Seeking solitude and wildlife snaps, Lisa hit the trail early to explore Perth’s Wungong Dam and very own gorge at Wungong Regional Park. The trail delivered wildlife, art, and a close encounter!

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Whadjuk Noongar people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

The Wungong Gorge & Dam Walk is a stunning 17km out-and-back trail that starts on South West Highway, Armadale, WA, with a turnaround at Wungong Dam wall. Located in Wungong Regional Park on Whadjuk Noongar country, it’s a 45-minute drive south-east of Perth CBD. The gorge follows the meandering Wungong Brook and is part of the expansive Darling Scarp.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike Facts

Distance: 17km (out and back)
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 240m
Nearest town: Armadale

About Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike

Wungong Regional Park in Wungong, WA, is 4,106 hectares of beautiful jarrah and marri forest bound by significant rocky outcrops, including Churchman Parklands, which is popular with climbers.

People visit Wungong Regional Park to hike, climb, mountain bike, trail run, and spot wildlife and wildflowers.

Wildlife includes birds such as Splendid fairy wrens, Baudin’s and Carnaby’s black cockatoos, kangaroos, echidnas, quendas, and the occasional feral goat or pig. For a full list of flora and fauna in the area, check out the Atlas of Living Australia.

 

Wungong Regional Park and Reservoir History

Wungong (pronounced wong-gong) is the traditional First Nations’ name for the region, Country rich in resources, including fresh water. The word ‘wungong’ is a Noongar word meaning ‘embracing’ and refers to the way the two branches of the brook embrace the park on either side.

 

 

Draftsman Alfred Hillman, who planned most of Perth’s major town sites in 1834, renamed Wungong Brook, Marshall River when he surveyed the region in 1835. In 1844, it reverted to Wungong Brook and was the only Darling Scarp park with an Indigenous name for many years.

The rocky Churchman Parkland was where notorious bushranger Moondyne Joe hid in a cave following one of his many jail breaks in the 1800s.

The Wungong Pipe Head Dam, only a fraction of the size of the current reservoir, was first established in 1925 and supplied a substantial amount of Perth’s water. In 1975, work started on the Wungong Dam, one of nine dams on the Darling Range, providing 5% of Perth’s water. Workers completed the dam in 1979.

How to Get to Wungong Gorge and Dam Hike

By Car

The trailhead of the Wungong Gorge and Dam Hike is on South Western Highway, Wungong, close to the corner of Rails Crescent and South Western Highway. If driving from Perth, allow 45 minutes to get there. The parking area, visible from the highway, is 200m from the trailhead, and the marked park entrance is easy to locate.

By Public Transport

To get to Wungong Regional Park using public transport from Perth CBD, catch the Armadale Train from Perth City to Armadale Train Station and then a 251 Transperth Bus to Bus Stop No. 13127, close to Rails Crescent and 200m from the trailhead.

Skill Level

Intermediate

The Wungong Gorge and Dam hike has a moderate difficulty rating, featuring some short, steep hills and gravel tracks with a rough, loose surface.

Essential Gear for Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike

What it’s Like to Hike Wongong Gorge & Dam

I was pumped to discover a new hiking location, and being an ‘early bird gets the worm’ type Explorer, I was at the trailhead as the sun rose.

The 5am alarm hurt, but setting out as the sun lit up the rocky gorge was worth it. The track, while wet, wasn’t too slippery and despite seeing a few cars in the car park, there were no people to be seen – perfect!

 

 

The Gorge

Not far into the hike, the towering rock face of the gorge slowly loomed on either side of the track, an impressive 200m of sheer granite. I could hear the Wungong Brook babbling to my left. A pair of native Bronzewing pigeons strutted ahead of me, their pulsing sound a constant backing track to the bush.

 

 

Feral Animal Encounters

As I came out of the gorge where thick bush was on either side of the path, I heard goats bleating but couldn’t spot them. Feral goats are common in WA parks, as they thrive in the dry, rocky conditions.

