Summary

Whether you’re training for a seriously steep overseas trek a la Kokoda or Kilimanjaro or just want to complete the best mountain climb close to Melbourne, the Mount Donna Buang Walking Track is for you.

Donna Buang boasts enough natural beauty in its own right to guarantee it is a bushwalking gem that can be done at a leisurely pace. However, shooting up 1170-vertical metres in 9km, the Track comes into its own as a hill training venue.

Located only an hour (80km) from Melbourne’s CBD, the sheer slopes of the mountain deliver an ascent profile that gets lungs bursting and thighs burning, making it prime training ground, especially for hikers heading to Kokoda in Papua New Guinea or to overseas mountain summits. Indeed, Donna Buang’s jungle-like environment make it the perfect Kokoda preparation.

Those tackling its length rise up through towering mountain ash and ancient myrtle beech trees, pushing on into a dense rainforest jungle populated by gigantic tree ferns. The trail reaches Mount Victoria before nearing Donna’s summit (1245m), the prior saddle featuring a mystic atmosphere, especially when the mist rolls in, as it often does.

The finale is stepping up the viewing tower, a 21m rise that on a clear day delivers views across the Upper Yarra Valley.

For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton

Getting there

From Melbourne City to Yarra Valley (via Eastlink Tollway) – Make your way onto the Eastern Freeway and travel towards Ringwood. The Eastern Freeway turns into the Eastlink Toolway after Springvale Road. If you have an Eastlink or Citylink pass, continue on the Eastlink Tollway and go through the Mullum Mullum tunnel – make sure to stay in the left lane as the turnoff is straight after the tunnel ends. Turn left after exiting the tunnel towards Ringwood. Turn left onto the Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale. Once past Lilydale, turn right at the Warburton Highway turnoff to explore the Warburton Valley. Pass through the villages of the Warburton Valley, arriving at Warburton, about 40km from Lilydale. The Donna Buang walk can be commenced from anywhere within the Warburton township, and is reached by walking up Martyr Road, beside the golf course.

By Public Transport Public Transport Victoria has regular trains heading to Lilydale Station. From Lilydale Station, catch a Martyrs bus to travel to Warburton .

About the region

With the Yarra River meandering through the town, lined with gorgeous trees and numerous parks, Warburton offers a relaxing experience. The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail begins here. Warburton is where it all begins. Just one hour from Melbourne, the Warburton Valley is life at nature’s pace. Always green, Warburton is where the Yarra River runs clear.

Tips

Best completed in summer and shoulder season; muddy, slippery, potentially snowbound and difficult going in winter; car shuffle required if walking one way.

For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton

Alternative Trail

For an easier, shorter walk that does not require a car shuffle, drive to the summit car park. Walk back along the trail towards Mt Victoria, eventually popping out on Mount Donna Buang Rd. Walk roadside uphill for approximately 1km until you reach the 10 Mile Picnic Area. Pick up the linking trail at the rear of the car park taking you back on to the main Donna Buang Walking Track you came down on. Walk back to the summit. Approximately 6km.

For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton

Summary

Lesmurdie Falls located in the Lesmurdie Falls National Park in the hills east of Perth, are one of the more spectacular waterfalls on the Darling Range escarpment. The trail starts at the top of the falls with a short walk to the viewing platform. For a longer walk follow the trail to the base of the falls where the lush vegetation grows.

This walk is particularly recommended in winter and spring when the rains swell Lesmurdie Brook which tumbles over the Darling Range Escarpment. Walking down the hill, the trail follows the brook until it reaches a bridge at the top of the falls. A lookout allows you to view the falls and, on a clear day, the flat land of the coastal plain sweeps the eye out over Perth city to Rottnest Island on the western horizon. If you’re feeling energetic, follow the trail down to the Picnic Area at the base of the hills. From here a short trail leads to the base of the falls. This is more like a waterfall in New Zealand than in Perth and is quite unique to the region.  The lush vegetation grows where the bubbling brook hits the base of the waterfall. The climb back up the hill to return to the Car Park is steep but short. Enjoy morning tea or lunch in the near by Kalamunda Village.

Notes

Start Point: Lesmurdie Falls Car Park, 22km (30 minutes) east of Perth

End Point: Lesmurdie Falls Car Park, 22km (30 minutes) east of Perth

Region: Perth Hills, Perth

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

This 11 kilometre rail trail follows a former tramway from the Balmoral POW Camp to Mundlimup Timber Trails. It is part of the Munda Biddi Trail. The trail is easy and accessible to both walkers and mountain bikers.

