This short, family friendly walk is just perfect to introduce your kids to nature. Featuring interpretative signage, visiting 'Dwerta Mia' - the 'house of the wild dog' - will give you a unique experience of Australia through the eyes of Aboriginal culture as well as a better understanding of how the limestone environment has formed over hundreds of thousands of years.
The 1 kilometre return Dwerta Mia Walk Trail is one of the many walk trails located within Yanchep National park north of Perth. Yanchep National Park is renowned to be a great family visit providing a unique experience of Australian nature within a thoughtfully programmed and managed environment. It is one of the shortest walks that offers a perfect introduction of nature to your youngsters, and with its flat 500m disabled access circuit that can be accessed from Boomerang Gorge Car Park it is just right for everyone that wants to be out and about. The best season to visit Yanchep National Park is during the autum, winter and spring months. 'Dwerta Mia' is an aboriginal expression for 'the house of the wild dog'. History states that this place was not entered by Aboriginals guiding early European explorers as they believed that the place was not only inhabited by dingos (i.e. wild dogs) but also by evil sprits. The walk can be entered from the Boomerang Gorge (which is also a great picnicking spot) where you walk between impressive cliff formations and amazing greenery, where you can meander through the collapsed cave system. The trail marker is also a boomerang. The Dwerta Mia walktrail enters into Caves walktrail at the end. Even though the trail itself is well signposted once you are on it, please make sure you pick up a map for the national park at the entry station as there are many trails in this area and it might be difficult to locate the start and endpoints of trails.
Start Point: Dwerta Mia Trail can be accessed from Boomerang Gorge Car Park, Yanchep National Park
End Point: Dwerta Mia Trail can be accessed from Boomerang Gorge Car Park, Yanchep National Park
Region: Yanchep National Park, Perth
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Alkimos, Butler, Carramar, Clarkson, Gnangara, Guilderton, Jindalee, Mindarie, Quinns Rocks, Two Rocks, Yanchep
Getting to the trailhead in Yanchep National Park.
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Track grade
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the
AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
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