Starting from the Walyunga Pool Car park off Walyunga Road, Walyunga National Park, this walk leads to Syd's Rapids and back. Walyunga National Park sits on the very rim of the Darling Scarp and protects nearly 1,800 hectares of virgin bushland and its resident native animals. Visit Walyunga National Park after some rain for the most incredible rapids display to complement the rugged valley. The walk to Syd's Rapids is a gentle, mostly flat hike along the river's edge, suitable for first-timers and families. The trail reveals the Aboriginal myths, stories and traditional uses of the river, landscape and local fauna and flora in this beautiful location. There is ample parking at the main picnic sites, and facilities include toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables. With a combination of stunning views, national park scenery, an abundance of flora and fauna, cultural history, and a chance for some wildlife spotting, this is an excellent adventure for the curious hiker. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Getting started From the Walyunga Pool Carpark off Walyunga Road, Walyunga National Park, follow the triangular trail markers with the black footprints along the river bank. Head along the Syd's Rapids Trail, keeping the Avon River to your right. About 900 metres in, turn right at the T intersection towards the river. Shortly after, keep right at the intersection near the Walyunga Pool and stay on the creekside track to continue the Syd's Rapids, Echidna and Kingfisher Circuit(counterclockwise). This direction of travel is physically harder but features a long walk along the river leading up to a steep ascent that rewards you with great views at the top.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 100 m back from the start).
After 125 m pass the BBQ (5 m on your left).
After another 85 m turn right.
After another 640 m pass the car park (45 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 15 m head up the surface|gravel steps (about 20 m long)
After another 5 m turn right.
After another 160 m turn right.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 25 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
After another 1.7 km turn right.
After another 300 m continue straight.
After another 530 m continue straight.
After another 105 m continue straight.
After another 860 m veer left.
After another 920 m pass the "Woodsome Hill" (80 m on your left).
After another 160 m continue straight.
After another 70 m turn left.
After another 700 m turn left.
After another 2.7 km veer right.
After another 130 m veer left.
After another 440 m veer left.
After another 220 m pass the car park (125 m on your right).
Turn right.
After another 15 m turn left.
After another 160 m turn left.
After another 700 m turn left.
After another 20 m veer right.
After another 55 m come to the end.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Syd's Rapids, Echidna and Kingfisher Circuit
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
10.6 km
Time
2 h 30 min to 4 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)