BushwalkBushwalk
We are very fortunate in Western Australia to have a vast array of landscapes, from the rugged coastlines and dense forests of the south coast, to the turquoise bays of the mid-west, the scenic gorges of the Pilbara and the tropical environment of the Kimberley.
Letter from the MinisterAlbert Jacob MLA
Western Australian Minister for Environment; Heritage
Windjana Gorge
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Western Australia has thousands of walking tracks for people to experience and connect with these unique, diverse and awe-inspiring natural environments.
With 100 national parks, 13 marine parks and numerous other conservation reserves, there are more than 28 million hectares of environmental estate available for people to explore. This world-class parks system not only aims at providing opportunities for people to experience nature, but to also raise community awareness and appreciation of the State’s wildlife and cultural values.
As an avid bushwalker, I know how important it is to have a range of readily accessible tracks and trails available, from easy short walks on flat, well-formed paths to longer walks that include different and challenging terrains for the more skilled, experienced and fit walkers. WA walking tracks and trails are classified according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Tracks within conservation estate are managed and maintained by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, many in partnership with the community.
The success of this partnership is highlighted by the State’s world renowned Bibbulmun Track - one of the world’s great long-distance walking trails, stretching almost 1000 kilometres from Kalamunda in the hills on the outskirts of Perth to the heritage town of Albany on the south coast.
The track is managed in partnership with the not-for-profit community organisation the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, and provides people with walks through many of the State’s most scenic parks among towering forests with breathtaking views of valleys, granite boulders and coastal heathlands.
Recognised by National Geographic as one of the Top 20 World’s Best Epic Hikes, the Bibbulmun offers a wide range of walking experiences from easy short strolls to the exhilarating end-to-end walk, which can take the most experienced bushwalker eight weeks to complete. To assist with these adventures, Parks and Wildlife has established 49 camp sites along the main
route, from basic camping sites to purpose-built shelters. The track also passes through a number of south-west towns, generating local tourism benefits.
There are a number of bushwalking clubs in WA for people without the time or inclination to plan or the experience and confidence to walk individually, or who just enjoy walking with company. There are also a wide range of tours offered by the many licensed operators.
Bushwalking is a great way for people to get outdoors and connect with nature. It is also important for children to experience nature as a part of family day trips, extended holidays, picnics, walks, camping or simply enjoying the sights of many of our national parks.
To counteract the growing disconnect between people and the environment, in particular for young people, the State Government has embarked on a partnership with NaturePlay WA to encourage a stronger connection with the environment from a young age.
We are also working to implement the $21.05 million Parks for People initiative to improve and expand family camping and associated visitor experiences in national parks and conservation reserves.
This initiative provides for visitor facilities and services such as affordable camping and caravan accommodation, walk, bike and drive trails, and the creation of interpretation information including mobile and desktop applications. Overall it will see at least 450 new camp sites, eight new campgrounds and the expansion of at least nine campgrounds in the most popular national parks and State forest recreation areas.
I have been very fortunate to see first-hand many of these new developments. In the past year, I have experienced the breathtaking Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks in the Kimberley, the jarrah forest of Lane Poole Reserve in the south-west, the wilderness areas of Fitzgerald River National Park on the south-coast and the Cape-to-Cape walking trail in Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.
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Facilitating visitor activities such as bushwalking, picnicking and camping is an important part of management planning for WA’s conservation estate. Parks and Wildlife is constantly engaged with the community to ensure recreation is balanced with conservation and that there are many information sources available for people to find out what WA parks have to offer.
From the Explore Parks and the TrailsWA websites, social media and brochures, to quick and easy apps such as ParkFinder for smart devices, information on WA’s walk trails is at our fingertips. You can even book online for campsites in national parks through ParkstayWA.
Information is the conduit that links park managers and users, fostering greater environmental stewardship. An excellent example of this is the Mamang and Hakea walk trails in the Fitzgerald River National Park. These trails traverse a spectacular and pristine environment which is highly vulnerable to impacts of dieback. Rather than restricting visitor access and stopping people from exploring, Parks and Wildlife has established the walk trails in conjunction with a concerted information program that informs people about precautions needed to protect biodiversity. This includes installing boot cleaning stations at trail heads within the park and encouraging people to wash tyres and car under-bodies before and after a trip to the park.
Providing access and information for people to connect with and experience nature will greatly assist in establishing the next generation of advocates for our parks and reserves.
King George River, Western Australia
Albert Jacob served for nearly three years on the Joondalup City Council. He was elected as the inaugural member for Ocean Reef in September 2008. He was the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Youth. He was appointed as Minister for Environment; Heritage in March 2013. With a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Masters in Architecture, Albert is committed to the conservation and protection of Western Australia’s unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Albert lives with his young family and is a Vice Patron of Surf Lifesaving WA as well as his local club Mullaloo Surf Lifesaving Club where he is a patrolling member.
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