2005044 hills forest magpaper - Department of Environment and ...

A guide to thePerth hillsRich heritage awaits thosewho head for the hillsThe national parks, regional parksand State forests of the hills areaeast of Perth draw hundreds ofthousands of visitors every year.People head for the hills to enjoymany tourism and recreationactivities such as picnics, bushwalking,mountain biking, horse riding,canoeing and whitewater rafting.These experiences are set against aserene backdrop of forests, deepriver valleys, granite outcrops,waterfalls and a wonderfullydiverse range of native flora andfauna — all on the spectacularDarling Scarp and Darling Range.The State Government created fivenew national parks in the Perth hillsarea in 2004, part of an initiative toadd more than 500,000 hectares toWestern Australia's conservationestate. The new parks in the Perthhills have been created under stillto be formalised names:• Wandoo National Park;• Helena National Park;• Pickering Brook National Park;• Mundaring National Park; and• Canning National Park.The parks add to an existingnetwork of eight national parks inCALM’s Perth Hills District, in whichthe land and its environmentalassets are set aside for conservationand public recreation. No timberharvesting is allowed in the parks.There are also four regional parksnear Chidlow, Kalamunda, Kelmscottand Wungong. Regional parks —areas which have conservation,recreation and landscape valueswith regional significance — includea number of recreation sitesmanaged by local governments.Added to this are thousands ofhectares of State forest in thePerth hills that provide a variety ofrecreation activities.Look inside to find out how youcan enjoy this rich environmentalheritage on Perth’s doorstep orcontact CALM.Where to find us…Perth Hills District Headquarters51 Mundaring Weir RoadMundaring WA 6073Ph: (08) 9295 1955Fax: (08) 9295 2404Dwellingup Work CentreBanksiadale RoadDwellingup WA 6213Ph: (08) 9538 1078Fax: (08) 9538 1203CALM’s State OperationalHeadquartersTechnology ParkWestern Precinct17 Dick Perry AvenueKensington WA 6151Ph: (08) 9334 0333Perth Hills National Parks CentreAllen RoadMundaring WA 6073Ph: (08) 9295 2244Fax: (08) 9295 3247www.naturebase.net

Healthy parks, healthy peopleGoing bush for good healthWhen was the last time you escapedthe hustle and bustle of modern citylife for a relaxing visit to one of themagnificent national parks on Perth'sdoorstep?If you do it often, the chances are yourhealth will benefit. There's a growingbody of evidence worldwide thatestablishes a strong positive linkbetween people visiting parks and theirphysical and mental health. In turn,healthy individuals contribute to ahealthy community.There's something for everyone in thePerth hills. Relax under a shady tree inone of the many well-equippedrecreation sites, tackle the network oftracks and trails spanning the nationalparks and forests, or take a closer lookat nature through a broad range ofeducational activities offered by CALM.Those with a special interest can evenvolunteer to help look after our naturalbush and all that lives there. Howhealthy is that?Of course, national parks also have apositive impact on all of us byimproving air quality, reducing erosion,delivering clean drinking water andcontributing to clean waterways.So, wherever you look, national parksare about good health. Make your nextbreak a healthy one and head for thebush!Perth Hills National Parks CentrePerth’s hills area has 10 national parks that are anatural playground of waterfalls, shady picnic areas,panoramic lookouts, campgrounds, cycle trails andscenic walks of every length and difficulty.With so many locations and things to do, how can youget information on the best places to visit with yourfamily and friends?The new Perth Hills National Parks Centre is the answer.Open seven days a week from May 2006, the centre isonly 40 minutes from Perth and has information onall of the national parks in the Perth Hills area.Located at the ‘hub’ of the Perth Hills near MundaringWeir, there are plenty of other things to do at theNational Parks Centre. Terrific interpretive displaysinside the visitors’ building will give you an insightinto the beauty and biodiversity of a jarrah forest.You can experience the forest by walking one of theseveral walk trails available. The world famousBibbulmun Track passes right through the middle ofthe Perth Hills National Parks Centre and cyclists canalso get easy access to the Munda Biddi Trail.If you need a map, forgot your hat or water bottle orneed to buy someone a unique present, the shop has avariety of products. You can buy a coffee or cold drinkto enjoy while you peruse the displays or relax in thenatural surrounds.Don’t rush off after having a quick look around, asthere are other interesting attractions. Experiencebeautiful evenings in the forest by staying at one ofthe centre’s two campgrounds or the Djaril-Mari YHA,catch a movie at the Kookaburra Outdoor Cinemafrom November to April or have something to eat anddrink at the historic Mundaring Weir Hotel orLavender Path tearooms.The Perth Hills National Parks Centre is located onAllen Rd (off Mundaring Weir Rd), 7 km south ofMundaring. Follow the signs from Mundaring orKalamunda.Further information is available fromwww.naturebase.net, or call CALM’s helpful staff on9295 2244.Above and right The new Perth HillsNational Parks Centre makes itstransition from being a staff home toa refurbished facility at Mundaring.Writer: Don ScottManaging Editors: Caris Bailey, Sue McKenna andRhianna KingDesign and production: Gooitzen van der MeerPublished by the Department of Conservationand Land Management February 2006www.naturebase.net2

Rich flora display makes hills a biodiversity hotspotThe bush of the Darling Range comes alive in asea of colour as a multitude of native shrubsand trees burst into flower from late winter toearly spring.This is a great time to use the network of bushtracks and trails to get up close to the floweringplants.In all, there are believed to be between 1700and 2000 native species growing in the hills.Between 40 and 50 of these are endemic to thearea (they don’t grow anywhere else).You might see Darling Range ghost gumsgrowing five to 10 m tall from the cracks of thegranite outcrops, the beautiful granite pixie mopshrub (Petrophile biloba) with heads of pinkflowers in late spring or the candle cranberryshrub (Astroloma foliosum) with bursts of red,black and green flowers in late winter.Those wanting tall timber can head to LanePoole Reserve where the wetter climate seestaller jarrah and blackbutt trees proliferate. Thenthere are the gnarled wandoo trees that providea haven for birds in Wandoo National Park andin other areas east of the Darling Scarp.The people of Perth are fortunate to have suchrich biodiversity on their doorstep.The entire area west of an imaginary linebetween Geraldton and Esperance has beenrecognised internationally as one of 34biodiversity hotspots in the world.More recently, the Perth hills