Serpentine National Park Park Guide

Serpentine National Park Park guide The proximity of Serpentine National Park to Perth has made Facilities it a popular day-visit area. The park increased in size to • Gas barbecues (no fires allowed at any time) 4,500ha in 1988. The name ‘Serpentine’ has its origins from • Toilets the early settlers of the region, who named the area after the Serpentine in England. The shape of the river, which • Water reminded the early settlers of a serpent, also contributed Universal access towards the naming of the general region where the park is located. Serpentine National Park provides wheelchair access to some picnic areas. For more detailed information please contact The park is on the Darling Scarp, the western edge of a the ranger or visit the Access WA website at huge, titled ancient plateau. Past weathering has resulted www.accesswa.com.au. in distinct landscapes of lateritic uplands, minor and major valleys, and abrupt scarps. The Serpentine River contributes How to get there to the landscape with the steep slopes of the river valley and Serpentine National Park Travelling time is approximately one hour and 10 minutes from resistant granite outcrops giving rise to the unique feature Perth. Travel 26km south of Armadale, off South West Highway of the park – the Serpentine Falls. Here, during winter, the into Falls Road. white waters of the Serpentine River cascade into a swirling, rock-rimmed pool 15m below. Serpentine Falls has been Best time to visit one of the focal points of the area since the early European Spring for wildflowers, winter for the waterfall. settlers came in droves to swim, picnic and enjoy a day out Over the busy summer period, visitation to in the bush. Please note: Serpentine National Park may reach capacity. Recreational The park is open between 8.30am and 5pm daily. facilities will be closed once visitor capacity is reached. Entry fees Apart from those visitors already in the park, people will not be allowed to enter, either by vehicle or on foot. It is Entry fees apply. recommended that you arrive prior to 11am on weekends. What to do Visitor safety Caring for the reserve • Bushwalking • Loose and uneven surfaces may be • Pets are not allowed in the park. • Picnicking encountered when walking within • The taking of flora and fauna is the park. • Wildlife observation prohibited. • Glass, alcohol, eskies and chairs are • Photography • Please do not feed the kangaroos prohibited at the falls. or other native animals. Kangaroos Walk trails • Swimming is not recommended. The can become very ill from eating • Kitty’s Gorge Trail – a moderately water has varying depths, submerged unsuitable food. Their diet consists of difficult 14km return walk. Allow hazards and is untreated. vegetation such as grass and native five hours for the return walk. Lovely • Rocks at the falls are slippery when plant shoots. Rangers may issue wildflowers can be seen in spring. wet or when you have wet feet. Do infringements to people who feed the kangaroos. • Baldwin’s Bluff – a moderately not climb or jump from the rocks. difficult 6km return walk. Allow • Do not cross over the weir at three hours for the return walk. Serpentine Falls. Excellent panoramic views at the summit. • There is a 200m walk trail along the Serpentine National Park Serpentine River which leads to the falls. When walking in Serpentine National Park expect steep sections and uneven ground. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Be mindful of the weather and take plenty of water with you. Do not rely on mobile phone coverage. Always ensure someone knows where you are going. On-site information Rangers, information shelter. Fires No fires are allowed within the park. Important note: The park may be closed at short notice due to fire risk or other emergency conditions. Perth Hills District 275 Allen Road Mundaring WA 6073 Ph: 9290 6100 20140409-0414-PDF www.dpaw.wa.gov.au This document is available in alternative formats on request. Information current at April 2014..

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