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Railway Reserve Heritage Geotrail, John Forrest NP Railway Reserve Heritage Geotrail, John Forrest NP

Bush Walk

(+2)
Rail Trail, Gravel
 in Perth & Surrounds

Part of John Forrest National Park network
  • Half day
  • 7.6 km
    • 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).

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.

John Forrest NP Geotrail - National Park Falls
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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. 

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 of lush marri and jarrah forests, winter waterfalls, native wildlife and vibrant spring wildflowers. Embrace the challenge of the region’s renowned trails from the epic Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, to following the Golden Pipeline on the Kep Track, or delving into a time gone by along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail.

Explore Mundaring
Visit Mundaring

Mundaring Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9290 6100

Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre

(08) 9290 6645

National Parks

Other Links

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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

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

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).

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Hazards & Warnings

Possible rock fall hazard from rail cuttings.

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

Best time of year

All year round, best in spring and autumn

Fees

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

Prohibited Items

No pets

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4 trail goers have rated Railway Reserve Heritage Geotrail, John Forrest NP as 4.25 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.

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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