area, encompassingthe Darling Scarp and adjoining Darling Rangesurrounding jarrah forests, has been recognisednationally as a hotspot within a hotspot. Thisreflects the enormous plant diversity found here,arising from a unique combination of soils andclimates.The escarpment is an overlap area betweenthe sandy coastal plain and thelaterites that support the jarrahforests. It is common to find 50 or60 plant species in a 100 squaremetre area, then many differentplants in a block nearby.Rainfall is higher near the scarp,increasing as you go south in thePerth hills, but drops awayrapidly as you head northand east. So, the hillsrepresent the southern,northern or eastern reachesof many species.Surprisingly, many Wheatbelt speciessuch as ferns encroach onto the scarp, beingable to endure arid summers on the numerousgranite outcrops.Tuning in to the forest‘Listening’ to the land as you movethrough the hills area can help you gainappreciation for Aboriginal culture.Aboriginal people believe the land canguide those who ‘listen’ to the land andconnect with it by taking the time tostop, relax and soak in the environment.To the Nyoongar people, the Perth hillsarea is of deep cultural significance andcontains many sites that must not bedisturbed.The granite outcrops you will see dottedthroughout the hills and valleys are ofparticular significance, with some listedas Aboriginal Heritage Sites. Many ofthese have deep spiritual significance tothe Nyoongar people. Not all of themare heritage sites, but they are allconnected in Aboriginal culture.There are also many places in thenational parks where Nyoongar peopletraditionally made tools. The removal ofartifacts such as spearheads andgrinding stones from such places, or anyother form of damage to designatedAboriginal Heritage Sites, can exposeyou to heavy penalties.There are many opportunities for you tolearn more about Aboriginal culture.The Hills Forest Discovery Centre inMundaring houses CALM’s Nearer toNature and EcoEducation programs.Phone 9295 2244 or emailn2n@calm.wa.gov.au for details.CALM's Indigenous Heritage Unit alsoruns Sharing the Dreaming indoor andoutdoor courses for groups. Bookingscan be made on 9334 0564 or by email(deniseg@calm.wa.gov.au).Indigenous cultural programs fortourists and students are also run inother parts of the State, including atYanchep National Park.Western Shieldoutfoxes predatorsWoylies, quendas, chuditch, quokkas, western brushwallabies and brush-tailed phascogales…these are all unique WA marsupialsthat are being given a better thanfighting chance in the Perth hillsarea through CALM's world-classWestern Shield program.Pioneered in 1994, Western Shieldis an aggressive native faunarecovery strategy involving aerial andground baiting to control introducedpredators such as European red foxes and feral cats.It also involves breeding endangered species in captivityand translocating animals to areas where their numbershave dwindled.The baits are laced with 1080 poison, a substance that occursnaturally in the native poison pea plant and to which ournative animals are highly tolerant, unlike the predators.Western Shield is a direct response to the enormous decline innative mammals across Australia since European arrival.Foxes and cats have already contributed to the extinction of10 native mammal species and many others are threatened.Brush tailed phascogaleThe program extends across 3.7 million haof conservation land from WA'sSouth Coast to the BurrupPeninsula in the north, and hasdelivered significant successwith the woylie, quenda andthe tammar wallaby, which havebeen removed from the endangeredspecies list in recent years.Tammar wallabyWestern Shield is most effectivein protecting animals in the 35gm to 8 kg weight range — thosehunted by foxes. However, the battle isongoing and always difficult.3

Avon Valley areaAvon Valley National ParkAvon Valley National Park is a 4500-ha reserveand features forests and granite outcrops,panoramic views over the Avon Valley, and thechance to see a wide variety of wildflowers,birds and wildlife. The Avon River flows inwinter and spring over spectacular rapids.Where is it? 80 km north-east of Perth viaToodyay Road. Turn left onto Morangup Roadand left onto Quarry Road. A self-registrationentry station is located near this point.Travelling time: 1 hr from Perth.Fees: Entry and camping fees apply.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking,canoeing, wildlife observation, and bushcamping (by arrangement with the parkranger).Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), shaded picnic areas, toilets.Best seasons: Autumn, winter, spring.Major sites within the park: Bald Hill, ValleyCampsite, Homestead Campsite, Cec BarrowsCampsite (group camping only).Walyunga National ParkWalyunga National Park is almost 1800 ha insize and it is here that the Avon River becomesthe Swan River, running through the centre ofthe park. The valley sides show outcrops ofgranite with the occasional darker doleriteshowing. The vegetation within the park variesfrom flooded gums on the valley floor to areasof wandoo, marri, powderbark and jarrah. Thepark was once the location of one of the largestAboriginal camps near Perth and was still usedby the Nyoongar people in the late 1800s.Where is it? 40 km north-east of Perth alongthe Great Northern Highway.Travelling time: 1 hr from Perth.Fees: Entry and camping fees apply.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking, canoeing,wildlife observation and bush camping (byarrangement with the park ranger).Facilities: Gas barbecues, shaded picnic areas,toilets, walktrails.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Major sites within the park: Boongarrup Pool,Walyunga Pool.Walktrails within the park: Echidna Trail –10.6 km, Kangaroo Trail – 4 km,Kingfisher Trail – 8.5 km, Syd’s Rapids – 5.2 km.Mundaring/Kalamunda areaCanning National ParkLocated between Brookton Highway and theCanning Reservoir this 2500-ha park is mainlyjarrah forest and forms an important watercatchment area for the reservoir. CanningNational Park has high conservation values asmany flora and fauna species are located withinits boundaries and adjacent areas. Included inthe park is the Boulder Rock picnic area.LesleyWhere is it? 47 km from Perth along BrooktonHighway.Travelling time: 1 hr.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking, wildlifeobservation.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), toilet, picnic area.Best season: Late autumn, winter and spring.Gooseberry Hill National ParkThis hilly, 33-ha reserve has magnificent viewsof the Swan Coastal Plain. A one-way scenicdrive, known as the Zig-Zag, leads downhillthrough the park and provides amazingphotography and birdwatching opportunities.Zig-ZagWhere is it? 16 km from Perth. Take GooseberryHill Road, turn left into Williams Street/LascellesParade.Travelling time: 30 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Photography, birdwatching, scenicdrive or walk down the Zig-Zag.Facilities: None.