Bushwalking in WA

What else you Need to Know

You can bushwalk in two ways: by using walktrails or trekking through wild bush. While the first is usually safe and relaxing, the second could do environmental damage and put your life at risk.

The walks contained in the books Family Walks in Perth Outdoors, More Family Walks in Perth Outdoors and Bushwalks in the South-West (available from our online Bookshop) follow either  walktrails with signage and, occasionally, surfaced tracks, or well used established tracks through bushland, parks or riverside areas. Some of the walks cross or form part of the Bibbulmun Track . This is a 950-kilometre long-distance walk track from Kalamunda, in the Darling Range east of Perth, to Albany, on the State's south coast.

Camping

While out walking, you might come across possible sites for a future camping expedition.

As more people head for the bush, greater pressures are put on our natural resources. So, in an effort to protect our environment, visitors may only camp at designated camping sites -- usually marked with a sign in national parks, local parks, State Forest or bush areas. Please leave no rubbish or other traces of your visit.

Camping fees are charged in some areas, and the funds raised help to pay for the facilities and services provided.

Dieback

Some areas of forest and woodland have been infected by a soil-borne fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) that attacks the root systems of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The disease is known to attack at least 900 plant species and many, such as banksias and dryandras, die very quickly. The fungus travels over and through the soil in water, attaching spores to the roots of plants and trees. The rot sets in immediately.

The fungus can be carried in soil or mud that sticks to boots and shoes, and the wheels, mudguards and underbodies of vehicles. When the soil or mud drops off, the fungus immediately contaminates the new area and multiplies. There is, as yet, no known cure.

Some areas in national parks and State forest are closed to vehicles to prevent dieback being carried into or spread through them. These areas are largely uninfected. You may enter on foot, but you must not take vehicles, motorbikes, horses or any form of wheeled transport into these areas. When walking through infected areas, help stop the rot by not straying from the track. Observe the signs and give our plants a chance.

Entry Fees

Entry fees are charged to some national parks, regional parks and reserves. Where a charge is made, the funds raised help to pay for the facilities and services provided.

Fire

Bushfires are a real danger, particularly during the dry summer months. Please note, camp fires:

1. Permitted in designated campsites only.
2. Wood is usually provided on site.
3. DO NOT scavenge wood from the bush.
4. Non-combustibles must not be thrown into fireplaces
5. No wood fires during Total Fire Ban. Signs will indicate these times.
6. Extinguish fires completely before going to bed and when vacating the site.

On certain days during the year the fire forecast is 'very high' or 'extreme'. A total fire ban exists on these days. Local radio stations broadcast fire risk warnings, but please check with Shire authorities, the tourist bureau, or the nearest Department of Environment and Conservation office for advice on the fire situation. Fire risk notice boards can be found alongside roads that pass through heavily wooded areas and at the entrances to some national parks.

Firearms

No offensive weapon is to be brought into any conservation or recreation area.

Fishing

Fisheries WA regulations apply in all areas, but you should also check with the ranger in any National Park. Trout and redfin perch have been stocked in inland waters near Perth. Marron fishing is a seasonal activity by permit only. We'd like you to come back, so help conserve fish numbers by taking only enough for your immediate needs.

Granite outcrops

Several walks in this book cross or pass close to granite outcrops. Granite outcrops, often termed 'living rocks', are unique sanctuaries for many species of plants and animals. Exploring granite outcrops is a fascinating experience, but the environment is extremely fragile. Moving a rock, disturbing a plant or carelessly placing a foot can cause irreparable damage. Please do not stray off the tracks that cross granite outcrops and do be careful where you place your feet.

Native plants and animals

In order to protect the environment, please do not disturb any native animals, and do not pick the wildflowers. Rocks, vegetation or old logs should not be removed, as these are often the homes of small creatures that depend on such habitats for their existence.

Pets

Pets, stock or working animals are not permitted in most national parks, nature reserves and water catchments. Many other shire-controlled parks, reserves and beaches have similar restrictions. If you are not sure whether dogs and/or other pets are permitted at the place you intend to visit, please leave them at home.

Rubbish

Place all litter in bins provided. If there are no bins, take your litter home with you. When camping or walking in the bush where there are few, if any, facilities, bury organic waste at least 15 centimetres deep and at least 100 metres from any waterway, picnic area or campsite.

Vehicles

Normal road rules apply in all recreation and conservation areas. To protect wildlife habitat and the environment from erosion and dieback disease, please keep to formed roads and designated tracks at all times.

Water

Most creeks and rivers in Western Australia are dry during summer months. When you are out and about, take your own drinking water. If you do have to use water from the few permanent water points, it should be boiled before use, or purified using a commercially available purification product.

Water Catchments

These special areas are reserved for water and vegetation protection. Because of this, there are restrictions on various recreation activities in certain areas. Check with the WA Water Authority.

REMEMBER

• Be careful: Stay on paths and help prevent erosion. Your safety in natural areas is our concern, but your responsibility.
• Be clean: Take your rubbish out with you. Don't use soap or detergent in rivers or streams; they kill the aquatic life.
• Be cool: Take notice of all fire weather forecasts.
• Protect animals and plants: No firearms please. Pets are not permitted in national parks and in some other areas. Check before you bring your dog or cat.
• Stay on the road: Follow signs and stay on the designated roads. Normal road rules apply.