Wungong Gorge Walk: Everything you need to know

If you feel like you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and get back in touch with nature, walking trails are a great chance to breathe in some fresh air and relax. 

Armadale may not immediately come to mind as a serene bushland retreat, but within Wungong Regional Park lies a treasure trove of breathtaking natural marvels that promise to invigorate and re-energise you.

What is Wungong Gorge?

The Wungong Gorge is a prominent feature within the Wungong Regional Park. Spanning over 1,000 hectares of bushland, the park is part of the Darling Range and is known for its diverse ecosystem and local flora and fauna.

The Gorge itself is a geological formation that, put simply, is a giant crack in the earth with water running through it! Creating a picturesque waterfall and natural pools, the Wungong Gorge is popular amongst visitors, especially nature enthusiasts.

Also within the park is the Wungong Dam, which is known for its fairy wrens. With its abundant wildlife and natural beauty, visitors can explore the natural beauty of Western Australian bushland without having to stray too far from the city.

Where is Wungong Gorge?

Located about 20km southeast of the CBD in the Perth hills within the City of Armadale, the Wungong Regional Park is a short and easy drive from the city’s center. Entry to the park is completely free and parking abundant, making it a perfect day trip destination.

What to do Wungong Gorge?

The park itself offers a range of recreational activities, including bushwalking, birdwatching, mountain biking and is a great spot for a family picnic. At the gorge itself, it’s possible to swim in the pool formations during the wetter months, though obviously quite chilly!

The most popular activity within the park are the walking trails of various length and difficulty, which cater to different levels of fitness and offer unbeatable natural views. 

The Bungendore Bridle Trail spans 3.2km and along the way you might spot a variety of local wildlife including baudins and carnaby cockatoos and kangaroos. The Wungong Gorge trail follows the Wungong Brook along an 11km trail through the picturesque valley and typically takes anywhere from 3-4 hours to complete.

What not to do:

The bad news for pup lovers is that dogs aren’t allowed in the park, and while tackling the walking trails, it’s important to be cautious of snakes in warmer months and take care navigating the sometimes uneven terrain.

As always, it’s important to be respectful of the natural environment and wildlife, which means no littering, damaging vegetation, starting fires, feeding the animals, vandalising or purposefully disturbing wildlife.

Image Credit: Perth Hills Armadale/Shutterstock