Jorgensen Park, situated on the old Kalamunda Golf Course, offers the best of both worlds. You can wander across the old fairways exploring as you go or you can take the 2.7km loop Jorgensen Park Walk Trail which incorporates the fairways with bush trails including sections of the Bibbulmun Track. The trail has some inclines but is generally easy going. The track is reasonably wide until you venture on to sections of Bibbulmun where the track narrows down to single use. The trail takes about an hour to complete but may take longer if you stop to admire the stunning views across the Piesse Brook and Helena Valleys.
As with most City of Kalamunda Walks there are detailed trail notes and a trail map including distances available for download. This is highly recommended as often the trail markers have been degraded or removed so notes are very helpful for keeping on track. There are several tracks and trails that intersect this walk so it is wise to have a good idea of where you are heading. When walking on sections of the Bibbulmun Track trail markers are clearly visible and easy to follow.
From the car park head down the fairway keeping the large information sign to your left. Trail markers are small red triangles usually attached to trees. At the end of the fairway keep an eye out for a small clump of balgas (grass trees) on your right. Head to the right of these onto a defined track which will take you past the back of houses and then downhill.
The bush falls away steeply into the valley below with views across to Hummerston Road, recognised from walking the Piesse Brook Interpretive Trail and Schipp Road Walk.
When you come to an intersecting track turn left - the track to the right goes steeply downhill heading towards Schipp Road and Rocky Pool.
When you come across some large boulders on your right (walking anti-clockwise) take the narrow trail towards the rocks and be rewarded with fabulous views across the Piesse Brook Valley.
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Look out for a wooden Bibbulmun Track sign, turn right and follow the narrow track towards a lookout over the Helena Valley.
Continue to follow the Bibbulmun Track until you reach a Kalamunda National Park sign . Here the Bibbulmun descends into the Helena Valley. Leave the Bibbulmun Track here veering left and following the wider trail. It was at this point we saw a lovely red tailed cockatoo.
The trail then heads over a small rocky area and on to the old golf course where you turn right to continue along the main loop trail.
As you hit the fairways again rejoin the marked Bibbulmun Track, turning right at the wooden Bibbulmun Track sign. From here you are in view of the carpark area and you can follow the water course or the fairways back to the car park.
Please take note of the boot cleaners and clean your shoes to prevent the spread of dieback.
During our walk mid-August the yellows, purples and whites of the wildflowers were still in their early stages but nevertheless they put on a show and smelt divine.
Jorgensen Park is located on Crescent Road which runs off Mundaring Weir Road just out of Kalamunda. The car park at the Kalamunda Community Centre has lots of bays. This can be a hotspot for car break ins so make sure to leave valuables at home. A good idea is to open your console and glove box to show that they are empty. This is good practise when on any hike as cars can become a target in known hiking spots.
Picnic benches, barbecues, a small playground and toilet facilities are available at the carpark. Dogs are permitted on the golf course section but should be on lead.
Perhaps extend your visit and explore the Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail, Stirk Park or Kalamunda History Village.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.