Starting from the Walyunga Pool Carpark off Walyunga Road, Walyunga National Park, this walk leads to Syd's Rapids and back via the Syd's Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Trail. Walyunga National Park sits on the very rim of the Darling Scarp, and protects nearly 1,800 hectares of virgin bushland and its resident native animals. Just to the east of the park, in the picturesque Avon Valley, the Avon River joins the Brockman River to form the Swan River which passes through the tree lined valley. The Swan-Avon 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 area is a popular location for whitewater rafting and canoeing, and the Avon Descent runs through here over the first weekend of August, with Syd's Rapids being a good spot for spectators. The park is also known for sensational wildflowers in winter and spring. Visit Walyunga National Park after some rain for the most incredible rapids display to complement the rugged valley scenery. The walk to Syd's Rapids is a gentle, mostly flat hike along the river's edge, suitable for first timers and families. The trail reveals the aboriginal myths, stories and traditional uses of the river, landscape and local fauna and flora in this beautiful location. There is ample parking at the main picnic sites, and facilities include toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables. With a combination of beautiful views, national park scenery, an abundance of flora and fauna, cultural history, and a chance for some wildlife spotting, this is a great adventure for the curious hiker. 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.
Getting started From the end of Walyunga Carpark off Walyunga Road(3.30km east of intersection with Great Northern Highway), head along the dirt trail and pass by a bunch of picnic tables to your right, moving parallel to the river(to your right as well). Follow the said trail as it slightly veers right and hugs the river. Stay on the well-formed tail and keep the river to your right to continue along Syd\'s Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Trail.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 100 m back from the start).
After 125 m pass the BBQ (5 m on your left).
After another 65 m turn right.
After another 640 m pass the car park (45 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 15 m head up the surface|gravel steps (about 20 m long)
After another 5 m turn right.
After another 160 m turn right.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 35 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
Continue another 1.7 km to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.7 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Syd's Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Trail
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
5.3 km
Time
1 h to 1 h 30 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
1 h to 1 h 30 min
30 min to 45 min
Toilet: There is one -79 m back from the start.
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After 125 m pass the BBQ (5 m on your left).
After another 640 m pass the car park (45 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 15 m head up the surface|gravel steps (about 20 m long)
After another 35 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
