10 Best hikes and trails in Walyunga National Park

Best trails in Walyunga National Park

4.2(1,429 reviews)

Australia
:
#82 of 637 national parks

Walyunga National Park is located behind the Darling Scrap in Western Australia. It is crossed by the Swan-Avon River and its rapids, which are surrounded by hills, dolerite areas, forests and bushes that are home to a variety of animals including grey kangaroos, galahs, goannas, magpies and geckos. It is thus a great place to hike and watch wildlife.

One of the main attractions is the Swan River which you can find gently flowing in the warmer months and becoming quite turbulent in the colder months, this makes it a popular spot for water sports and for just lazing by the river and enjoying the serenity.

Walyunga National Park has a rich history of indigenous habitation being a meeting place for well over 6000 years, the name Walyunga has some uncertainty to its true meaning by it is believed to roughly translate to "happy place". The largest indigenous campsite in the Perth region was found here until late last century.

Top picks recommended by trailgoers

This is a lovely trail through Walyunga National Park in outer northern Perth, located near the suburb of Upper Swan, Western Australia. Soak in some stunning views and enjoy the park's beautiful landscape. This route begins from the parking and picnic area off Walyunga Road, by the Avon River. This trail can be done in either direction - the mapped clockwise route offers a gradual climb followed by a steep descent, whereas the anticlockwise route offers a more challenging climb followed...

#2 - Kingfisher Trail

This is an enjoyable trail through Walyunga National Park, located about 35 kilometres northwest of Perth off the Great Northern Highway, Western Australia. The route begins and ends from the parking area off Walyunga Road. Follow the trail along the Avon River up near Jumperkine, where you'll make a loop back to the starting point. The trail is clearly signposted and well-maintained. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead as well as toilets and barbecues.

This is beautiful walk through Walyunga National Park, located on the Great Northern Highway, about 35 kilometres north east of Perth, Western Australia. The route begins and ends from the parking area just off Walyunga Road near Boongarup Pool. Here there is plenty of parking, public toilets, and picnic tables. The trail itself is well maintained and features beautiful views with lots of birds and Kangaroos wandering around. If you prefer to do the steepest sections uphill rather than...

#4 - Syd's Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Trail

The Syd’s Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage walk trails are located where the Walyunga National Park joins the Swan River, 40 kilometres northeast of Perth. Information boards along the route provide information about the area's indigenous history, plants and animals and white water rafting. The Aboriginal Heritage Trail meanders along the river bank, between Walyunga Pool and Boogarup Pool, and allows people to learn about Aboriginal dreamings and see the park's plants and animals through...

#5 - Kangaroo, Kingfisher, Echidna Trail

This is a great trail through the Walyunga National Park in outer metropolitan Perth, located not too far south of Bullsbrook, Western Australia. This looped route begins and ends from the parking area off Walyunga Road near the Swan River. The walk spans creeks amidst granite boulders, wandoo, and marri. There are a few brief, rugged uphills and downhills with excellent views of the river. The track itself is wide and well-maintained. There is plenty of parking, public toilets, and picnic...

#6 - Syds Rapids via Bells Rapids

This is a wonderful hike along the Swan River and the Avon River in Walyunga National Park just a short drive from Perth. The trail has beautiful scenery and gorgeous native wildlife. The route follows the river banks and passes by the notable landmarks of both Bells Rapids and Syds Rapids where at higher flows you can watch rafters and kayakers tackle the swift water. There is parking and public toilets near the trailhead.

#7 - Syd's Rapids, Echidna and Kingfisher Trail

This trail in Walyunga National Park takes you up to Avon Valley. Walking beside the Avon River on the western side of the river; Famous for its history of white water rafting in Western Australia. The track begins from Boongarup Pool. Here there is plenty of parking, public toilets, and picnic tables. The track follows the Avon River before veering off into the park. The scenery along this route is exquisite with plenty of wildlife to spot including echidnas, kangaroos and a variety of...

This is a gorgeous family-friendly walk in Wayunga National Park, following the banks of the Avon River as it becomes the Swan River and heads towards Perth. The walk spans creeks and winds through granite boulders, wandoo, and marri. The track itself is wide and well-maintained. There is plenty of parking, public toilets, and picnic tables near the trailhead. This route is fairly exposed to the sun with little tree cover so coming prepared with adequate sun protection and plenty of water...

