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Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP

Bush Walk
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 5.1km
  • Est. time 1-3 hours
  • Return
Today

22°C

22°

20°

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Walyunga National Park lies in the Darling Range, just behind the Darling Scarp.  The Swan River runs through the centre of the park, forming a string of placid pools along the valley floor in summer, and a raging torrent with long series of rapids in winter. The latter provides one of Australia's best white water canoeing courses and is part of the annual Avon Descent race each August.  

Walyunga contains one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been used by regional tribes for more than 6000 years.  

The easy 0.8km (1.6km return) Aboriginal Heritage Trail meanders along the river bank, between Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool, and allows people to learn about Aboriginal heritage and see the park's plants and animals through the eyes of the original inhabitants.

Syd's Rapids continues another 1.75km (3.5km return) along the river from Boongarup Pool to the Rapids and returns by the same path. 

The park is also known for sensational wildflowers in winter and spring, abundant native animals and rugged valley scenery which can also be enjoyed on a number of other, longer loop trails 

Mundaring Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9290 6100

Mundaring Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9290 6100

Visitor Information Centres

National Parks

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Be trail ready for Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP

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

Time / Duration

Up to 3 hours

Length

5.1km

Fees

National Park fees apply

Trail Access

Road 2WD

Trail Start

The trail starts at the Walyunga Pool car park, Walyunga NP 1 hour north east of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

When to go

March to November Walyunga National Park is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm

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).

What To Pack

Prohibited items

No pets or fires are permitted in the National Park

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

Camp bookings are essential https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/walyunga-campground

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Jan 23, 10:26am

22°C

Feels like 22°C

Max 22°

Min 20°

Precipitation: 0%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 7.76km/h S

8-day forecast

Fri

22°

20°

Sat

20°

17°

Sun

22°

20°

Mon

20°

19°

Tue

22°

16°

Wed

23°

18°

Thu

26°

23°

Fri

26°

23°

Weather data provided by:

Complete Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP to earn badges and points!

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Aboriginal Culture

This trail is part of the Aboriginal Culture badge.

2 trail goers have rated Syd’s Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Walyunga NP as 4 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.

Alex V

Reviewed 23 Mar 2024, 12:04pm

Amazing place to go for a walk.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 14 Sep 2022, 10:42am

This is such a great family friendly trail within Walyunga. I love the interpretative panels that provide info about Aboriginal myths and legends and allow visitors to see the park's plants and animals through the eyes of the original inhabitants.

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