Walyunga National Park and Bells Rapids are both firm favourites and this walk combined the two. Being uncharted territory we joined Off the Beaten Track for a guided hike for this one, setting off at 7.30am from the car park at Bells Rapids (yes it was only just light but at least there was no problem finding a parking space!)
We crossed the Bells Rapids Footbridge and although the water was flowing there were not too many rapids yet - more rain is needed for that to happen. Across the bridge you have the option of turning left to walk along the edge of the river on the River Walk or you can turn right to head up the infamous (and very steep) Goat Track. However today we discovered a third option...turn right immediately alongside the river and look for the Pilgrim Trail markers.
This section of the Salvado (Pilgrim) Trail follows the course of the Swan/Avon Rivers into Walyunga National Park where it diverts north to New Norcia. The trail retraces the steps of Dom Rosendo Salvado, a Spanish Benedictine monk who walked from Perth to establish the Benedictine Monastery at New Norcia. We have come across sections of this trail before while exploring the many beautiful walks along the northern bank of the Swan River.
The trail section between Bells Rapids and Walyunga is about 6 km each way, taking 90 minutes to two hours in each direction. The well marked trail is mostly flat but has sections that are quite rough with rocks, tree roots, fallen trees and muddy patches to negotiate. The narrow trail is single file most of the way with some wider sections.
It was ever so peaceful walking through the bush - the silence only broken by the calling of birds
(and the occasional train trundling past on the track which runs adjacent to the river on the opposite bank!) Sometimes we could hear water rushing over the rocks but mostly the water just streamed silently by. Recent rain has made everything fresh and green. Tranquillity!
There are a few landmarks along the way: old bridge posts, large boulder clusters - one of which sadly has graffiti on it, rock cairns and the river level markers which lead from the path down to the river (9M) but also extend up the hill a considerable distance. They do make you wonder how deep this river used to be!
After crossing into Walyunga National Park you pass what was historically one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth. This area has been used as a meeting place for thousands of years and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century. It is now a registered Aboriginal site.
The trail emerges at the Walyunga Pool car park where there are picnic tables, barbecues and a toilet. The water is not suitable for drinking so make sure you bring plenty from home. A large sign provides details of the various walking trails you can access in the National Park. Off the Beaten Track produced some wonderful herbal tea and a trail mix snack from their backpacks and we enjoyed the peaceful serenity while we ate.
After a rest we followed the Walyunga Heritage Trail (1.6km return) which meanders along the river bank between Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool. This wider trail is well maintained and has interpretive signage along the way explaining Aboriginal myths and legends and the importance of plants and animals to the Nyoongar people, who traditionally camped in this area. This track is generally flat but has some small inclines and a few steps. Sections fall away quite steeply to the river so watch the kids. Along the way you will see the "gates" on the river which are part of the Avon River Descent.
At Boongarup Pool the Avon River and Woorooloo Brook merge to become the Swan River.
You can continue to walk 1.8km (each way) upstream from here to Syd's Rapids. You can also explore the other trails featured in our Walyunga National Park blog including the Kangaroo Trail and Echidna Trail.
Setting off again from Walyunga Pool we retraced our steps downstream to Bells Rapids. This hike took a total of four and a half hours including a rest break and the sidetrip between Walyunga and Boongarup Pools.
The Salvado Trail, formerly known as The Pilgrim Trail® is a 174 km walking trail from Subiaco WA to the Benedictine Monastery town of New Norcia, and the Camino Salvado® is a contemporary pilgrimage which follows The Pilgrim Trail.
This trail can be accessed from either Bells Rapids or Walyunga and both have parking and toilets. Walyunga is a National Park so an entry fee per car applies, dogs are not permitted and the gates close at 5pm.
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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.
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