This 11 kilometre loop trail in Walyunga National Park initially follows the Avon River, passing by Syd's Rapid, before it ascends steeply to the western side of the river. It passes through marri and wandoo woodland, before offering good views of the Avon Valley from Woodsome Hill.
The track is rocky and involves some steep gravel ascents and descents. In late winter and spring there are abundant wildflowers. The trail is marked with black footprints and is best walked in an anticlockwise direction. Walyunga National Park covers 1,800 hectares of the Darling Range, tucked behind the Darling Scarp, covering both sides of a steep valley. Just to the east of the park, in the picturesque Avon Valley, the Avon River joins the Brockman River to form the Swan River which passes through the tree lined valley. Walyunga contains one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century.
The area has been used as a meeting place for more than 6000 years. Walyunga is an Aboriginal name, but its meaning is uncertain. Local Noongar people believe the Swan River was carved by the Waugal, and greet the dreamtime serpent here by rubbing sand on their bodies and throwing it in the water.The Swan River is the main attraction in the park as it thunders through in winter and meanders by in the drier months, lined with smooth granite boulders.
The Echinda trail starts beside the lower pool in Walyunga and follows the river past Syd's Rapids. It then ascends steeply to Woodsome Hill from where there are excellent views of the Avon Valley. It passes through heathlands with hakeas, grevilleas, verticordias, hibbertias and triggerplants. Although the animals except for kangaroos are elusive during the day, there is a myriad of birdlife including galahs, parrots, black-faced cuckoo shrikes, thornbills and fantails. The trail is best walked anticlockwise, so as to avoid a slippery and steep descent. Its marker is a black footprint.
Courtesy of Trails WA
Meet with our Adventurous Women ® ™ Guide at 9.00 am - In the First Carpark at Waylunga Pool.
(Walyunga NP is 35km north east of Perth)
We will commence the walk at no later than 9.30am after intro's etc and finish around 2pm (approx) so please be punctual for the commencement of the walk and ensure that you don't need to rush off at 2pm, should the walk run over time for any reason.
Please allow sufficient time for parking in case the area is busy.
Distance: 11k Loop Trail
Terrain: Gravel tracks with some very steep descents on unsteady surfaces which make it more suited to experienced walkers - Graded Medium to Hard
● Swan River / Syd's Rapids
● Interesting Aboriginal History
● Abundant Birdlife
● Stunning views over the Avon Valley
● Heathlands with hakeas, grevilleas, verticordias, hibbertias & triggerplants.
Experienced Bush Walking Guide
Comprehensive First Aid Kit, Insurances & PLB
Yummy Home-Made Morning Tea prepared by our resident AW Chef
Photo's of your day on the trail
Transport To/From Waylunga National Park
Lunch (BYO)
National Park Entry Fee - If you wish to carpool, please contact us and we'll put you in touch with others
- Day Pack (With rain cover or garbage bag to keep everything dry in case of rain)
- Lunch & Snacks
- Plenty of Water (3 litres)
- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & insect repellent
- Clothing suitable for hiking & weather conditions
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- Hiking poles (optional)
Less than 48 hours notice or no show - No Refund
