trail goers have rated this trail as 4.33 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.

Fleur Johnson

Reviewed 25 Jul 2026, 5:25pm

Nice walk.
Profile photo for Noah Cox
Noah Cox

Reviewed 21 Jun 2026, 9:49am

Nice trail
WHEELING WARRIOR FAM

Reviewed 5 Feb 2024, 2:58pm

Wouldn’t recommend the tunnel for wheelchair users you can do it but very bumpy electric not manual.
Spectacular views.
Be aware of the incline going up and going down.
Don’t go alone have someone with you.
Kris Bowtell

Reviewed 30 Oct 2022, 3:07pm

A great walk with kids. Cut through the railway tunnel for an easy adventure that also cuts about half a Km off the distance. Worth bringing a torch or head lamp for maximum fun.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 14 Sep 2022, 11:27am

History, geology, views, wildflowers, fauna...it's all there making it a great family friendly trail on a dual use pathway.
Lee Hart

Reviewed 25 Aug 2022, 1:56pm

This is by far my favourite & most completed ride. Whether it's a short easy ride or long fast-paced ride, there is always something to see (waterfalls, creeks, animals) along with some great W.A history. great family ride.

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