Wild pigs are another common feral animal, introduced to WA by early settlers. Later, comparing notes with a fellow hiker, I realised that what I saw and thought was a pack of wild dogs must’ve been a family of pigs instead. I was relieved the encounter was so fleeting and the pigs seemingly harmless; I’ve seen Razorback, I know what pigs are capable of!

Seriously, though, both pigs and goats cause considerable environmental damage and can contaminate water supplies, so it’s best to report them to the local shire or council. In this case, the City of Armadale.

Trail runners coming the other way warned me there were trail bikes just up ahead and to stay on the high path. This park is a web of trails, so sticking to the main path isn’t the only way to explore it. Luckily, the bikers disappeared before I got there.

Birdwatching is serious business!

Six kilometres in, I reached the Wungong Dam Service Road and noticed some people lurking around the car park dressed in camouflage and carrying huge lenses. Birdwatchers! Apparently, this area is where the Splendid fairy wren hangs out.

A Snack Break at Wungong Dam

I exchanged nods with the birders and used the loo (it’s the only one on the trail) before heading up the service road to the Wungong Dam wall – about 2.5km, mostly uphill on a sealed road. Wungong Reservoir supplies some of Perth’s water, so I was pleased to see it looking healthy.

 

 

I had the magnificent reservoir all to myself. The vast expanse of water looked strangely devoid of life. I didn’t see a single duck! Surreal concrete viewing points conjured up 70s-style architecture, and I noted several picnic tables and BBQs.

Inspired Artwork

The highlight was the incredible 13m-long bird mural, painted by Perth artist Brenton See in 2021. Brenton is an avid birdwatcher and nature lover who spent time in the area before creating his piece.

 

 

 

His artwork has brought the previously grey concrete platform to life.

The air was brisk, so I ate my snacks and took some pics before heading back down to the car park and onto the hiking trail.

Capturing Carnaby’s Cockatoos

The 6km return walk from Admiral Road car park was a whole new experience. The sun was higher in the sky, and the grass and leaves glistened with dew. When I reached the gorge, now bathed in sunlight, the sound of Carnaby’s cockatoos was cacophonous. They squealed and screeched, only landing to strip gum nuts off the trees with their powerful beaks.

 

 

There wasn’t a camouflaged birdwatcher in sight as I took photo after photo of these magnificent birds. I patted my camera, anticipating the shots I could relive when I got home, before heading back to the car park and my final wildlife encounter – a rogue roo bounding across the track and scaring the life out of me.

Even though this hike is an out-and-back trail, it felt like 17km of new ground, and being an early bird gave me the full range of sightings and experiences.

Tips For Hiking Wungong Gorge & Dam

  • Don’t leave valuables in your car
  • Carry water – you can refill at the Wungong Reservoir car park toilets
  • Wear good hiking shoes, as the ground can be slippery
  • Use the toilet before you leave home or carry a small spade – the only toilet is 6km away!

FAQs for Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike

Can I catch a bus to the trailhead of the Wungong Gorge & Dam  Hike?

Yes, there’s a bus stop about 200m from the trailhead. Take the Armadale Line train from Perth CBD and then the 251 Transperth Bus to stop 13127 close to Rails Crescent.

Do I need to take water to the Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike?

Yes, carry water with you. There’s potable water at the Wungong Dam car park (6km from the trailhead).

When’s the best time of the year to hike Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike?

The cooler months are the best time to hike anywhere in Perth. If you decide to hike in the middle of summer, check for bushfire alerts and start early with extra water.

Can I swim in the Wungong Dam?

Sadly, no. Wungong Reservoir is one of Perth’s main water supply dams. So, as cool as it looks, swimming is prohibited. However, if you wish to dip your toes, there’s a small ‘recreation lake’ near the spillway.

Can I take my dog to the Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike?

No, dogs and other pets aren’t permitted in Wungong Gorge or Reservoir.

Will I see wildflowers on the Wungong Gorge & Dam Hike?

If you hike from September to November, you’ll see native Western Australian wildflowers.

Can I start the Wungong Gorge and Dam hike from another location?

Yes, you can start in the Wungong Dam car park on Admiral Road, starting with a walk up to the dam wall and then out and back to South Western Highway.

Discover More Day Hikes Near Perth

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.