Whistlepipe Gully: Everything you need to know

Lush forest, a babbling brook that turns into a series of rapids, dog friendly and close to Perth…

Whistlepipe Gully ticks a lot of boxes for an enjoyable day out, here’s what you need to know:

What is it?

Once a private property that has since been bought by the local council, Whistlepipe Gully is a seasonal water course that runs down the face of the Darling Scarp. From a height of 200m, it drops down towards the Swan Coastal Plain, carving its way through the granite slope and eventually drains into the Canning River.

Surrounded by Jarrah and Marri Forest (along with a few introduced species further upstream), this is a tranquil place to be that has become quite popular with both locals and visitors as the appetite for nature-based activities increases.

Where is it?

Located in Mundy Regional Park on the outskirts of Lesmurdie, from Roe Highway take the Welshpool Road East exit heading towards the hills and then left onto Lewis Road. Keeping following this road all the way to the end where you’ll find a gravel car park with space for about a dozen cars. The trail starts at the white gates leading east up the hill.

What to do:

The best (and only) way to experience Whistlepipe Gully is by following the 3.6km walking trail that takes you up one side of the creek and then loops back down the other side. For the first half it is a constant uphill as you climb up the single track but the benefit of this is that you get to finish with a downhill run. A series of rapids and pools can be found along the gully and after a few days of rain in winter and spring, this place comes alive with the sounds of rushing water.

As mentioned before, this used to be private property and was the site of the Wallace Greenham House, a concept by a local architect that wanted to build a Japanese style house complete with a water wheel. All that remains today are the foundations but it would have been cool to see back in the 1960s. I can see the appeal of wanting to live in this idyllic spot as the time from late winter through to early summer, the place is filled with wildflowers and orchids of all different varieties. It’s a pleasure walking through here during peak season and marvelling at all the different shapes and colours that grow right along the track.

Image Credit: Rhys Brown via wanowandthen.com.

What not to do:

While most walking tracks in Perth are located within National Parks and State Forest that don’t allow dogs, Whistlepipe Gully is an exception. Remember to be a good dog owner by keeping your four-legged friend on a lead at all times and always pick up after it. It’s a popular spot so chances are you’re going to run into other trail users and everyone deserves to walk along a clean and safe trail.

Anything else?

If you’re out and about with your doggo and looking for other walks to do in the area then check out the Lewis Road Walk that starts at the same car park or take a short drive to the car park at the end of Palm Terrace and walk around Lesmurdie Falls.

About the author:
Mark (The Life of Py) is a Perth based outdoor enthusiast that loves exploring the trails of Western Australia in his free time. When he isn’t out taking photos he is busy planning the next adventure. See more of his content HERE.