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Statham’s QuarryWhere is it? 18 km from Perth. Turn onto ScottStreet (off Great Eastern Highway) and then leftinto Helena Valley Road and right into RidgehillRoad.Travelling time: 30 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Photography, birdwatching,abseiling/rock climbing (authorised groups only).Facilities: Toilets.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Greenmount National ParkA 56-ha park of marri, jarrah and wandoo foreston the slope of Greenmount Hill, overlookingPerth and the Swan Coastal Plain.Mountain QuarryWhere is it? 16 km from Perth. Turn onto ScottStreet (off Great Eastern Highway) and then leftonto Coulston Road.Travelling time: 30 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Photography, birdwatching,abseiling/rock climbing (authorised groups only).Facilities: Toilets.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Greenmount LookoutWhere is it? Padbury Road. Turn ontoDarlington Road (off Great Eastern Highway)and then onto Oxley Road and Padbury Road.Travelling time: 30 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Photography, birdwatching.Facilities: None.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Helena National ParkLocated to the east of Lake C Y O’Connor, this8000-ha park includes the popular recreationsite of Mount Dale, which provides 360-degreeviews over State forest and national park areas.The Bibbulmun Track travels through the park asit heads south towards Albany.Mount DaleWhere is it? Follow Brookton Highway fromKelmscott for 47 km. Turn left into AshendonRoad and then turn right into Dale Road (6 km).Follow Dale Road to Mount Dale.Travelling time: 1 hr 20 min.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking, wildlifeobservation.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), toilet, picnic area, wildlife viewing hide.Best season: Late autumn, winter and spring.John Forrest National ParkOriginally declared as a conservation reserve in1898, John Forrest is WA’s oldest national park.The visitor area contains a tavern and tearooms,cultivated gardens of native plants and a barbecuearea. The rest of the park is largely undevelopedand is home to a variety of plant communitiesand wildlife. Several walktrails run throughvarious parts of the park including the RailwayReserve Heritage Trail, which follows thealignment of the old railway line to York. Visitorscan walk through the only railway tunnel in WA— the Swan View Tunnel. The Eagle View WalkTrail is a 15-km bushwalking circuit that leads tosome of the park’s less explored areas.Mahogany Creek and Jane Brook run throughthe valley in John Forrest, providing spectacularwaterfalls during winter and early spring. Thetwo main waterfalls are Hovea Falls andNational Park Falls.Where is it? 26 km east of Perth via the GreatEastern Highway through Midland.Travelling time: 30 min from Perth.Fees: Entry fees apply.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking, wildlifeobservation, photography, mountain bike riding(Railway Reserve Heritage Trail).Facilities: Electric barbecues, toilets, water, kiosk.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.4

Kalamunda National ParkKalamunda National Park is 375-ha and isnotable for its diversity of plants and animals.Piesse Brook runs through the park and the slopesof the valley are covered with open woodland ofjarrah, marri, wandoo and buttergum.Where is it? 25 km east of Perth. FromKalamunda take Mundaring Weir Road, then turnonto Hummerston Road and Schipp Road.Travelling time: 40 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, wildlife observation,photography.Facilities: None.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Lesmurdie Falls National ParkThe Lesmurdie Brook flows through the centre ofthe park and tumbles over the sheer face of theDarling Scarp to fall 50 m to the coastal plain. Inwinter the waterfalls pour over the stream’sgranite bedrock.Where is it? 22 km east of Perth via WelshpoolRoad. Turn left into Falls Road from LesmurdieRoad.Travelling time: 30 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, wildlife observation,photography, picnicking.Facilities: Barbecues, toilets, water.Best seasons: All year.Pickering Brook National ParkLocated around the townsites of Karragullen andPickering Brook, this 6000-ha park is popular forbushwalking. The Munda Biddi Trail and theKattamorda Heritage Trail travel through partsof this park.Where is it? Canning Road and Pickering BrookRoad, Pickering Brook.Travelling time: 45 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, mountain bikeriding.Facilities: None.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.Mundaring National ParkSituated to the west of Mundaring Weir Road inthe Shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring, this3000-ha park includes the popular recreationsites of Fred Jacoby Park, North Ledge, FarrellGrove and South Ledge. Golden View lookout,located at South Ledge, provides panoramicviews over Lake C Y O’Connor, the Helena RiverValley and the Mundaring Weir.Fred Jacoby ParkThis landscaped park is planted with trees frommany parts of the world, including one of thelargest English oak trees in WA. The park ispopular for family gatherings and weddings.Where is it? 37 km from Perth on MundaringWeir Road.Travelling time: 45 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking, wildlifeobservation, photography.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), shaded picnic areas, toilets.Best seasons: All year.South LedgeThe South Ledge picnic area is surrounded byjarrah forest and a short walktrail leads to theGolden View lookout which provides spectacularviews over the Helena Valley, Lake C Y O’Connorand Mundaring Weir.Where is it? 40 km from Perth on MundaringWeir Road.Travelling time: 1 hr from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking, wildlifeobservation, photography.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), shaded picnic areas, toilets, on-siteinterpretation.Best seasons: All year.Mundaring Weir Road picnic sitesAlong Mundaring Weir Road between Mundaringand Kalamunda are several small picnic sites setamong the jarrah forest. These sites includePimelia Mycumbene, Grevillea Mycumbene, NorthLedge, Farrell Grove, Gungin Gully and The Dell.Travelling time: 1 hr from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking, wildlifeobservation, photography.