One sunny morning with rain forecast we set out to explore the Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail from Burns Beach Road. We regularly pass this trail and look at the dirt road going up the hill and think it looks a little boring but today we discovered that this road is an access road for vehicles and the trail starts on the western side of the Yaberoo Budjara sign. The map at the trail head provides information for this section of trail winding through Neerabup National Park to Hester Avenue, 7.5km each way. The shorter section to Neerabup Road is about 4km or an hours walk each way.
The trail is dual use for walkers and mountain bikers. Initially we were a bit worried about the bikes as they come out of nowhere but as we continued our walk we found most riders call out as they approach. I would still be very cautious with younger children though as they may not get out of the way in time. The track close to Burns Beach Road is used by people walking their dogs on and off lead.
The trail winds through the bush at a gentle incline with views through the trees to Joondalup and Currambine. After about 30 minutes you crest the hill with views over Mindarie and Clarkson and inland across bushy Neerabup. From here the trail tapers downhill for another 30 minutes before you arrive at the side trail to the Neerabup Road exit or if you continue on the main trail you arrive at the bridge underpass under Neerabup Road. The trail continues under the bridge and beyond to Hester Avenue and eventually to Yanchep National Park but after an hour's walk we decided to turn around and head back. There are trailmarkers scattered along the trail and at intersections so the trail is easy to follow.
There are several rather degraded information plaques along the way talking about the limestone and wood that were harvested from this area as well as other history and details of plant life. Do you know that Wanneroo Lime helped to build the new Parliament House in Canberra?
We explored the narrow side trail up to Neerabup Road and came across a gated exit/entrance which appeared to be quite close to the freeway entrance. With no parking along Neerabup Road we couldn't work out who might use this exit.
As we headed back the drizzle started, followed by some heavier falls that left us very wet but luckily it wasn't particularly cold! It was quite enjoyable walking with the rain on our backs but the track did seem to go on forever....usually the return always seems quicker but not today! Luckily we had some sun at the beginning so we were able to enjoy the views!
The bush does vary along the way and being Spring there were splashes of yellow and white flowering bushes with patches of other flowers along the way including some orchids. The rain added to the glossy green of the bush although it didn't take long for the limestone track to form puddles and rivulets when the rain arrived leading to some very soggy feet!
After terrible fires went through this bush in 2000 there are lots of interesting burnt out tree stumps along the way which give you an indication of how ferocious the fire was.
The walk from Burns Beach to Neerabup Road is a good hour each way but if this is too long you could explore the trail for 30 minutes and then return. Because the trail has inclines the return journey offers slightly different views making both directions interesting.
I love the way they have planned this trail to wind in and out rather than making it a straight track as the winding track lends interest. The limestone trails were level and easy to walk on and best of all their pale colour lends itself to snake spotting!
Near the Neerabup Road bridge there were a few man made bumps and side trails for the mountain bikers. The trail is wide enough for the bikers to overtake if you stick to the left.
If you pass under the overpass the trail continues onwards to Quinns Road with an option to detour to the 10th Light Horse Trail.
We really enjoyed this walk and regret not discovering it sooner. Like most trails there are better times of the year than others to walk it. Winter and springtime are probably the best however it was quite shaded so it may be ok in summer except on a really hot day.
There is a small carpark with access from Burns Beach Road or you can park on the verge. There are no toilets but you can access toilets and parking at nearby Windermere Oval...it is only a few extra minutes walk from the trail head but you will have to cross Burns Beach Road.
The 28km Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail follows the ancient Aboriginal migration route between Lake Joondalup and Loch McNess in Yanchep National Park. Later white settlers used part of the track as a stock route.
You can download maps showing the different sections of the Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail from the city of Wanneroo at http://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/info/20058/museums_culture_and_arts/180/yaberoo_budjara_heritage_trail/1
We have also walked the section from Lacey Road to Loch McNess in Yanchep National Park.
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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.