John Forrest National Park is a stunning place. It gives visitors a closer panorama of nature. This National Park is located close to Perth City. It is full of scenic views and bicycle and walk trails. Additionally, it has historic buildings and lots of wildlife.

This national park is located within thirty minutes’ distance of Perth. It is east of the city at just 24 km distance. Spring and winter are the best visiting months. It’s because the forest has running fountains these seasons.

John Forrest National Park’s Standard park entry fee is $17.00 per vehicle, and the concession park entry fee is $10.00 per vehicle. This National Park is also accessible on foot, or you can also take a mountain bike via the Railway Heritage trail. While visiting the national park, the visitors can also purchase the Park Passes online. It is needed to enter visitors into the National Park all over WA.

It consists of three entry points. You can track those entry points by GPS. You can also find the best route with scenic views into John Forrest National Park.

The city views are outstanding and breathtaking. This National Park has many beautiful spots, including adorable wooden huts.

1. History Of John Forrest National Park

During the early years of 1898, this land was reserved for conservation. It was labeled “Greenmount National Park” after two years. Finally, in 1947, the name of this national park was changed to commemorate Sir John Forrest. It is done because he was Western Australia’s first premier.

John Forrest National Park was clustered in the 1890s. It was cleaved by the Eastern Railway. Till the time railway reserves traffic passed through it. The Avon Valley route was one of the reasons for its construction. The “National Park” railway line is a famous spot in this place. It is an alignment through the Swan View Tunnel and the park.

The railway station of this national park was established in 1936. It was a very famous railway excursion location from the 1890s to the 1960s. The railway was formed under the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. After it was closed, the railway line was removed. It vests on the Mundaring Shire Council. This part is called the John Forrest Heritage Trail.

2. Geography Of John Forrest National Park

It is located on the border of the Darling Scarp and east of Perth. In addition, it is located on the Great Eastern Highway’s north.

This park has Swan View suburb on the west. Likewise, it has a naturally occurring western road as a boundary. And there are suburbs adjacent to it: Darlington and Glen Forrest. They are also present on the Great Eastern Highway South. And finally, to Hovea’s east.

Major damaging bushfires occurred in the park during the year 1990s and 2000s. They happened in the western and the northern sections. In November 2010, a bushfire was believed to occur deliberately, and it caused damage to the most significant areas of the National Park.

3. Features Of John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is acknowledged as an ancient conservation area in Australia and the first National Park in Western Australia.

The John Forrest National Park has many significant features. Some of them are excellent bushwalking, Cycling along the Railway Reserves Trail, and, most importantly, scenic drives.

There’s plenty of wildlife in this National Park, including many native birds and bandicoots. Moreover, if you visit this national park during the spring, you can observe that the wildflowers color the landscape. There are also various great picnic facilities available in this national park.

The most significant features that anyone can’t miss during your trip to John Forrest National Park are :

• Go for a walk along rugged wilderness trails.
• Or along the historic Swan View Tunnel.
• Spectacular Waterfalls during the winter.
• Magnificent views in city and metropolitan areas.

4. Cultural Heritage Of John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is mainly known for its main picnic areas. These areas are perfect for family picnics and barbeques. There are also many waterfalls located in this area. The remaining part of the national park is largely undeveloped for those who enjoy the wilderness.

The perfect time to visit the National Park is winter or spring. The estimated walk of the National Park Falls is about 2.5 km, and it will take you about an hour for a loop walk. This will ultimately take you along the National Park Falls, Railway Reserves Trail, and the Jane Brook.

John Forrest Tavern, popularly known as The Wildflower Tavern, is located in John Forrest National Park. It is a conservation area and a good place to stop for snacks.

Visitors can sit outside the courtyard, where they will encounter many birds and kangaroos. The John Forrest Tavern is open daily and provides a special Monday night roast. For $10.00, they can choose from beef or chicken with six vegetables.

The most famous relaxing spot in this national park is John Forrest Tavern. People visit here after they have completed hiking trails. Another important spot is Hovea Falls. These falls cascade down to a sheet of rock.

5. Famous Walks Of John Forrest National Park

There are many walks in John Forrest National Park, all full of beautiful and mesmerizing views. Some of those walks are the Wildflower Walk Trail, the Christmas Tree Creek Walk Trail, the Eagle View Walk, and the Glen Brook Trail.

The Glen Brook Walk is also located in John Forrest National Park. It starts with the main picnic area. It’s ideal for a quick stroll. It is a wonderful place for families. It is a 2.2 km loop. 

John Forrest National Park has many trails, which are amazing spots for visitors. Here, you can witness flooded gum jarrah, the spooky Swan View, and paperbark trees.

6. Things To Do In John Forrest National Park

There are many things to enjoy at John Forrest National Park, which has kangaroo troops. Visitors can stroll to the back of the Tavern, which is located near the picnic area.