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), shaded picnic areas, toilets.Best seasons: Autumn, winter and spring.The Hills Forest Discovery CentreLocated in Mundaring National Park is The HillsForest Discovery Centre — home to CALM’spopular Nearer to Nature and EcoEducationprograms. Nearer to Nature providesopportunities for locals and visitors to take partin unique, engaging guided activities at a rangeof natural environments in and around Perth,including The Hills Forest Discovery Centre.Where is it? Allen Road, Mundaring. TakeMundaring Weir Road from Mundaring andAllen Road is on the left at the roundaboutabout 6 km from Mundaring.Travelling time: 45 min from Perth.Fees: Apply to guided activities and camping.What to do: Guided activities, camping,bushwalking, picnicking, wildlife observation,photography.Facilities: Toilets.Best seasons: All year.Weir View WalkThis 2 km walktrail starts at The Hills ForestDiscovery Centre and takes you through amixture of jarrah and marri forests, with someareas of wandoo woodland. The trail leads to asmall viewing platform overlooking Lake C YO’Connor and the Mundaring Weir. The walktakes around one hour to complete.The Hills Forest Discovery Centre CampgroundLocated adjacent to the discovery centre, thiscampground has been designed to cater for allgroups of people. The sites are set among jarrahand marri trees and provide a sense of being inthe forest. The campground kitchen has electricbarbecues, power, water and fridge. Bookingsare required for the campground and can bemade through the office at The Hills ForestDiscovery Centre.Patens Brook CampsitePatens Brook Campsite is a walk-in onlycampsite because it is located within a DiseaseRisk Area. A 5 km walk through jarrah and marriforest leads you to the campsite, which is setalongside a small winter flowing creek. Thiscampsite is for use by groups only and bookingsare required. Bookings can be made through theoffice at The Hills Forest Discovery Centre.Wandoo National ParkSituated between Great Southern Highway andBrookton Highway this 44,000-ha national parkfeatures areas of wandoo forest and graniteoutcrops. The Mount Observation RecreationSite is situated off Great Southern Highwayabout 80 km from Perth via The Lakes.Mount ObservationWhere is it? 80 km from Perth along the GreatEastern Highway to The Lakes, then along GreatSouthern Highway. Turn right at the signs onCatchment Road and follow the gravel road forabout 1.5 km.Traveling time: 90 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking, picnicking, wildlifeobservation, photography.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), shaded picnic areas, wildlife viewinghide, toilets.Best seasons: Late autumn, winter and spring.Serpentine/Jarrahdale areaSerpentine National ParkSerpentine National Park is on the DarlingScarp, the western edge of a huge, titledancient plateau. Past weathering has resulted indistinct landscapes of lateritic uplands, minorand major valleys, and abrupt scarps. TheSerpentine River contributes to the landscapewith the steep slopes of the river valley andgranite outcrops giving rise to the uniquefeature of the park, the Serpentine Falls. Inwinter, the river rushes down a sheer graniteface, polished by past rushing water, cascading15 m into the rock pool below.Where is it? 26 km south of Armadale. TakeSouth West Highway from Armadale and turnleft onto Falls Road.Travelling time: 1 hr and 15 min from Perth.Fees: Entry fees apply.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking, wildlifeobservation.Facilities: Gas barbecues, toilets.Best seasons: Spring for wildflowers, winterfor the waterfall.Walktrails in the park: Kitty’s Gorge Walktrail– 11 km return, takes 5 hr.Kitty’s Gorge WalktrailNamed after a cow called Kitty, which wanderedaway from home and was found months laterbeside the gorge, the trail begins at the falls’ carpark. A short, steep climb leads to an easy walkalong the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brookinto Kitty’s Gorge. A series of markers (pineposts with orange triangles) should be followed.Early into the walk, Spencer’s Mud Cottage, aheritage building, originally built by thepioneering Spencer family, can be seen. Once inKitty’s Gorge, there is a series of waterfallsleading to the gauging station and weir.Highlights of the walk are the granite outcropplant communities in the gorge, and the jarrahforest.5

Baldwins Bluff Nature Trail — 6 km return,takes 2 hr.The walk begins behind the toilet block in thefalls picnic area. A medium level of fitness isrequired, as a steep gravel track has to beovercome to reach the top of the bluff. Theascent of the hill sees the vegetation changefrom redgum forest to wandoo with a variety ofbird life including twenty-eights, western king(red-capped) parrots and splendid fairy wrens.At the top of the hill, the path turns right pastgranite outcrops. At the summit, spectacularviews of the Serpentine Falls and a vast area ofthe park can be enjoyed.Christmas Tree WellThis is a shady picnic area, with large paperbarktrees and clumps of the Christmas tree (Nuytsiafloribunda), on the edge of wandoo country. TheChristmas tree is the largest member of theparasitic mistletoe family and obtains part of itsnourishment by latching onto the roots of otherplants. In December, the Christmas trees burstinto brilliant orange flowers.Where is it? 72 km from Perth. Take BrooktonHighway out of Kelmscott.Travelling time: 1 hr 15 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your own wood).Best seasons: Spring and early summer.GleneagleOriginally the Gleneagle settlement, this picnicarea has secluded and shaded spots off thebitumen perimeter road. It is set in a woodedarea of pines, marri and jarrah. There is also asmall arboretum of non-local trees and shrubssuch as bluegums, sugar gums, rodanthus,acacias, tea-trees, figs and jacarandas. Many ofthese trees are from the gardens of the originalsettlement. The area is well populated by birds,including western king parrots.Where is it? 55 km south-east of Perth. TakeAlbany Highway out of Armadale.Travelling time: 1 hr 20 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood).Best seasons: All year.Langford ParkOnce the site of a bauxite-mining operation inthe early 1970s, Langford Park has beenextensively replanted and landscaped for publicrecreation. An open grassed foreshore surroundsan artificial lake, and trees shade the picnic area.There are several trails in and around LangfordPark including bushwalking, mountain bikeridingand bridle trails.Where is it? 54 km from Perth. Travel 8.5 kmfrom Armadale on the South West Highway,turn left at Byford onto Nettleton Road, thenturn right at signs to Langford Park.Travelling time: 1 hr from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking, horseriding, mountain bikeriding.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood), toilets.Best seasons: All year.Sullivan RockSullivan Rock, a granite outcrop withsurrounding laterite, was a regular stoppingplace for travellers by horse and cart. A well,originally established by convicts, can still beseen there. The numerous little rock pools foundon the rock itself contain many unusual waterplants, including extraordinary tiny ferns calledquillworts. The Bibbulmun Track passes throughthis area and Sullivan Rock is a popular dropoff/pick-upfor walkers on the track.Where is it? 65 km from Perth. Take AlbanyHighway out of Armadale.Travelling time: 90 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking, wildlifeobservation.