This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) primarily due to its distance exceeding 20km. The terrain itself is relatively easy and suitable for most abilities. However, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.
Located within the picturesque Perth Hills in Western Australia, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail retraces 59 kilometres of the old Eastern Railway that formerly linked Fremantle to York in the late 1880s. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail begins at Bellevue and forms a 41 km loop at Mt Helena entirely on railway formations, before extending 18 km to Wooroloo Reserve. The trail follows the former Eastern Railway to York; it opened to Chidlow via Mundaring in 1884 and Wooroloo in 1885. A deviation via Parkerville opened in 1896. The Mundaring (Southern) loop closed in 1954 and the main line closed in 1966. It was converted to a rail trail in the 1980s.
The Railway Reserves Trail has three sections:
- The northern section is 19 km and starts in Bellevue, passing through John Forrest National Park, Parkerville and Stoneville, and finishing at Mt Helena
- The southern section is 22 km and starts in Bellevue, passing Darlington, Glen Forrest and Mundaring before joining the northern section at Mt Helena
- The eastern section is 18 km and starts in Mt Helena, passing through Childow and ending in Woorooloo. This section overlaps with the Kep Track
Section Guides
Northern section: Bellevue to Mt Helena (19 km)
The northern section takes you through John Forrest National Park. Take in views of Perth, visit National Park Falls, Hovea Falls or take a diversion along the Eagle View Walk Trail. Home to the Swan View Tunnel, the oldest rail tunnel in WA. Three wooden trestle bridges remain as evidence of the trail’s railway past. Food and drink are available just off the trail in Parkerville and Mt Helena. The only public toilets on this section are in Mt Helena.
Southern section: Bellevue to Mount Helena (22 km)
Starts in Bellevue and is a steady 15 km climb to Mundaring. The gradient is gentle and there are many opportunities to stop for food and drink on the way. Passes through Mundaring Community Sculpture Park on the site of Mundaring Railway Station. The Munda Biddi northern terminus trailhead is also here. Public toilets at Darlington, Glen Forrest and Mundaring.
Eastern section:Â Mount Helena to Woorooloo (22 km)
The northern and southern sections meet at Mt Helena and then continue on a route shared with the Kep Track to Woorooloo. Chidlow Tavern has retained much of its charm, with refurbishments aimed at recapturing the tavern’s origin as a railway station. Detour from the trail to Lake Leschenaultia, where there is a trail around the lake and opportunities for swimming and canoeing.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Bellevue to Wooroloo in Regional Western Australia
19km East of Perth
Compacted earth, Coarse gravel, Fine gravel
Flat and undulating
Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
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.
A Wander out Yonder in WA will make you feel like you’ve truly reset, reconnected and had a real holiday. WA is full of adventures waiting to be discovered. Travel further, stay for longer and explore the wonders only WA can offer. Share the water with wild dolphins, or see the gorges of Kalbarri from a new perspective — in WA there's more in store than you could ever see.
Favourite
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free 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. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
