Eagle View Walk (16km)

The Eagle View Walk is a 16-kilometre, grade 4 hike that takes you through the heart of John Forrest National Park in Western Australia. It’s a well-loved route for bushwalkers, offering a mix of challenging terrain and stunning views. This circuit typically takes around four hours to complete, though the time can vary depending on your pace and how much you stop to take in the surroundings.

As you walk, you'll be treated to expansive views over the Swan Coastal Plain, with Perth city on the horizon and the ocean stretching out in the distance. The trail offers a deep connection to nature, passing through a range of habitats that are a haven for local wildlife. In spring, the path comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, making it a particularly beautiful time to visit. The hike also takes you past several picturesque waterfalls, adding a serene touch to the landscape.

John Forrest National Park, located in the Darling Ranges, is Western Australia's oldest national park. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a perfect backdrop for the Eagle View Walk, which leads you through a variety of vegetation types. From heathlands and open wandoo woodlands to the mixed jarrah-marri-wandoo forest, the trail showcases the richness of the region’s flora.

The hike begins away from the picnic areas, following Jane Brook as it winds down the valley. As you continue, the trail ascends the valley wall, where you can stop to take in a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. From there, the path undulates through valleys, creek lines, and rolling hills, making for a dynamic and engaging walk. Eventually, the trail loops back toward the brook, guiding you back to the main visitor area. Along the way, signs placed every two kilometres help you keep track of your progress, showing both how far you’ve come and how much further you have to go.

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to rest, Hovea Falls is a lovely place for a picnic, especially when the water is flowing. The Eagle View Walk can be tackled in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, each offering its own perspective of the park. While the trail is more challenging than others in the area, the rewards are well worth the effort. With a bit of planning, you can expect to complete the hike in about four and a half to seven hours, depending on your fitness level and how much time you spend enjoying the scenery.

The trailhead sign is located just across the brook, roughly 100 metres from the registration point. As you walk, you'll be guided by yellow triangle markers, each featuring the silhouette of an eagle. These markers are generally easy to spot, though there may be fewer of them when the trail overlaps with other paths.