ON THE BEATEN TRACK

Yanchep National Park

Did you know . . . WA Trails aren’t all about walking. There’s also a snorkel trail (left & below) off Rottnest Island to explore. Parker Point Marine Snorkel Penguin Island Trail is located on the southern side of the island. The trail boardwalk and walk trail features a number of plaques on the sea bed which allow you to read about the abundant flora and fish life in the area. The Trails WA website and App (iOS only) showcase an extensive trail network across . Discover over 500 trails including cycling, mountain biking, walking, equestrian trails and more. Explore WA on a trail and find SUMMER TRACKS yourself in amazing places. Visit trailswa.com.au There are lovely trails to be discovered while in and plenty of other summer activities to its surrounds. Here are some which are especially beautiful enjoy, including swimming, snorkelling in summer, thanks to our friends at Trails WA. and windsurfing. Whatever adventure you choose, it’s important to stick to irst things first if you’re planning • Snakes are more active during the designated trails and beaches as F on exploring a walk trail this summer. the island is a bird sanctuary. The trail summer; here are a few tips to Watch where you’re putting your starts at the Penguin Experience Island remember: feet and avoid walking through Discovery Centre, which you can reach • Don’t overestimate your abilities. long grass. If you do spot a snake, via a 5-minute ferry ride across the Choose a trail that is suitable for leave it alone. Move away quickly Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. the least fit or youngest member of and calmly. the free Geotourist app for a guided your walking group. audio tour from Elders, Marie 3. Dwerta Mia Walk Trail • Avoid walking during the hottest 1. Jenna Biddi Yorga Taylor and Noel Morich. Yanchep National Park part of the day. Blackwall Reach, Bicton TIME: 30 minutes Start early to skip the heat. TIME: Less than 1 hour 2. Penguin Island Boardwalk LENGTH: 1 km • Tell someone where you are LENGTH: 2.1 km & Walk Trail DIFFICULTY: Grade 1/Easy walking and what time you expect DIFFICULTY: Grade 1/Easy Shoalwater Less than an hours drive (north) from to be back. The Jenna Biddi Yorga is not only an TIME: 1-3 hours Perth is the Dwerta Mia Walk Trail in • Drink plenty of water before, excellent summer walk trail; but it’s LENGTH: 1.5 km Yanchep National Park. This short, during and after your walk. also a special place for the Whadjuk DIFFICULTY: Grade 1/Easy family friendly walk is just perfect In hot weather, bring at least 2 Noongar people. The 2.1km trail runs Located 45 minutes south of Perth, to introduce your kids to nature. litres of water per person. along the cliff tops of Blackwall Reach, Penguin Island is home to WA’s Featuring interpretative signage, • Protect yourself from the sun. from Bicton Baths to Point Walter, largest colony of Fairy Penguins, visiting ‘Dwerta Mia’ - the ‘house of Wear a hat, sunglasses and taking you on a river journey to learn making it a magnet for nature lovers. the wild dog’ - will give you a unique sunscreen whenever you’re outside about the cultural significance of the The trail follows a network of timber experience of Australia through the walking. area - including the white sands which boardwalks around the island, giving eyes of Aboriginal culture as well as • Wear sturdy, comfortable and were once a birthing place for Whadjuk you the chance to spot these shy a better understanding of how the enclosed shoes. women. Walkers can learn more about penguins in their natural habitat. Along limestone environment has formed Save the thongs for the beach. the Jenna Biddi Yorga by downloading with walking, Penguin Island offers over hundreds of thousands of years. 86 87