The Balmoral Trail starts or finishes at the Jarrahdale World War II POW Camp. The trail goes through bushland and some farmland. Along the way the trail passes a log loading ramp and several “shield trees””. These shield trees have numbers carved into them and were used by foresters in the 1920s as a grid reference system.nSignage describes its operation and explains the ruins that remain. At one point the rail formation crosses a private farm. Stiles have been provided to allow access across the farm

Notes

Start Point: Balmoral POW camp, Balmoral Road, East of Jarrahdale (70kms or 1 hour from Perth)

End Point: Jarrahdale Road

Region: Balmoral POW Camp, Perth

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

A moderately easy short walk to a lookout, 175 metres above sea level, in the East Fitzgerald National Park.  The lookout offers views to the many peaks of the park.

Sepulcralis means “of the tomb”” and the weeping gum found along this trail

Notes

Start Point: Hamersley Drive, East Fitzgerlald River National Park, 600km (7hours) south of Perth

End Point: Hamersley Drive, East Fitzgerlald River National Park, 600km (7hours) south of Perth

Region: East Fitzgerald National Park, Golden Outback

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

The 16 kilometre return Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail is one of the beautiful walks accessible from the historic town of Jarrahdale.  An hour’s drive south west of Perth, Jarrahdale is an ideal day trip for a walk and lunch at the winery or one of the cafes.

Originally a timber mill town in 1872, with the last mill closing in 1997, Jarrahdale is now a historic town using its jarrah trees for tourism instead of logging. Kitty’s Gorge Trail follows the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook. Along the way, it passes impressive granite outcrops and the Brook’s many waterfalls. It has steep loose sections and uneven ground and requires a degree of fitness. It can be accessed from either the Car Park opposite the cemetary in Jarrahdale or from the Falls Car Park in the Serpentine National Park. If walking from the township of Jarrahdale include the short loop of Stacey’s Track. While in the area, why not try one of the many other walking trails.  They range from short ambles to longer challenging trails, more details and maps can be found in the “Walks Around Jarrahdale” booklet and CD which is available at Visitor Centres or outlets in Jarrahdale for $9.50. In addition

Notes

Start Point: Car Park opposite the cemetary in Jarrahdale 60km (1 hour) south of Perth

End Point: Car Park opposite the cemetary in Jarrahdale 60km (1 hour) south of Perth

Region: Serpentine National Park, Perth

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

The Ngank Yira Bidi is a 9.4km walk on Rottnest Island,  an A- Class reserve,  situated just 18km off of the coast of Western Australia. The walk boasts impressive ocean, coastal and inland views. Interpretational signage compliments the trail; telling the underlying tales of Rottnest’s past, present and future.

Ngank Yira Bidi is part of the greater Rottnest Island ‘Wadjemup Bidi’. The trail is a major new recreation and conservation initiative that will be implemented in sections over a six year timeframe, which started in July 2013. It involves the construction of a ~45km network of trails that will provide an exploratory narrative of the Island’s environment, connecting you with the beautiful natural features, abundance of wildlife and rich cultural history that the island has to offer. There will be five primary walks linking facets of the islands diversity. The alignment of the trail was designed to allow walkers to hop on and off of the Islands bus services between sections. Ngank Yira Bidi explores many significant historic military sites as well as diverse landscapes from coastal headlands and bays, to woodlands and inland lakes. Ngank Yira Bidi starts in The Settlement, Thompson Bay (where the ferry arrives at the main jetty) and meanders through the south west corner of the Island through Bickley Battery and up to Oliver Hill. Traversing the Defense Heritage Trail out at Kingstown, the walk ventures west towaRoads the picturesque Henrietta Rocks, where there is an old ship wreck that is easily accessible from shore. The Henrietta Rocks beach access structure, installed in 2012, gives easy access to walkers and beach goers and acts as a perfect vantage point to view the striking turquoise surrounding ocean and the snorkelers exploring around the wreck.nAt this point the walk continues on along the beach and then takes a inland turn heading north into the centre of the Island. You will pass the Rottnest Island air strip and arrive at the beautiful Serpentine Salt Lake where you can expect to experience a diverse range of Birdlife, both resident and migratory. The peaceful walk along the lakes edge will take you up to Oliver Hill, where you can explore the 9.2inch WoRoad War II gun. There are Rottnest Voluntary Guides on duty 364 days of the year; for a small fee guides can lead you through the underground tunnels, divulging the mesmerizing history that the deep dark depths of the shafts contain. After you have completed your tour, or had a spot of lunch taking in the 360 degrees view, you may wish to relax on your journey back to the Settlement on the Rottnest Island train “Captain Hussey”” (check the train schedule before you leave the settlement

Notes

Start Point: Rottnest Island Fuel Jetty (70 metres south of Visitors Centre), Rottnest Island, 18km from Western Australia Mainland.

