National Parks

1100ha.Neerabup National Park is a narrow strip of land between Lakes Joondalup and Carabooda with the varied vegetation pattern of the sandy coastal plains north of Perth. To the south jarrah woodland predominates, to the southeast limestone from ancient dune systems with dense heath vegetation, while in the north are tall tuart gums with heath vegetation and banksias.

2800ha.Yanchep National Park is one of the favorite recreation areas of the people of Perth. It is a combination of natural vegetation with man-made lawns and gardens. Interesting stalactitic caves.

1812ha.Much of the park, through which the Swan River flows, is covered with eucalyptus forest. The river has carved a series of ponds out of the granite rock (swimming, boating). When the river is high after winter rain there is good white-water rafting.Within the park is the largest Aboriginal settlement area round Perth, still occupied until the late 19th C. Archaeological evidence - soil erosion after plowing by early settlers has brought to light large numbers of bones and stone tools and hunting weapons - has shown that the area was occupied by Aborigines for more than 6000 years.Along the banks of the river runs the Walyunga Aboriginal Heritage Trail (1.7km), with explanations of the way of life and mythology of the Aborigines. Other trails (e.g. the Hills Trail), starting from the rest areas, run through the woodland (jarrah on the eroded higher level, marri and red gum on the better soils and wandoo in the valleys).

1508ha.The national park, named after John Forrest, first prime minister of Western Australia, extends along the Great Eastern Highway between Greenmount and Glen Forrest. It was established as a nature reserve in 1895, making it the first National Park in Western Australia.From the crest of the Darling Range there is a good view of Perth. There are short walking trails leading up to waterfalls and pools on the Jane Brook. In line with ideas at the turn of the century, the park was laid out in the style of an English park, altering the original landscape and vegetation. The park is a very popular resort of the people of Perth.

375ha.Kalamunda National Park is mainly designed to protect the natural vegetation from the rapidly expanding suburbs of Perth and has no facilities for visitors. The Piesse Brook follows a winding course through hilly country on the slopes of the Darling Range, with eucalyptus forest and heath vegetation, which in late winter and spring is gay with flowers. There is a network of trails offering scope for long walks.

635ha.Serpentine National Park was established to protect the dry eucalyptus forest, particularly jarrah and marri. It has long been a favorite excursion, particularly when the wild flowers are in bloom.The main attraction used to be the Serpentine Falls and a large rock pool at the foot of the falls. Since the construction of a dam farther upstream in the 1960s to supply water for Perth the falls are now worth seeing only in the wet winter season; the rock pool is still there for swimmers.There are beautiful walks along the river above the falls.