Walyunga National Park

Blessed with rich Indigenous mythology, tree-filled valleys and the cooling waters of the Swan River, Walyunga National Park is the perfect day trip from Perth.

Walyunga National Park covers 1,800 hectares of the Darling Range, tucked behind the Darling Scarp, covering both sides of a steep valley. 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.

Walyunga contains one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth and was still in use by the Nyoongar people late last century. The area has been used as a meeting place for more than 6000 years.Walyunga is an Aboriginal name, but its meaning is uncertain. It could be a term that, roughly translated, means 'happy place'. Local Nyoongar people believe the Swan River was carved by the Waugal, and greet the dreamtime serpent here by rubbing sand on their bodies and throwing it in the water.

The Swan River is the main attraction in the park as it thunders through in winter and meanders by in the drier months, lined with smooth granite boulders. This section of the Swan is characterised by rapids followed by deep pools, and in the park the visitor can experience these attributes at Syd’s Rapids, Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool. The valley floor is home to flooded gums at the river’s edge, while further up the slopes are wandoo woodlands giving way to marri and powderbark on the rises and jarrah on the ridges. The woodland understorey is lovely in the spring when it comes alive with wildflowers.

Pets are not permitted in the park as consideration for the rights of other park users, and to protect native animals. Please click here for further information.

Walyunga National Park is approximately one hour from Perth on sealed roads.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au