Syd's Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail is a 6.4km, grade 1 hike located in the Walyunga National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 2 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
The Syd's Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage walk trails are located where the Walyunga National Park joins the Swan River, 40 kilometres north east of Perth. These family friendly trails provide interpretation on the indigenous history, plants and animals and the history of white water rafting in this beautiful location.
Walyunga National Park lies in the Darling Range, just behind the Darling Scarp. The Swan River runs through the centre of the park, forming a string of placid pools along the valley floor in summer, and a raging torrent with long series of rapids in winter. The latter provides one of Australia's best white water canoeing courses and is part of the annual Avon Descent race each August. The 5.2 kilometre Syd's Rapids trail leaves from Boongarup Pool and is a flat easy walk up to the rapids. Walyunga contains one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been used by regional tribes for more than 6000 years. The easy 1.2-kilometre Aboriginal Heritage Trail meanders along the river bank, between Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool, and allows people to learn about Aboriginal myths and legends and see the park's plants and animals through the eyes of the original inhabitants. The park is also known for sensational wildflowers in winter and spring, abundant native animals and rugged valley scenery which can also be enjoyed on a number of other, longer loop trails It is best to walk this trail in a clockwise direction starting from Walyunga Pool. If you wish to just walk up to Syd's Rapids, you can start from Boongarup Pool. The two trails combined will take just over three hours to complete.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Start Point: Walyunga Pool, Walyunga National Park, 40km (1 hour) north east of Perth
End Point: Walyunga Pool, Walyunga National Park, 40km (1 hour) north east of Perth
Region: Walyunga National Park, Perth
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Gear you might need
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Location
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Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.