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Railway Reserve Heritage Geotrail, John Forrest NP

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

18°C

22°

16°

Part of John Forrest National Park network

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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. 

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

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 May 13, 9:28am

18°C

Feels like 17°C

Max 22°

Min 16°

Precipitation: 0%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 5.66km/h N

8-day forecast

Wed

22°

16°

Thu

20°

17°

Fri

19°

17°

Sat

19°

17°

Sun

19°

17°

Mon

19°

18°

Tue

19°

16°

Wed

20°

17°

Weather data provided by:

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4 trail goers have rated this trail 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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