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownwood).Best seasons: Spring and early summer.Walktrails in the Jarrahdale areaThere are many walktrails in the Jarrahdale area,including the Blue Rock Walk Trail, the WetlandExperience, the Mundlimup Timber Trail, and theBalmoral POW camp ruins and walk trail.For more information on these walks pick up abrochure at the Jarrahdale General Store.Dwellingup areaLane Poole ReserveSituated just 100 km from Perth nearDwellingup, the Lane Poole Reserve covers some55,000 ha of jarrah forest. The Murray Riverflows through the reserve, and offers numerousrecreational activities from swimming andcanoeing to white water rafting.The recreation sites of Baden Powell, Charlie’sFlat, Tony’s Bend, Yarragil, Chuditch, Nanga Mill,Stringers and Nanga Townsite are popular forcamping.Baden Powell (day-use and campground)Baden Powell offers visitors the first view of theMurray River and consists of a day-use areawith an adjoining campground. It is very popularfor swimming and for picnics, as well as forcamping.Where is it? 9.5 km from Dwellingup alongNanga Road and 2 km from entry station onPark Road.Travelling time: 90 min from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply. No fees for dayvisitors.What to do: Picnicking, swimming, canoeing,wildlife observation and camping in thecampground only (no camping in day-use area).Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your ownfirewood), tables, toilets, bins, parking.Best seasons: All year.Chuditch campgroundChuditch campground was opened in September2004 and features numbered bays for individualgroup camping. It is named after WA’s largestmarsupial predator, the chuditch, which may beseen throughout the reserve (keep an eye out atnight as they are nocturnal). Otherwise referredto as the quoll, chuditch is the local Aboriginalname, which mimics the guttural call the animalmakes when disturbed.Where is it? 16 km from Dwellingup and8.5 km from entry on Park Road and over Bob’sCrossing. (During winter drive in via Nanga Millfrom Nanga Road).Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply.What to do: Camping, bushwalking, short walkor drive to river.Facilities: Individual camping bays, tables,toilets, enclosed camp kitchen with gasbarbecues (for campers and day visitors). Nowood fires are permitted at Chuditch. Pleasebring gas stove/cooker to use in camping bays.Best seasons: All year.Icy CreekSituated alongside the Lane Poole Reserve, IcyCreek Environmental Education Camp is a venuerequiring pre-booking for public access. It is verypopular with school groups and with peoplewho want to enjoy the peace and tranquility ofa forest setting.Where is it? 14 km from Dwellingup alongNanga Road.Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Fees are applicableWhat to do: Camping, bushwalking, wildlifeobservation, photography.Facilities: Six cottages with eight beds eachwith mattress supplied. Hot showers, toilets,campground covered camp kitchen with fridge,gas burners and gas barbecue, tables, coveredrotunda with central fire place and grassed oval.Best seasons: All year.To book contact CALM’s Dwellingup office on9538 1078. A minimum of 20 people is requiredto book the venue exclusively.Nanga Mill and Nanga TownsiteThe popular recreation sites of Nanga Mill andNanga Townsite have a strong link with thetimber milling days, when jarrah was harvestedin the area from as early as 1898. NangaTownsite came into existence in 1909, butduring the Dwellingup fire of 1961 thecountryside was devastated and the townsitewas incinerated and never rebuilt.6

Today at each site you can see the remains ofthis heritage from old railway formations toremnant garden plants such as poplars andblackberry.Where is it? Nanga Mill is 18.5 km fromDwellingup and 11 km from entry station onPark Road via Bob’s Crossing (accessed in wintervia Nanga Road, 5.5 km from entry station).Nanga Townsite is 13.5 km from Dwellingup and6 km from entry station via Nanga Road.Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply.What to do: Camping, bushwalking close toNanga Brook and Murray River.Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), tables, toilets, bins, walktrails.Best seasons: All year.Charlie’s FlatWhere is it? 14.5 km from Dwellingup and7 km from entry station, on River Road.Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply.What to do: Camping, swimming, canoeing.Facilities: Individual campsites, wood barbecues(bring your own firewood), tables, toilets, bins.Not suitable for large groups or caravans.Best seasons: All year.Bob’s CrossingWhere is it? 12.5 km from Dwellingup and5 km from entry station on River Road.Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Swimming, canoe pick-up/dropoff,10 min parking on crossing, no camping.Facilities: Concrete river crossing providingaccess to Chuditch, Nanga Mill and Stringers,except in winter when river floods (access viaNanga Road and Nanga Mill during flooding).Best seasons: All year.StringersWhere is it? 19 km from Dwellingup and11.5 km from entry on Park Road via Bob’sCrossing (via Nanga Road during winter intoNanga Mill).Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply.What to do: Camping, swimming, canoeing.Facilities: Campground, wood barbecues (bringown firewood), tables, toilets, rubbish bin, canoelaunch.Best seasons: All year.YarragilWhere is it? 20 km from Dwellingup and 12.5km from entry station on River Road.Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply.What to do: Camping, swimming, canoeing.Facilities: Small campsite, wood barbecues(bring own firewood), tables, toilet, rubbish bin.Not suitable for large groups or caravans.Best seasons: All year.Tony’s BendWhere is it? 17 km from Dwellingup and9.5 km from entry station on River Road.Travelling time: 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Camping fees apply.What to do: Camping, swimming, canoeing.Facilities: Individual campsites, wood barbecues(bring own firewood), tables, toilets, bin. Notsuitable for large groups or caravans.Best seasons: All year.Marrinup CampsiteThe Marrinup Campsite is situated where the oldMarrinup Townsite was established for timberharvesting (jarrah), in the 1880s. The Dwellingupfire of 1961 burnt what remained of thetownsite. It was closed due to resource declineand moved to Dwellingup.Where is it? 100 km from Perth off Del ParkRoad near Dwellingup, or access via Grey Road,2 km from Dwellingup along the Pinjarra-Williams Road.Travelling time: 90 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Camping, bushwalking, cycling(access to Marrinup Cycle Trail and Munda BiddiTrail).Facilities: Wood barbecues (bring ownfirewood), tables, toilet, camping area suitablefor caravans and group camping.Best seasons: All year.Marrinup POW CampIn the 1940s a Prisoner of War (POW) camp wasestablished at Marrinup to house some 200German and 1300 Italian POWs. The camp wasprimarily a staging post for Italian prisonersenroute to work on Wheatbelt properties. Thoseprisoners who lived permanently at the campwere employed