Wandoo Forest in John Forrest National Park Credit Jamie Wright

TRAILS IMPROVEMENTS IN JOHN FORREST NATIONAL PARK

September 19, 2023

We acknowledge the Wadjuk people of the Noongar nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands of the John Forrest National Park.

Western Australia’s first national park, the John Forrest National Park in Mundaring, is receiving some long-anticipated upgrades and attention with a series of projects designed to bring its facilities up to a higher standard to improve the visitor experience of this popular national park.

The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is improving both the walk and cycle trail experiences. Work has also commenced on a complete facelift to facilities such as roads, car parks, picnic facilities, toilets, café and function centre.

Work is under way to transform John Forest National Park with $6.3 million allocated in the recent State Budget, $8.4 million from an election commitment and $2.5 million from the WA Recovery Plan, totaling a $17.2 million investment by the Government.

Walk Trails

The park’s upgraded trail network will include trails that are suitable for most ages, fitness levels and abilities. The works improve trail sustainability, safety and the walking experience.

Work is now complete on 10km of new class 3 and 4 hiking trails. This work includes construction of a new Little Eagle walk trail, extension and upgrades to Glen Brook walk trail and permanently realigns and upgrades sections of the Eagle View and Wildflower walk trails. The Jane Brook Promenade loop has been sealed to provide access for all.

Eagle View Walk Trail

Considered by many to be the showcase trail in the park, a good level of fitness is required to tackle this trail. Walkers should also expect uneven, loose and slippery surfaces along the 14.8km length as it traverses the park. Discover serene and less-explored areas of the park, enjoy the spectacular views over the coastal plain and distant city CBD. As the name of the trail suggests you may well be rewarded with sightings of soaring wedge-tail eagles. Allow at least 5 hours to complete this trail.

Little Eagle

The new 8km Little Eagle hiking loop is shorter than the popular Eagle View trail, allowing visitors to experience new areas of the park including the spectacular views over the Jane Brook catchment and weave their way through impressive wandoo woodlands and jarrah forest. Keep an eye out for wildflower displays in the late winter and spring months. Allow at least 3 hours to complete this trail.

Glen Brook Walk Trail

The original Glen Brook trail follows the seasonal Brook up the valley to the Dam. Work has now been completed on a 2.6km extension to the trail which increases the total length to 4.4km. The extension trail climbs into the headwaters of the Brook where you can explore picturesque gullies and impressive granite outcrops. Walk this moderately difficult trail in an anti-clockwise direction and expect to take 2 hours.

Jane Brook Promenade

Meander along the quaint rock lined paths around the Jane brook weir. The path is paved and suitable for prams and wheelchairs. This the easiest loop trail in John Forest at 300m, allow 30 minutes.

National Park Falls Walk Trail

This trail runs along the Jane Brook to the National Park Falls and follows the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail back to the picnic area. Walk this easy 1km loop trail in an anti-clockwise direction and allow about an hour.

Wildflower Walk Trail

There are some short, steep sections, and some rough surfaces, along this moderately difficult trail but it is well worth walking the trail, particularly in spring, as the diversity and colour of the many wildflowers are showcased along this trail. The trail is 4.6 km, allow 2 hours.

All New Gallery

Eagle View trail in JFNP Photo credit Jamie Wright

A bridge across Glen Brook Credit Jamie Wright

Other recent work completed includes the sealing of the Jane Brook Promenade loop and upgrades to the Glen Brook trail including new steps, foot bridges and drainage which will reduce long term maintenance.

Artist’s impression of Park Hub and Jane Brook

Cycle Trails

Work continues on 16km of new off-road cycling adventure trail to be opened by the end of 2023, with 11km of trail currently constructed. Off-road cycling is increasing in popularity and the new off-road cycling trail will capitalise on this growing user market and give people yet another reason to visit John Forrest National Park.

The new and improved trails will provide an intuitive trail network within the national park that can be enjoyed by a range of trail users.

Noolbenger Off-Road Cycle Trail

The Noolbenger has been designed as shared use Cycle and Trail Running trail, walkers are not encouraged due to the speed of the riders.

There are 3 options on this Easy/Green rated trail;

Option 1 – Full loop – 16km

Option 2 – North loop utilising the Railway Heritage Trail – 10.6km

Option 3 – South loop utilising the Railway Heritage Trail – 9.2km

This cross-country style Off-Road Cycle trail traverses a wide variety of terrain with scenic vistas, granite outcrops and seasonal brooks. This trail is not technically challenging however, a good level of fitness is required for some long climbs and descents. Surfaces may be uneven, loose and slippery at times. Riders may encounter small rollable obstacles and technical trail features. The trail is due for completion late 2023.

The Heritage Rail Trail Tunnel – Life of Py Trail construction in JFNP

Railway Reserves Heritage Trail

Utilising the old railway easement, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is classified as a White grade, easiest, trail suitable for families and beginners. But you should still be fit, the trail is a 41km loop the retraces the old Eastern Railway that formerly linked York to Fremantle in the late 1880’s.

Six kilometres of the trail passes through the national park and is a shared use trail that can be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists, although cyclists should give way to walkers.

The Swan View Tunnel, Hovea Falls and National Park Falls are connected by the trail.

Scenic Drive

Visitors should be aware that Scenic Drive will be closed from late September 2023 with park entry via the main Park Road entrance for the duration of construction.

Visit Work begins on transformation of WA’s first national park | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (dbca.wa.gov.au) for up-to-date information.

TRAILS IMPROVEMENTS IN JOHN FORREST NATIONAL PARK

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