Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail, Yanchep NP

Yaberoo Budjara means the 'land of the northern people'. The trail route is based on Yellagonga (a significant local Noongar elder at the time of colonial settlement) and his people's movements between Lake Joondalup, Neerabup and Yanchep. The area and the wetlands located here are of special cultural significance to Aboriginal people. As traditonal owners of the land, Aboriginal people have long used these areas to meet, hold ceremonies and to obtain food and water. This trail route was also used as a stock route by early European settlers.  

Follow the distinctive trail markers with a grasstree symbol. The downloadable trail brochure breaks the route into five segments, each with a sketched map and description. Note - Trail section distances have been updated and are listed below:

Section 1 Neil Hawkin's Park to Burns Beach Rd 2.5km one way, allow 1 hour if walking: Leaving the carpark at Neil Hawkin's park, aim for the main lake viewing platform and then follow the pathway north. You'll soon find the trailhead sign, the official start of the trail.  Section one features Lake Joondalup, along with the plant and birdlife of the wetlands. The first trail section is wide, sealed and considered accessible to wheelchairs. Periodically there are park benches for rest stops.

Between Section 1 and 2 you will exit Yellagonga Regional Park and take the concrete footpath along Burns Beach Rd for approximately 800m, then cross into Neerabup NP. There is a small unsealed carpark at the Burns Beach Rd trailhead.

Section 2  Burns Beach Rd to Hester Ave 7.5km one way, allow 4 hours if walking: This is where the crushed limestone trail surface begins, the trail has a remote feel as there are no facilities enroute. This section focuses on the plant life of Neerabup National Park and reveals the changes made by limestone quarrying in the area. Periodically you will reach the top of a limestone ridge with views across to the ocean.  

Section 3 Hester Ave to Romeo Road 7km one way, allow 3 hours if walking: The trail continues in Neerabup National Park through stands of jarrah and sheoak. Then the vegetation changes from low banksia woodland to coastal limestone heath. The trail is mostly crushed limestone and has some eroded and sandy sections.

At Romeo Rd there is an access gate in the fence where you can enter and leave the trail. If you are undertaking this trail over more than one day, this is a convenient exit point, it's close to Butler Train station (approx 2.5km).

Section 4 Romeo Road to Lacey Rd 5.9km one way, allow 3 hours if walking: Wanneroo Rd is close to this trail section which takes you through degraded tuart forest and coastal heath vegetation associated with limestone soils.

Section 5 Lacey Rd to Loch McNess  5.2km one way, allow 3 hours if walking: After Lacey Rd the trail passes close to Pipidinny Swamp and transitions from the last section of Neerabup National Park into Yanchep National Park. This section features tuart and banksia woodland, heath and wetlands along with associated wildlife. NOTE: Dogs are not allowed in this section.