This is where people climb boulders and build houses out of tree branches. This national park has two famous waterfalls: Hovea Falls and National Park Falls. They are perfect for rainfall, and the phenomenon of water falling over granite rock is fantastic.

6.1. Walking Tracks

This national park has several walk trail options, including the best walk trails in Perth. The trails start from the picnic area.

The longest hike is the Eagle View Walk, which includes a 2.2km walk around Glen Brook Dam, the John Forrest Bridle Trail, a 300m Jane Brook Promenade, and the National Park Falls Walk.

The 340-meter Swan View tunnel was constructed in 1893 by Western Australia’s Engineer-in-chief, C.Y. O’Conor.

Visitors also enjoy walking through a tunnel and falling. This hiking trail, known as Swan View Tunnel via Falls, is 8.4 km long. 

There are many other trails in this national park. Some are Rocky Pools Circuit, Heritage Trail, and  Wildflower Trail.

The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is the longest in John Forrest National Park. It is 41.4 km.

6.2. Ancient Travel Route

There are many ancient routes in this national park. The indigenous people use these routes. Visitors walk through the forest to follow routes. These routes take you to John Forrest National Park’s natural, beautiful sites.

There are many ancient routes. Visitors can travel and reach the national park by these routes. Some routes indigenous people use are not in use now, but some are still available.

6.3. John Forrest Picnic Areas

One amazing picnic spot is located in the John Forrest National Park. Being the state’s oldest national park comes with wildlife beauty.

The nature and surroundings are unique. This place has over 500 species. Western Grey Kangaroos have their home here. These types of Kangaroos are seen in the early morning and afternoon. They are spotted at picnic areas. 

The National Park Falls walk is just a kilometer from the main picnic area. The top of these falls is stunning, and we can have a look at Jane Brook and beyond

The major highlight of visiting this area is visiting the Swan View Tunnel. This tunnel was opened in 1896. This tunnel has some mythical creatures. It’s said that the tunnel is haunted. It has the spirits of men.

They lost lives during tunnel construction, thus making the Swan View Tunnel one of the risk areas of this whole place.

6.4. Trickling Mountain Streams

There are various mountain streams in John Forrest National Park. Furthermore, the visitors love to see the stunning views of these mountains. Many visitors who love adventure do many adventurous activities here.

7. Flora Of John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is set in Jarrah forest. It is a Bush site. Jarrah and Marri’s uplands are majorly seen here. Two Smooth-barked trees cross with Jarrah and Marri on the valley’s slope. Smaller trees are Bull Banksia and Sheoak.

The slopes’ woodlands have a rich understorey of Calothamnus, Grevilleas, Hakeas, Dryandras, Myrtles, Pimelias, Blue Lechenaultia, etc. In addition, there are 12,000 species of wildflowers.

A common feature of this location is granite outcrops. The soil becomes shallow, and annual herbs abound. Several plants, such as orchids, sundews, and resurrection, grow in moss swards.

Lastly, this place is full of a varied variety of plants. You can observe many endangered types of plant species here. 

8. Fauna Of John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is significant for conservation purposes. Essentially, it includes flora and fauna of wide diversity. Here, species are regarded as threatened. In addition, other species are limited in their group here.

Flora and fauna represent the ecological ecotone. They lie in the middle of the Darling Plateau and Swan Coastal Plain. This national park has 41 of Australia’s 207 mammals and 439 reptile species. Additionally, 1,600 fish species are present in its water bodies.

While exploring this National Park, visitors can also notice several animals like Motorbike Frogs, Glauert’s Froglet, Ornate Crevice- Dragon, Southwestern Earless Skink, Shingleback Lizard, Southern Marbled Gecko, Sand Goanna, and many more animals here.

9. Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q 1. What are the opening time slots For John Forrest National Park?

Ans. The times of this park are Sun-Sat 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM.

Q 2. How Can We Reach John Forrest National Park?

Ans. You can reach it here by taking the Great Eastern Highway into the Perth hills and following the signs on Park Rd. The main parking area is just next to the Tavern. It has plenty of bays.

Q 3. What Is The System For The Car Park Here?

Ans. The visitors visiting this place should know that the standard vehicle would have to pay an amount of $15.00 per vehicle, and the large vehicle would have to spend an amount of $7.00 per person.

10. At The End

In this article, we have discussed the famous Australian national park, John Forrest National Park. This national park has a vast history. Its landscapes are very beautiful and connect you to nature.

The indigenous people of this national park are maintaining their cultural heritage. Moreover, it has various walking tracks and picnic areas. This could be an excellent place for vacations for family and friends.

You can also enjoy hiking and birdwatching here. You will come beyond many animals as well. For more information, visit the official site of John Forrest National Park.

Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by Rajeshwari_Das