as firewood cutters.Where is it? 100 km from Perth off Del ParkRoad near Dwellingup, or access via Grey Road,2 km from Dwellingup along thePinjarra–Williams Road (follow the signs to POWcamp from Marrinup).Travelling time: 90 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicableWhat to do: Historical site. No campingpermitted at POW camp.Facilities: Toilet, some interpretive material,parking.Best seasons: All year.Marrinup FallsWhere is it? 100 km from Perth, access off DelPark Road near Dwellingup or access via GreyRoad, 2 km from Dwellingup along thePinjarra–Williams Road (follow the signs toMarrinup Falls from Marrinup).Travelling time: 90 min from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Bushwalking (Marrinup Fallswalktrail), wildlife observation, photography.No camping permitted at this site.Facilities: 1.5 km loop walktrail.Best seasons: Winter and spring for waterfallsand wildflowers.Other sitesThere are several State forest recreation siteswithin easy reach of Perth and close toDwellingup, including Oakley Falls, GoldmineHill, Scarp Pool and Scarp Lookout.Where are they? See back page map for details.Travelling time: 90 min to 2 hr from Perth.Fees: Not applicable.What to do: Picnicking, bushwalking, wildlifeobservation. Camping is not permitted at thesesites.Facilities: Toilets, tables, parking and shortwalks, and river access at Scarp Pool.Best seasons: Spring for wildflowers and winterfor waterfalls.Mountain biking in thePerth hillsThere are many mountain bike trails in the Perthhills area that provide a wide range ofrecreational opportunities for bike riders, rangingfrom leisurely rides to more challenging circuitsand loops. Some of these trails are dual-use, soriders need to be aware of other trail riders atall times. Brochures and further information areavailable from CALM’s Mundaring office.Railway Reserve Trail — from Midland to MtHelena and returnThe Railway Reserve Trail retraces 40 km of theold Eastern Railway constructed from Fremantleto York in the 1880s. It starts at the corner ofPechey and Morrison Roads in Swan View andgoes through John Forrest National Park.Mundaring Loop Trail — from The Hills ForestDiscovery Centre to Mundaring and returnThe Mundaring Loop Trail is 15.5 km long andriders travel along old rail formations andforestry tracks as well as purpose built bike trailsthrough Mundaring National Park.Carinyah Trail — from Brookton Highway toCarinyah and returnThe Carinyah Trail is 15.7 km and takes ridersthrough the jarrah forest to old Carinyahforestry settlement and part of the PickeringBrook National Park.7

Great places to climb and abseilIf you fancy rock climbing orabseiling, then the historicStatham's and Boya Mountaingranite quarries are the idealvenues.Statham's Quarry in GooseberryHill National Park in HelenaValley has two 25 km highrock faces open for suchactivities, while Boya Quarry(or Mountain Quary) inGreenmount National Park hasfaces of 15 m, 25 m and 50 m.To ensure maximum safety, allabseil leaders must haveNOLRS registration. It is alsoessential to book with CALM.Both quarries have climbinganchor points installed andthere are toilets, a shelter andpicnic tables nearby.Statham's Quarry is on thehistoric Zig-Zag railway thatran from Midland toKalamunda. Both quarries havesignificant heritage value,having been among the firstcommercial quarries operatingin the Perth area.It is estimated that up to10,000 people climb or abseilat the two venues each yearand the number is risingsteadily.For more information or tomake a booking, contactThe Hills Forest DiscoveryCentre on 9295 2244 or emailn2n@calm.wa.gov.au.Pets in parksDogs are welcome at mostregional parks around Perth, aswell as in State forest, timberreserves and some othercategories of reserve such asregional parks or at Lane PooleReserve near Dwellingup.Dogs are, however, not permittedin nature reserves, marine naturereserves or most national parks.NumbatIf you decide to take your doginto State forest or a CALMmanagedreserve where dogs arepermitted, make sure it is on alead and under effective control.1080 poison baits are laid insouth-west forest areas toeradicate foxes and cats as part ofCALM’s wildlife recovery program,Western Shield (for more detailsabout this program see page 3).Native animals are tolerant tothe 1080 baits, which contain anatural poison, but they will killcats and dogs. There is noantidote.Check with the nearest CALMdistrict office to find out whichareas are currently baited. Youmay want to muzzle your dog toprevent it picking up a bait.Visually impaired people withguide dogs can take their dogsinto any CALM-managed area.National park passesWestern Australia boasts some five million ha ofnational parks featuring some of the mostspectacular landscapes in the world.To access parks with entry fees, CALM offersnational park passes.CALM spends the fees it collects at the parks onmaintaining and improving visitor facilities or onconservation projects.The national park passes are available from all CALMoffices (except Crawley), more than 40 WA touristcentres, park entry points or from rangers withinthose parks.At parks where entry points are not staffed, pleasetake one of the supplied envelopes, complete yourdetails, enclose the prescribed fee, tear-off and retainthe receipt and deposit the envelope in the feecontainerprovided.Park passes do not cover camping. Other fees may apply.EchidnaCats should not be taken intoany area managed by CALM.Feral cats are a major threat towildlife, and have been linked tothe extinction of several smallnative mammal species.Day PassOnly four national parks in the Perth hills area —John Forrest, Avon Valley, Serpentine and Walyunga —are currently subject to day pass charges. A fee of $9per car (up to eight legally seated people), $3 permotorcycle and $3.40 per tour vehicle passengerprovides entry to one or more parks on the day.Annual Local Park PassThis pass, at $17 per vehicle (up to eight people),allows you to visit a park or group of parks in thesame area as many times as you wish for one year.Walyunga and Avon Valley National Parks are coveredon the one Annual Local Park Pass.Holiday PassThis pass entitles you to visit as many parks as youwish anywhere in WA during a four-week period. Thefee is $22.50 per vehicle (up to eight people).Annual All Parks PassIf you want to visit any park in WA for 12 months,this is the pass to have. The fee is $51 per vehicle (upto eight people).Gold Star PassThis is an annual all parks pass that includes a12-month subscription to LANDSCOPE. It’s availablethrough CALM offices or when you subscribe to themagazine. The fee is $73 per vehicle (up to eightpeople) and includes four issues of CALM’s awardwinningmagazine.ConcessionsDrivers with a Seniors' Card, aged pension card orDepartment of Veterans' Affairs card pay a concessionprice of $3 per car for day passes or$1 per person when on private outings on buses(not including commercial tours).Groups of people with disabilities, or aged and infirmpeople entering parks on buses, as well as studentsundertaking educational activities in a park areentitled to free entry. Please apply in advance, inwriting, to CALM.CALM’s fees and charges are reviewed from time totime.8

