Just 60 kms from Perth, the Serpentine National Park is easily accessed from the city. Mandurah is just 35 minutes or so away.
Get there early as this park is well patronized - around 80,000 visitors each year. In summer months park gates are closed if capacity is reached, There is an admission fee of $12.00 per car with concessions available for pensioners and students. Leave your money in the honesty box if the post is not attended by a ranger. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5pm daily.
The fee generally includes the park brochure but it is not uncommon for these to run out. Fortunately the signage of the tracks is relatively good at Serpentine so a park brochure is not essential.
 |
| Resident Kangaroos at Serpentine National Park Picnic Area |
Visiting the Serpentine National Park takes some prior planning. Make sure you bring your own food and plenty of water as there is no kiosk. Sunscreen and a hat are musts particularly if you are intending to hike one of the parks walking trails. Public toilets are provided.
Next to the main carpark there are plenty of places to picnic under shady trees. A resident group of kangaroos sheltering from the midday sun congregate around the many BBQ's and picnic tables. Feeding the kangaroos within the park is strictly forbidden as this can lead to dependency and animal health issues.
 |
| Barbecues in Picnic Area for Park Patrons, Serpentine National Park |
There are three bushwalks within the park. Even if you are not into hiking at the very least take the short stroll to the Serpentine Falls to stretch your legs and to cool off on a hot day. For the longer hikes you will need a good stanard of fitness, Ensure you are carrying enough water and a first aid kit. Remember to time your trip so that you are back at your car by no later than 4.45pm as park gate closing is punctual.
- Serpentine Falls Walk Trail (Class 1 Walking Trail)
Serpentine Falls is just 500 metres return along an easy Class 1 track with wheelchair access. Take your swimming costume for a refreshing swim in the waterhole at the base of the waterfall. There isn't really anywhere to change easily at the Serpentine Falls so put your bathers on before you leave the carpark.
Easy Class 1 Track Leads to Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park
The track comes to an end at the Serpentine Falls. There is a railing with steps leading down to the water's edge. There are also several viewing platforms and vantage points. Serpentine Falls offers a great photo opportunity for the keen photographer.
Swimming at Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park
At the Serpentine Falls the cliffs can be scaled in places for diving off although these are slippery in places and extreme care is needed. Several accidents have claimed lives recently highlighting how easy it is to lose balance and fall. Consumption of alcohol at the Falls is strictly forbidden and is enforced by park rangers. - Kitty's Gorge Walk (Class 4 Walking Trail)
Listed as one of 30 top bushwalking trails in Western Australia, Kitty's Gorge Walk is worth the 11 km walk each way. The walk is rated medium and does require a good standard of walking fitness. Those who complete the track are rewarded with rocky granite outcrops, waterfalls, secluded swimming holes, historic mud cottages, wildflowers, wildlife and views above the gorge. Bushwalker information on the Kitty's Gorge Walk - Baldwin's Bluff (Class 4 Walking Trail)
The Baldwin's Bluff track affords spectacular views of the Serpentine Falls and up the valley. The trail leads to a prominent ridge southwest of the Serpentine Falls and is approximately 6 km's return and takes about 2 hours.
 |
| Walking Trail Sign Serpentine National Park |
0 comments:
Post a Comment