With winter rains filling the rivers it’s no wonder that everyone is keen to get out and explore our National Parks that lie to the East of the metro area. However, they may be a victim of their own popularity with many parks experiencing epic amounts of tourists lately. Another option that is not so crowded is Walyunga National Park.
Walyunga is located 35km from the CBD in between Bullsbrook and the very popular Bell’s Rapids. Once in the park, there are two main car parks. The first, Walyunga Pool is the nicer, and more popular, picnic spot. With its abundance of picnic tables and BBQs it’s a great spot for lunch right on the river and has a handy toilet block in the car park.
As this spot is downstream from the kayak slalom course you will see many kayakers going past too. There is a walking trail leading from this picnic area upstream to the slalom course and beyond to Boongarup pool (1.6km round trip). This is the shortest walk trail but is quite hilly and has a few steps that may be hard to navigate with a pram.
The second car park, at Boongarup Pool also has toilets and picnic facilities but it is perched high on a hill so it doesn’t enjoy the same views, there are a few picnic tables down the hill by the river though. The main advantage of this car park is that it is closer to Syd’s Rapids, and easy 3.5km round trip. This path is very flat and pram friendly, our 3-year-old had no problems with it. In winter the Avon River flows very fast through the rapids. Sitting on a rock watching the river is very relaxing (and a great way to get your teens off their phones as there’s no phone reception!!).
Entry to the park is at the end of Walyunga Road (just off Great Northern Highway), a day pass to enter is $15 per car (up to 12 people) and can be used at other parks on the same day. All the roads and car parks are sealed so no 4WD needed. There is a small campground but all campers must pre-book.
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