Water activities rare, but dams offer plenty for touristsThe network of rivers flowing through theDarling Range largely sustains Perth and itssurrounding areas.Dams in the valley gorges of the Helena, Canningand Serpentine rivers create reservoirs fromwhich the bulk of the region's drinking andirrigation water is taken.To prevent contamination of this resource,water-based activities such as swimming,boating, canoeing and fishing are not permittedin most areas surrounding the reservoirs.One of the few places where swimming ispermitted is near the picturesque SerpentineFalls in Serpentine National Park, downstreamfrom the drinking water supply reservoir.At this popular recreation spot, water cascades15 m down a sheer rock face and feeds two rockpools, one of which is open to swimmers. Pleaseobserve the warning signs. A nearby picnic areais also equipped with barbecues and picnicfacilities.The Mundaring Weir (now called Lake C YO’Connor) on the Helena River in MundaringNational Park has a special place in WA's history.In the late nineteenth century, WA's ChiefEngineer, C Y O'Connor, after whom the lake isnamed, built a 560-km pipeline, largely uphill, tosustain the Goldfields east of Perth during thegreat gold rush.The pipeline stands as one of the greatengineering achievements of the era andcontinues to sustain the Goldfields today.Those interested in history can visit South Ledgelookout overlooking the weir and Helena Valley.There are also several tracks adjacent to thepipeline. The National Trust's Golden Pipelinetour (walk/drive) starts at the old No. 1 PumpStation Interpretive Centre below the dam walland follows the pipeline, providing interpretiveinformation along the way.Dams at North Dandalup and South Dandaluphave picnic areas with gas barbecues and toilets,as well as walking trails. South Dandalup is thelargest of the dams that supply drinking water toPerth, with a storage capacity of more than 200million cubic metres.So, while water-based activities are rare in thereservoir areas, there is plenty for visitors to seeand do.For more details about tracks and trails aroundthe Serpentine, Mundaring and Canning dams,contact CALM's Tracks and Trails Unit on 9334 0265.For information about what activities allowed inthe area, visit the ‘Waterways’ section of theDepartment of Environment’s website(www.environment.wa.gov.au).Leave the car and hit the tracks for a closer viewIf you like to walk or ride a mountain bike youwill be spoilt for opportunities in the Perthhills.Apart from the popular Bibbulmun Track andthe Munda Biddi Trail, there is a vast networkof more than 50 tracks and trails spanning thehills, many of them offering interpretivesignage providing information about theenvironment.The tracks allow you to leave your car behindand enjoy the best natural sites up close. Insome cases they will take you from the top ofthe scarp, to the very bottom and along thebanks of rivers.A favourite among walkers in the Jarrahdalearea is a track that runs from Gooralongthrough the Serpentine National Parkfollowing the river and finishing at SerpentineFalls.Another favourite is the Eagle View Walk Trailthat takes in part of John Forrest National Parkand allows visitors to experience a variety offlora, fauna and landscapes from high ground.Many mountain bikers favour the RailwayReserve Bike Trail that follows the route of adisused railway up the scarp and features a340 m tunnel built by WA's famous ChiefEngineer of the early twentieth century, C YO'Connor.Horse riders can enjoy the particularly scenicLower Helena Bridle Trail from Kalamunda toMundaring.For more details about walking and ridingopportunities in the hills, contact CALM’sPerth Hills District Headquarters atMundaring on 9295 1955 or CALM’sDwellingup office on 9538 1078. Detailedbrochures and maps are available for many ofthe trails.CALM has also produced two publications,Family Walks in Perth Outdoors and MoreFamily Walks in Perth Outdoors, which bothcontain maps and descriptions of around 50walks in and around the Perth area. Thesebooks retail for $16.95 and are availablefrom newsagents and bookstores as well asfrom CALM offices and online at CALM'sNatureBase website at www.naturebase.net9

Fire is both friend and foeCALM, in cooperation with the Fire andEmergency Services Authority and localgovernment bushfire brigades, has acomprehensive fire risk management strategythat applies to the Perth hills area.This strategy involves prescribed burning toreduce bush fuel levels, an early spottingnetwork of towers and aircraft, grading of firebreaks and fire-fighting efforts from the air andon the ground.CALM's fire management strategy is not onlyabout preventing danger to people. Prescribedburning is an essential part of helping the bushregenerate.However, all visitors to the hills need to beaware they are entering a fire risk area,particularly in the warmer months, and need tobehave accordingly.• Please light campfires only where you areauthorised to do so. Such areas are clearlysign-posted and well cleared. In some cases,gas facilities are provided rather than openfires.• Always let a responsible person know you areheading into the bush. In the event of abushfire, it helps CALM to know who is in thearea.• Always stay on the tracks or trails provided.The frequency of burning is carefully managedaccording to the specific area to maximisebenefit to the types of plants and animals livingthere.Each year CALM plans to undertake prescribedburning on CALM-managed lands in the southwestto:• protect and conserve biodiversity values andcommunity assests;• reduce the occurrence and impacts of large,intense wildfires; and• regenerate and protect forest ecosystems.• If you spot smoke and feel a fire may beheading your way, get out as quickly aspossible. Again, stick to the tracks or trails.You will move much quicker on the tracksthan through the bush.