Whiteman Park is a photographer's delight and these three trails are sure to provide inspiration. Coupled with interesting interp from your guide and the company of like-minded women, this walk will make for a lovely day out exploring. Great for beginners, photographers, regular walkers, or those who just want to get outdoors and enjoy exploring somewhere different.
Join us in exploring three diverse trails (10km in total) within Whiteman Park where the biodiversity is extraordinary. We take a meander through this special and unique bushland which occurs nowhere else in the world. It has evolved and flourished in a very challenging environment. The park takes its name from Mr Lew Whiteman (1903-1994) who purchased land in the area in 1939 for the purpose of grazing cattle, before developing the popular picnic spot of Mussel Pool in the 1960’s.
The park was created between 1977 and 1990 by the State Government after purchasing landholdings from numerous owners, to protect the Gnangara Water Mound, a vital source of drinking water for Perth and to create a haven for local flora and fauna. It officially opened in 1986.
We explore the ‘Wunanga Bush Trail’, meaning quiet or peaceful in the local Aboriginal language, We wander through beautiful landscapes of banksia woodland and ephemeral
wetlands, home to over 600 species of flora and fauna. Black-gloved Wallabies and Quendas find the thick vegetation a perfect hiding place. There are ten species of frogs so lookout for
the distinctive sounds of the motorbike frog or moaning frog as we cross Bennett Brook. The pink summer starflower blooms all year round and there are orchids emerging from the
undergrowth.
After enjoying a cuppa at the Village Café we will explore the ‘Goo-Loorto Bush Trail’, meaning a species of Eucalypt, taking us along the western side of the Bennett Brook which
was excavated in the 1940’s for grazing. We pass large Freshwater Paperbarks and a grove of Golden Wreath Wattles.
Our final wander along the ‘Werillyiup Bush Trail’, meaning a swampy place, takes us around Horse Swamp, named by the early settlers as escaped horses were often found grazing here. We explore the bird hide looking for Black Swans, Ibis, Spoonbills and Red-legged Stilts. Climbing the lookout gives us a birds-eye view of this wetland wonderland.
You may wish to stay on a while after our walk is over and visit the Motor Museum, Tractor Museum, Revolutions Transport Museum, take a ride on the train or even stop in for a visit to the Caversham Wildlife Park.
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Location
Please note map locations and route are approximate only Includes
Adventurous Women ® Guide
Interpretation
Photos of your day
Excludes
Transport
Morning Tea & Lunch
What To Bring/Wear
- Hat & Sunscreen
- Water - 2 Litres minimum
- Comfy Walking Shoes
- Cash/Card for morning tea at the cafe in Whiteman Park
- BYO Lunch