#9 - Jolly Scotsman Loop

This is a peaceful trail through the Walyunga National Park, located about 40 kilometres northeast of the centre of Perth, Western Australia. The route offers some fantastic views and has a steady incline that will get your heart rate up. The track begins and ends from Walyunga Road, on the park border. Along the way, there is plenty of wildlife to see including kangaroos and numerous bird species. It's a good idea to download the map for this one and keep your eye on the GPS to ensure...

#10 - Westrail Maintenance Road and Wooroloo Brook Loop

Showing results 1–10 of 14

Explore more trails

Visitor info

Passes & fees

Fee required

Walyunga National Park charges a fee to enter.

Get details from the park

Trail reviews for Walyunga National Park

1,724 trailgoers Busiest in July

Vic NG

Feb 1, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditions

Echidna Trail Review – Walyunga National Park I recently tackled the Echidna Trail at Walyunga National Park, and it was an unforgettable adventure—perfect for the 60+ hiking community and solo hikers alike! I covered 10.6 km in 3 hours and 15 minutes, with temperatures soaring between 35°C and 38°C. Despite the heat, the trail delivered an exhilarating mix of natural beauty and physical challenge. Trail Highlights: Well-Marked Path: The trail is clearly signposted, making navigation straightforward—ideal for solo hikers who prefer the freedom of hiking without worry. Challenging Yet Rewarding: A balanced mix of moderate climbs and flat sections keeps the hike engaging without being too demanding. It’s a solid workout with just the right amount of intensity. Stunning Scenery: The trail offers breathtaking views of rugged bushland, granite outcrops, and the picturesque Swan River, making every step worthwhile. Good-to-Know Facts: Blistering Heat: I faced peak temps of 38°C, so come well-prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Starting early is key to avoiding the midday heat. Park Fees: Entry is AUD 17.00 per vehicle, payable at the park entrance. Time Restrictions: Gates close at 5 PM, and cars cannot be left overnight. Plan your hike with enough buffer time to avoid a last-minute rush. Final Thoughts: The Echidna Trail is also must-do for anyone seeking a well-marked, scenic, and moderately challenging hike. It’s especially great for solo adventurers and active 60+ hikers. Just be heat-smart, pace yourself, and enjoy the incredible landscapes Walyunga has to offer! Please follow me on my YouTube channel for more adventures: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdwrsRTN-XGGUbTuzbm3Po5RpGfe7j3qg&si=M0KYippx9EBMoAAd

Difficulty: Easy

Echidna Loop

E S

Aug 15, 2025•Walking

August/ September is a great time of the year to do this walk as the water was flowing and alot of the native trees were flowering. I recommend doing the hike clockwise. It's a steady incline looking out over the Walyunga NP followed by a rapid decline overlooking the Avon River and you finish the walk along the river. The views were gorgeous the whole way around.

Conditions: Great!

Echidna Loop

Rachel Treeby

Sep 19, 2024

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Beautiful well marked trail. We went anti-clockwise to get the steep part over and done with, much more gradual descent on the return half of the loop going that way. Water flowing at Syd’s Rapids, lots of birds and wildflowers around. We were the first ones in the car park at 845 on Thursday morning and didn’t see anyone until we’d almost finished. Took us 2.5hrs with some pausing for photos and a quick snack half way. Highly recommend Walyunga NP.

Echidna Trail

Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Walyunga National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Walyunga National Park is Echidna Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 480 reviews. This trail is 6.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,108 ft.

What is the longest trail in Walyunga National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Walyunga National Park is Syds Rapids via Bells Rapids. This trail is estimated to be 9.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Walyunga National Park?

There are 14 trails in Walyunga National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 1,429 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Walyunga National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Walyunga National Park has you covered. Wooroloo Brook Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 1,528 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Kangaroo, Kingfisher, Echidna Trail, which will get you 1,177 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Walyunga National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 running trails in Walyunga National Park and the most popular is Echidna Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 479 community reviews.