• Please report any suspicious activity. CALM isalways on the lookout for arsonists.In January 2005 a bushfire burnt through28,000 ha of bush in the Perth hills area andrequired a massive inter-agency and communityresponse. This potentially devastating event wasa reminder of the importance of communityvigilance in preparing for fires and ensuring parkvisitor safety.A silent killer lurks in our bushAs you relax in the bush it's easy to overlook thelikelihood you are in the presence of a ruthlesskiller — jarrah dieback!This disease, otherwise known as Phytophthoracinnamomi, is a soil-based pathogen. It attacksthe roots of more than 3000 native species inthe south-west of WA, from tall trees to tinyshrubs and ground covers, destroying theirability to absorb water and transport nutrients.In smaller plants, death can be almost instantaneouson contact of the pathogen with the roots, butmost people recognise the disease in the ailingfoliage of jarrah trees, which take longer to die.WA's bush, including the Perth hills, is a hugemosaic of infected and uninfected areas. CALMscientists estimate the disease has seriouslydamaged up to 20 per cent of the naturalenvironment, greatly thinning the bush acrossthe State.Affected areas cannot be re-populated with thesusceptible native species without the ongoingapplication of protective treatments.The disease spreads naturally from one plant toanother through soil and water and little can bedone to halt its progress given the vastness ofthe areas affected. Humans can greatlyaccelerate its movement by spreading infectedsoil and plant tissue.Please obey signs advising you to wash or brushdown your feet, bike, car or four-wheel drive(mainly the tyres and undercarriage). The signsare usually positioned in Disease Risk Areas whereyou pass from an infected to an uninfected areaand the risk of the disease spreading throughsoil that you may be carrying is very high. It isalso important that you obey any road closuresigns or gates as these are in place to help stopthe spread of the disease into uninfested areas.The disease has even spread into many bushreserves and back gardens of Perth throughinappropriate nursery practices (failure tosterilise soil used for seedlings), large-scalemovement of soil for housing subdivisions orroad construction, and by individuals.Whenever you go bush, stick to the firm pathsprovided, clean your feet and/or vehicle whererequested and conduct another clean-up beforereturning home. By no means remove any plantsor plant materials from their natural settings.More information about dieback is availablefrom CALM's NatureBase website(www.naturbase.net). Information can also beobtained by typing jarrah dieback into a websearch engine.You can also visit CALM's Perth Hills DistrictHeadquarters in Mundaring or phone9295 1955.10

A forest adventure on two wheelsA suitable bike, a trail map, some basicsupplies and a taste for forest adventure areall you need to tackle the extremely popularMunda Biddi Trail, starting at Mundaring inthe hills east of Perth.Munda Biddi, meaning ‘path through theforest’ in Nyoongar Aboriginal language, is thelatest addition to WA's growing network ofworld-class recreational trails. It provides agreat opportunity to combine a love of naturewith a desire for healthy activity.The car-free, off-road trail, constructed andmaintained by CALM with the assistance ofthe Munda Biddi Trail Foundation, windsthrough the eucalypt forests, picturesque rivervalleys and rolling hills of the south-west onits way to Collie in the Darling Range, about300 km south. It will eventually extend about900 km to Albany on the South Coast.Along the northern section of the trail,observant cyclists might catch sight of anative western brush wallaby, brushtailpossum or western grey kangaroo which makethe jarrah forest their home. There is also awide variety of unique flora on display.A major access point to the Munda Biddi Trailis at its terminus in Sculpture Park,Mundaring. Other access points include TheDell recreation area on Mundaring Weir Roadand where the track crosses Brookton Highwayand Albany Highway and passes throughJarrahdale or Dwellingup. With these easyentry and exit points, you can cover as muchor as little of the trail as you choose.The trail is largely on gentle grades anddesigned for use by people of all ages andcycling experience levels. However, there aresome steep sections, particularly in the HelenaValley area and north of Jarrahdale and also nearDwellingup.Campsites are located at 35 to 50 km intervalsand the trail passes through a town at leastevery second day. Some campsites are speciallydesigned for cyclists and feature a roomysleeping shelter, cycle storage, rainwater tanksand a toilet. You will need to take a fuel stove ifyou intend to cook.For more details about the Munda Biddi Trail,contact CALM's Tracks and Trails Unit on 93340265, email mundabiddi@calm.wa.gov.au, orvisit the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation’s websiteat (www.mundabiddi.org.au).Cycling and nature enthusiasts are encouragedto support the trail by joining the Munda BiddiTrail Foundation. Members receive regularnewsletters and discounts on merchandise. Thefoundation also arranges special group events.Keep your four-wheel drive on track!Four-wheel driving through the wilds of thehills can be great fun, but it can also bedamaging to the environment.Stay on the tracksExcept in areas specially designated for off-roaddriving (for vehicles such as trail bikes and dunebuggies), all vehicles must stay on establishedroads or tracks. The destructive practice ofcross-country ‘bush bashing’ is not allowed.Why have controls?Destruction of flora and fauna, soil compactionand erosion, vandalism, littering and excessivenoise can all potentially occur as a result offour-wheel driving. Perhaps the greatestproblem of all, however, is the spread of thefungal disease dieback. This can be spread bysoil carried on the tyres and undercarriages offour-wheel drive vehicles. CALM hasdesignated and sign-posted various DiseaseRisk Areas, where vehicle traffic is strictlycontrolled through a permit system.Tread lightlyAll drivers have a duty of care to theenvironment when using public lands. A 12-point Code of Ethics has been drawn up by theAustralian National Four Wheel Drive Councilin consultation with CALM. Behaviourstandards are also prescribed by the TreadLightly program. Copies of the Code and theTread Lightly guidelines are available to thepublic.Other useful tips• Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed onCALM-managed lands.• Build up your skills by doing a four-wheeldriving course through a four-wheel driveclub.• Buy a detailed map of the area you plan todrive through.• Allow extra time for unforeseencircumstances.• Plan alternative routes in case your originalroute is inaccessible.• Maintain appropriate tyre pressure toprotect the environment.• Thoroughly check your vehicle beforesetting off.• Stay out of boggy areas.There are various planned four-wheel driveroutes through the hills and a number ofpublications containing useful informationabout them. For details, contact CALM's PerthHills District Headquarters in Mundaring on9295 1955 or visit CALM’s NatureBase website(www.naturebase.net).11

How to contact our parksPerth Hills National Parks CentrePh: (08) 9295 2244Fax: (08) 9295 3247Mundaring, Helena, Wandoo,Pickering Brook and Canning national parksPh: (08) 9295 1955Fax: (08) 9295 2404Tracks, trails or organised activity enquiriesshould be directed to CALM’s Dwellingup WorkCentre on (08) 9538 1078.Other enquiries can be directed to CALM’sPerth Hills District Headquarters in Mundaringon (08) 9295 1955.www.naturebase.netWalyunga National ParkPh/Fax: (08) 9571 1371Serpentine National ParkPh/Fax: (08) 9525 2128Avon Valley National ParkPh/Fax: (08) 9571 3066John Forrest National ParkPh: (08) 9298 8344Fax: (08) 9298 9426Lane Poole ReservePh: (08) 9538 1078Fax: (08) 9538 1203