JOHN FORREST

NATIONAL PARK

Replay

John Forrest National Park - Western Australia

GPS 31 52 48 S 116 04 47 E

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Land for conservation and recreation was set aside here in 1898 and John Forrest National Park was the first to be established in W.A. It was only the second National Park established in Australia and was originally called Greenmount N.P. but the name was changed in 1947.

The park is named after the explorer and politician John Forrest.

During the Great Depression 'sustenance' workers were employed to develop gardens and other improvements in the park. The park was obviously once a real showcase but it has been left to run down until now, the gardens that were once so attractive, have fallen into decay and disrepair.

A railway once ran through the park but the line was closed in 1966. The 340 metre long Swan View tunnel, built during 1893-5 and costing 12,000 pounds, was constructed on this line but the railway was later moved in 1945 due to safety problems. The tunnel still exists and can be explored. Read more about the railway on the Mundaring page.

The tunnel is most easily reached from the western end not from the main part of John Forrest National Park. The walk to the tunnel is about 700 metres. When we went to see the tunnel there was NO SIGN along the walk trail to indicate that the tunnel is off to the right and up a cutting so it cannot be seen from the main path.

There are three main walks in the park and after good rains there is an interesting waterfall along the John Forrest Heritage Trail. Spring is probably the best time to visit are there are many different types of wildflowers scattered through out the park.

The Rocky Pool picnic area is on the western boundary of the park. Here Jane Brook passes through a small series of rapids into a pool.

NPW Website for more information

Best time to visit:

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