End Point: Oliver Hill, H2 (WWII Gun) Plotting Room, Rottnest Island.

Region: Rottnest Island, Perth

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

Set amongst an impressive landscape of natural bushland, a sea of wheat fields, rocky outcrops and 1300 wildflower species, this is a spectacular walk, especially in Spring. Drive out via New Norcia and make a day of it.

Starting at the interpretive trailhead in the Car Park, make your way up the rocky stairs onto the flat hill of Mt Matilda, the highest peak within the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. The trail has two loops to choose from. The 4.8km “Gimlet Gully Flora Loop”” features a yellow marker with a Bird symbol while the longer 7km loop follows a yellow marker with a thorny devil. Both trails venture to the western side of the mesa to take in the views of wheat and Lake Hinds. Highlights include the views at speakers chair

Notes

Start Point: Mount Matilda Car Park, Mount Matilda Nature Reserve, Wongan Hills which is 180km (2.5 hours) north east of Perth

End Point: Mount Matilda Car Park, Mount Matilda Nature Reserve, Wongan Hills which is 180km (2.5 hours) north east of Perth

Region: Wongan Hills, Golden Outback

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

Yardie Creek Walk Trail is a two kilometre walk overlooking the ancient Yardie Creek gorge. With amazing views of red limestone cliff faces and the opportunity to see a wonderful array of Birds and wildlife, including the rare black-footed wallaby, euros and red kangaroos. From the top, the views into the creek and out to the Ningaloo Reef are purely spectacular.

A 500 metre (½ hour return) walk meanders above the gorge’s vertical red rock walls, overlooking Yardie Creek. It is initially an easy walk but becomes more difficult as you ascend the range. If you wish to add a further 1.5 kilometres (1½ hours return) to this walk, follow the track that leads from the end of the Yardie Creek Walk. The Yardie Creek walk trail is located in the spectacular Yardie Creek gorge, one hour’s drive from Exmouth, Western Australia. Starting at river level the trail slowly climbs up the red rock cliffs of the gorge, becoming more difficult as you ascend the Range; however the views into the gorge are well worth the effort. Centuries of erosion have formed a spectacular multi-coloured gorge. Hidden within the safety of the gorge walls is a colony of black-footed rock wallabies. These timid creatures seek shelter on ledges along the gorge walls resting during daylight hours,coming out to feed in the cool of the night. Yardie is the only gorge in the area with permanent water however this is salt water fed from the ocean. This interesting ecosystem has mangrove areas that provide roosting sites for many Bird species while the sheltered waters are a sanctuary for many marine animals. The beginnings of the gorge are deep in the limestone range.  Milyering, the National Park Visitor Centre features interpretive displays, audio-visual facilities and a library containing a wealth of information on the National and Marine Parks to help visitors appreciate the natural environment. National Park rangers are on site to assist with enquiries. The Department of Parks and Wildlife runs a daily gorge tour called Yardie Creek Gorge Tours. The tour takes 1 hour and is recommended tour. The times vary due to the tides.

Notes

Start Point: Yardie Creek Car Park, Cape Range National Park, 90km (1 hour) drive from Exmouth on a sealed road, which is 1300km (16.5 hours) north of Perth

End Point: Yardie Creek Car Park, Cape Range National Park, 90km (1 hour) drive from Exmouth on a sealed road, which is 1300km (16.5 hours) north of Perth

Region: Cape Range National Park, Coral Coast

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

Summary

For the fit and adventurous the Hancock Gorge Trail is one of the most spectacular short trails in Western Australia.  Whilst it’s a short 400 metres return,  suggested time to take on this trail is 80 minutes which gives a clue to its Class 5 level.

From the trailhead, this challenging hike starts easily enough to the edge of the gorge. You then decend a series of solid metal ladders to the gorge floor. From there you wade through cold pools, negotiate rock ledges on the gorge walls and clamber through stony creek beds. Along the way, the steep gorge walls are imposing and there are amazing colours and textures in the finer detail. The gorge soon dramatically narrows and that is where the really tricky part of the Class 5 section comes into play. To continue you need a degree of flexibility and nerve by doing what is called the “spider walk”” (where you stretch your arms and legs out to straddle the gap and move along the walls) . After getting through that

Notes

Start Point: Weano Gorge Car Park, Karijini Visitor Centre is 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth

End Point: Weano Gorge Car Park, Karijini Visitor Centre is 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth

Region: Karijini National Park, North West

For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.