The Aboriginal people regard the Dreaming as a sacred time before living memory, when ancestors, human and animal, gave shape to the earth and created all living things. The Nyoongar people of what is now Western Australia believe that Waugals (rainbow, or maned serpents) moved across the unmarked land of the south west, leaving traces of their journey. They made everything - the hills, the rivers and the lakes. The Scarp, at the edge of the Darling Range, is said to represent the body of a Waugal.
close to home
The Track enters Kalamunda National Park and crosses Piesse Brook to climb the valley slopes through woodlands of jarrah, marri, wandoo and the unusual butter gum (Eucalyptus laeliae). Soils here are shallow but host a myriad of colourful flowers in spring.
quenching the goldfield's thirst
The South Ledge picnic area is now the location of the Golden View, a viewing platform from which walkers can enjoy views over the Mundaring Weir - one of the world's great engineering projects. The Mundaring Weir was finished in 1903 and supplies water by pipeline to the Kalgoorlie goldfields over 550km away. At the foot of the weir is the C.Y. O'Connor Visitor Centre. It honours the brilliant engineer who endured widespread scepticism and tragically ended his life before the success of the project was proven. The Track crosses the wall of Mundaring Weir.
doing time on the track
The trail south from Waalegh (pronounced walich) Campsite to Ruen Rd was the first section to be hand built by prisoners. This initial joint venture between the then Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC) and the Ministry of Justice was a resounding success that was subsequently used along the length of the Track. This section was also subject to a severe bushfire in January 2005. This fire caused the destruction of the Beraking Campsite.
access for all
The Brookton campsite facilities and layout, and the Track from the Brookton Highway to the campsite (2.5km), have been designed for people with impaired mobility. Design principles have been used that provide access for all; hence this section is ideal for older walkers and also for young families.
See more photos from this section.
See information about Kalamunda and Mundaring.