
York Cycle Rides - The Heron’s Highway


Details for trail on a map
Trail Start
Get directionsSuspension bridge, Avon Park, York. Approximately 100 kilometres and 1 hour plus from Perth.
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Cyclists dismount. Have fun and a fantastic view of the river as you sashay and sway across! This is a replica of the first suspension bridge erected in 1888 nearer to the current South Street roadbridge. Photo: Karina Leonhardt
Turn left into Newcastle Street or you may choose to do the Cemetery loop by going straight ahead into Pool street.
Turn towards the river and you can meander along the east bank, retracing your steps to either cross at the ford in summertime or continue the Heron's Highway via Newcastle street.
Photo: Karina Leonhardt
To get to the next riverside section of the trail, turn left at Cowan Street. You may also choose to return via Cardwell and Lincoln streets, visiting the cemetery en route.
Your route takes you along the riverbank and emerges at the corner of Newcastle and Lewis streets, you can turn left for a scenic circular route of the hills or return down Newcastle st.
Take a rest at Candice Bateman Memorial Park, then return via Newcastle st. or take the cemetery loop.
Return to the suspension bridge via Mount and Pool sts.

Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.
Learn moreAbout York Cycle Rides - The Heron’s Highway
A quiet, easy ride suitable for families, both leisure cyclists and mountain bikers on dual use (walkers and cyclists) dirt and gravel riverside tracks and the quiet back roads of York.
Loops of varying distance from 2.6 kilometres to 7 kilometres can be ridden singly or combined. Starting from the suspension bridge in Avon Park, past a cluster of heritage buildings the trail meanders beside the Avon River. It emerges onto bitumen roads that provide gentle slopes and scenic views of Walwaling (Mt. Bakewell) and Wongborel (Mt. Brown).
Candice Bateman Memorial Park is a great place for a rest stop or picnic with facilities and play equipment. You can take a loop past the York Cemetery with its imposing C19th High Victorian Gothic sculptural monuments or return along Newcastle street to the suspension bridge and Avon Park.
York is just over an hour’s drive from Perth through beautiful bush and rolling farmland and has several linking walk and cycle trails that you can mix and match to suit yourself.
York Visitor Centre
(08) 9641 1301
- info@york.wa.gov.au
- Visit website
- York Town Hall, 81 Avon Tce, York WA 6302
Other Links
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Trail map
Map and further information
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Wikipedia York
Further information about York's heritage places
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InHerit
State Heritage Office database of heritage places
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Residency Museum
Further information about York's history, including convicts
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Trove Newspapers
Online resource from National Library of Australia
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Experience Perth
Comprehensive information on the Perth region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.
Be trail ready for York Cycle Rides - The Heron’s Highway
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
1-3 hours
Length
Loops of varying distance from 2.6km to 7km
What To Pack
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.
What To Pack
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities)
- Full large water bottle per person.
- Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant.
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions (See suggestions below).
- Binoculars and camera (optional).
Trail Start
Suspension bridge, Avon Park, York. Approximately 100 kilometres and 1 hour plus from Perth.
Trail End
Mountain Bike
Easiest
Likely to be a fire road or wide single track with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and free of obstacles. Frequent encounters are likely with other cyclists, walkers, runners and horse riders. For beginner/novice cyclists in good health with basic bike skills. Suitable for most bikes.
Difficulty Notes
Hazards & Warnings
Cyclists dismount when crossing the suspension bridge, - it swings! Optional ford crossing in summer months only (usually passable from October to April ) cyclists dismount as surface is rocky and unstable. Beware snakes in summer months.Facilities
There are public toilets, picnic facilities, water and play equipment for children in Avon Park (the other side of the suspension bridge) and Candice Bateman Memorial Park.Parking is in Janet Millett Lane or near Avon Park. There is a fenced, dog off-lead exercise area adjacent to Candice Bateman Memorial Park.
- Car Park
- Dog Friendly
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
- Water Access Points
Best time of year
All year round. Temperatures can be hot during January and February.
Fees
Trail Access
Road


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