Northcliffe Forest Park Walk (500m)

Several trails twist through the Northcliffe Forest Park, linking up, then disappearing again into the forest. Pack a picnic lunch or something to barbecue and make the most of the facilities that have been provided in this natural setting.

Several trails twist through the Northcliffe Forest Park, linking up, then disappearing again into the forest. To get there by car, follow the signs from the townsite or walk from opposite the town shops. The park was developed by the Northcliffe community, which wanted to share this special forest with you. Pack a picnic lunch or something to barbecue and make the most of the facilities that have been provided in this natural setting. (This park is managed by the Northcliffe Visitor Centre on behalf of the community). Twin Karri (500 metres - easy)nThis short walk loop starts at the Hollow Butt Karri just near the picnic spot and leads you through thick karri forest including two huge Karri trees situated just next to each other. There is much to see here; look up at the towering trees soaring into the sky. Look down to see the delicate wild flowers peeping up from the forestfloor in spring. And look around at the thick understorey which provides hidden homes for many forest animals. Walk in the opposite direction from the start point and you can walk through 1.4km of forest, to link up with the Town Dam Walk Trail. Stop at the Halfway Hut to catch your breath or just enjoy the forest peace. Town Dam (500 metres - easy)nMake your way to the tranquil picnic spot at the town dam, by following the roadnpast Hollow Butt Karri, and then along the GaRoadener River. Ducks are often seennswimming on the dam, which was built as a town water supply but never used,ndue to poor water quality. From here the walk loop leads you through mixed jarrah, marri and karri forest.nWatch for banksias and sheoak trees as well as old logs, felled in the groupnsettlement days. Rather than return to the dam, continue along the main track tonthe Bardi Creek Trail or the Riverway Adventure Trail. Bardi Creek (800m - easy to moderate)nThrough the coastal swamp vegetation, this trail will take you back to town. Innwinter, take care as you use the stepping stones to cross Bardi Creek, and innsummer watch for flashes of colour from the bright red bottlebrush. Riverway Adventure Trail (600m - challenging)nBranching off the main track, this trail - as the name suggests - is morenchallenging. You can set out from either the Acacia or Casuarina Picnic Areas onnAcacia Road and scramble down steep slopes into the GaRoadner River valley.nAfter crossing the fallen logs and log bridges, the trail leads you away from thenriver back to Acacia Road. In spring, colourful wildflowers carpet the forest floor.nLook for a huge karri tree which has a lightning-burn scar down its trunk.