Starting from the main car park near the John Forrest Tavern off Park Road, Hovea, this walk takes you through John Forrest National Park, the oldest national park in WA. As you walk along Railway Reserve Heritage Trail, you'll learn about the old railway line that is no longer operational, including the Swan View Tunnel and Old Hovea Train Station. There are also the beautiful National Park Falls, which are in their full glory after regular rainfall, especially during the springtime when the bushland is carpeted with a rich tapestry of native wildflowers. For the tunnel, you'll need a torch because it's very dark, and some boots if it has been raining, as the tunnel can become quite wet and muddy. The visitor area contains barbecue, picnic and toilet facilities and cultivated gardens of native plants. Visit the John Forrest Tavern near the visitor area to enjoy a cold beverage and a nice meal after a day of exploring the park. Famous for more than just a place to grab some food and drinks, the tavern is a great place to meet some kangaroos that always hang around in the garden. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn left onto Park Road and drive for another 800 m
Keep left and drive for another 340 m
Turn slight left and drive for another 30 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started Starting from the Ranger’s Office near John Forrest Wildflower Tavern(off Park Road), head towards the creek crossing along the paved road as you pass by the roundabout to your left, moving directly away from the Ranger’s Office. Cross the creek using the wide bridge, then veer right. Shortly after veering right, turn left and head towards the wide fire trail(Railway Reserves Heritage Trail - North Loop) as you move directly away from the creek. Turn left and join the said trail(now keeping the creek to your left) to continue along Swan View Tunnel and National Park Falls Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 50 m back from the start).
After another 70 m continue straight, to head along Eagle View Track.
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
Continue straight, to head along Eagle View Track.
After another 45 m turn left, to head along Eagle View Track.
After another 20 m (at the intersection of Railway Reserves Heritage Trail (North Loop) & Eagle View Track) turn left, to head along Railway Reserves Heritage Trail (North Loop).
After another 110 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
After another 130 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
After another 95 m pass the sign (on your left).
After another 6 m continue straight, to head along Railway Reserves Heritage Trail (North Loop).
After another 340 m continue straight, to head along Railway Reserves Heritage Trail (North Loop).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional little side trip takes you to the a bridge overlooking the Jane Brook Creek. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 340 m continue straight, to head along Railway Reserves Heritage Trail (North Loop).
After another 305 m pass the sign (10 m on your right).
Then pass a seat (10 m on your right)., has no backrest.
After another 710 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
After another 30 m pass a seat (6 m on your right)., has no backrest.
After another 330 m continue straight.
After another 105 m head through the Swan View Tunnel (about 345 m long)
Continue another 300 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.2 km to get back to the start.
This optional little side trip takes you to the a bridge overlooking the Jane Brook Creek.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 30 m head through the bicycle barrier.
After another 15 m cross the bridge
After another 15 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 60 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Swan View Tunnel and National Park Falls
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
6.4 km
Time
1 h 45 min to 3 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one -39 m back from the start.
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.1 km apart with the largest gap of 4.3 km.
Bushwalk
1 h 45 min to 3 h
45 min to 1 h 30 min
Toilet: There is one -39 m back from the start.
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.1 km apart with the largest gap of 4.3 km.
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After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 130 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
After another 105 m head through the Swan View Tunnel (about 345 m long)
After 30 m head through the bicycle barrier.
