This new 7.9km trail has been developed as a shorter option to the 15km Eagle View Walk Trail and replaces the Christmas Tree Creek Trail which has been closed.
The trail starts at Jane Brook where you cross the brook at the little weir next to the nature playground. The trail then veers left, passing under the railway bridge and follows the brook to National Falls.
The trail is shared with mountain bike riders for a very short section before their trail heads off to the right. The Noolbenger Off Road Cycle Trail is another new addition to John Forrest National Park. It pays to be aware of the new bike trail as the Little Eagle Walk Trail intersects it on a number of occasions and you need to be on the lookout for the bikes but also know not to follow the trail markers with the noolbenger on a banksia.
Take some time to explore National Park Falls before resuming the trail as it climbs gently with some stairs and rocky sections. You can track your progress from the Railway Reserve Heritage Trail on the opposite side of the valley - we were looking for the position of the Swan View Tunnel and thought we had it only to discover it much further along.
As you crest the ridge there are views back along the valley to National Falls which look more impressive from afar than they did close up as you can see that they actually fall quite some distance. You can also see the location of the Swan View Tunnel on the far side of the valley. The new trail is higher than the old trail so affords better views back up the valley. It is at this scenic point that the new trail crosses the old trail.
The trail veers to the right and there are several masses of large granite boulders with views across the Coastal Plain to the CBD in the distance.
A little further along is the Eagle View Lookout - a lovely place to sit for a while and enjoy the view.
Soon after this the Little Eagle Walk Trail veers from the Eagle View Walk Trail and heads east. Once again there is a lovely view up the valley to National Park Falls in the distance.
The trail meanders gently through lovely wandoo forest and then descends into the valley with a number of stream crossings (rock hopping) before a gentle climb and another intersection with the Noolbenger Off Road Cycle Trail as you head down into another valley, following the stream for a while.
The trail intersects the fire trail that is the Wildflower Walk after about 5km and you can choose to turn right and head back towards Jane Brook for a shorter hike or continue left along the fire break trail and then onto a narrow windy trail through the bush emerging opposite Hovea Falls. There are side trails if you wish to go closer to Hovea Falls before returning to the main trail which then emerges onto the Railway Reserve Heritage Trail for the return to the picnic area.
The trail took us longer than we had anticipated so being pressed for time we headed along the shortcut to the picnic area after walking just over 2 hours. Following the Wildflower Walk could take another hour - we had done the Wildflower Walk at this time (early August) the year before. The trail is listed as difficult and you can certainly feel the climb in your legs! It is well marked and easy to follow but is a hike not a walk!
There were a few orchids about and a few early blooming wildflowers but compared to the year previously the wildflower season is arriving late.
Back at the main Jane Brook picnic area take some time to explore the heritage fairy houses, nature playground, information panels and the lovely brook as it meanders along. There are barbecues, picnic benches and toilets here. There is plenty of parking but it does get busy on weekends. Entry to John Forrest National Park is currently $17 per car or you can buy an Annual Parks Pass.
There are several other walks and hikes in John Forrest National Park:
To read more blogs go to:
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.
Comments