Racetrack is a 1.7km, grade 1 hike located in the Racecourse Flora Reserve, Western Australia. The hike should take around 45 mins to complete.
Hike overview
The Racetrack is a 1.7 kilometre loop walk on Racecourse Flora Reserve near Mullalyup. This flora reserve is a significant area of protected bushland, virtually an island in a sea of farmland. The site includes the no longer used racetrack, hence its name. This is a good circuit to walk the dog.
Racecourse Flora Reserve is situated between the towns of Mullalyup and Balingup, approximately 2.5 kilometers northwest of Balingup. In 1999 the Balingup community identified bushland considered worthy of protection in three adjoining reserves. These reserves contained abundant flora and areas of conservation value. The reserves included the site of the old racetrack and gymkhana ground. The three reserves are now amalgamated and vested with the Shire of Donnyrook-Balingup as a reserve for the purpose of conservation and recreation. The reserve (approx 108 ha) is an island of bushland surrounded by cleared land. It straddles the Mullalyup Brook/Balingup divide and is underlaid by the Kirup Conglomerate, a geological formation uncommon in the area. While some areas within the reserve are degraded from previous activities, many areas are in very good condition. The Balingup Friends of the Forest, with the help of supporters and the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, continue to both protect the high conservation value bush and restore degraded areas. In Spring, the reserve becomes a blaze of colour, with an amazing abundance and diversity of wildflowers. Each week of spring sees change until early December. Banksia grandis (Bull Banksia) is one of the last plants to flower, with its wonderful bright yellow candles, which then form into the well-known Banksia 'see’ or 'nut’. A copy of the herbarium for the reserve is held by the Balingup Friends of the Forest. The herbarium contains photocopies of the plants identified on the reserve, along with their botanical names.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
Start Point: Racecourse reserve is on South West Highway, 2.5km north of Balingup which is 230km (2.5 hours) south of Perth
End Point: Racecourse reserve is on South West Highway, 2.5km north of Balingup which is 230km (2.5 hours) south of Perth
Region: Racecourse Flora Reserve, South West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Racecourse Flora Reserve is situated between the towns of Mullalyup and Balingup, approximately 2.5 kilometers northwest of Balingup. In 1999 the Balingup community identified bushland considered worthy of protection in three adjoining reserves. These reserves contained abundant flora and areas of conservation value. The reserves included the site of the old racetrack and gymkhana ground. The three reserves are now amalgamated and vested with the Shire of Donnyrook-Balingup as a reserve for the purpose of conservation and recreation.
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Gear to consider

My planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
The HiiKER app helps you to find 1,000’s of the best bushwalking and hiking adventures, with reviews, photos, and great places to stay. I’m excited to have partnered with HiiKER to offer members of Trail hiking Australia Community an exclusive deal to help you get outdoors with extra confidence with premium mapping, planning and tracking features. Claim your offer here.
Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.