Walyunga National Park

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).