Places to visit with your dog; Yellagonga Regional Park

Yellagonga Regional Park
(Joondalup & Wanneroo)

The Yellagonga Regional Park has a lot to offer for the people and pooches of Perth. This beautiful location extends from Joondalup Dr to Hepburn Av. Running through the suburbs of Joondalup, Wanneroo, Edgewater, Woodvale and also Kingsley.

You can come here to enjoy a bush walk, take your dogs, enjoy the many picnic locations, and even ride your bicycle around. Often called Kings Park of the north, the park has many access points to enjoy nature at its best. Furthermore, it is an easy 30-minute drive from Perth CBD, it is also accessible from 5 train stations on the Joondalup line (Whitfords, Greenwood, Edgewater, Joondalup, and Currambine).

Perry’s Paddock is probably the most popular area in the park with the dogs and pet owners of Perth. A wide open area with many trails to explore, it is a fantastic way to spend a day with your best friend.

Always remember when exploring, to take care to not damage the habitat
and also please keep the location free from rubbish.

A bit about Yellagonga Regional Park:

Yellagonga Regional Park was named in 1990 to honour Yellagonga, the leader of the Mooro people who inhabited the region at the time of colonial settlement. This region is part of cultural significance to the Nyoongar community (forming part of their dreaming). Ancestors of the Nyoongar people used the lakes and surrounds for camping, social and ceremonial areas, and as a source of food and water. The park also has a diverse history of use since colonial settlement.

Approximately 13km long, it contains several lakes and wetlands which are part of a large chain of water bodies that stretch north of the park and south of the park to Cockburn. The dominant feature of the area is the wetland system. The wetlands found in this park include; Lake Joondalup, Lake Goollelal, Beenyup Swamps and also the Walluburnup Swamp.

The park also includes areas of mature vegetation growth. These vegetation’s were once widespread on the Swan Coastal Plain and cater for a variety of waterbirds, bushbirds, and other wildlife.

You can read more information about the park here: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/yellagonga

Yellagonga Regional Park management plan has been worked on by the Cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup, closely with the Department of Conservation and Land Management. This, majority of the park is designated for conservation and protection. These areas include the wetlands, waterbodies (where public access is restricted) and upland areas (where public access is restricted to nature trails, cycle tracks, and access ways).

You can read more about the management plan here: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Yellagonga_Regional_Park_Management_Plan_2003-2013.pdf

Become a Friend of Yellagonga Regional Park:

There is a local community group that regularly clean, and rehabilitate areas of the park. They are the “Friends of Yellagonga Regional Park” (FOY), who are a local group of enthusiastic conservation volunteers with a desire to protect and restore the biodiversity for current, and future generations to enjoy.

You can find out more about the wonderful group, and even become a Friend of Yellagonga Regional Park here: http://www.friendsofyellagonga.com.au/

Trials:

On the many trials in the park, you can enjoy bushwalking, walking with your dog and cycling.

Lake Goollelal Loop.

This trail takes you on a circuit around Lake Goollelal, south of the park.
Distance: 4.3km
Time: 1hr (Walking)
Class: Easy

Lake Joondalup Circuit.

This trail takes you on a route around Lake Joondalup, north of the park.
Distance: 16km
Time: 4hr (Walking)
Class: Medium

Beenyup Swamp Circuit.

This trail takes you around Beenyup Swamp.
Distance: 2.4km
Time: 1-3hr (Walking)
Class: Easy

Recreation areas:

Lake Goollelal.

Located between Whitfords Ave, Hepburn Ave and Wanneroo Rd, at the eastern end of Kingsway there is a carpark which links to the lake circuit path and lookour on the western shore of the lake.

Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Lookout/Deck
Activities: Bushwalking

Beenyup Park.

Bordering Ocean Reef Road (north) and Streeton Prom (south-west). There is a network of walk trails and paths through open woodland which provides access to Beenyup Swamp, Perry’s Paddock and Lake Joondalup.

Dogs allowed: Yes
Activities: Bushwalking

Yellagonga Pine Forest.

One of the original pine seed orchids for Western Australia, there is a stand of pines surrounded by Jarrah and Banksia open woodland. There is a shared path which links the pine forest to open parkland and playing fields to the south.

Dogs allowed: Yes
Activities: Bushwalking

Yellagonga Scenic Lookout.

Situated between Lakeside Dr and the Lake, you can access the lookout by heading north from Neil Hawkins Park or south from Lot 1 on the bitumen pathways.

Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Lookout/Deck
Activities: Bushwalking

Perry’s Paddock.

Is an open area of land which has a network of walk trails and shared paths to enjoy, this area is popular among dog owners.

Dogs allowed: Yes
Activities: Bushwalking

Using the recreation and trail areas with your dog:

As these areas are part of a conservation area with a diverse selection of flora and fun within the park, we recommend keeping your dog on a lead while enjoying the beautiful locations.

Please keep in mind:

When bringing your dog into parks and reserves be mindful of any signage relating to the control of your dog. Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in any public place including footpaths, car parks and shopping centres unless in a designated dog exercise area.

Dogs must be under effective control.

Your dog is not considered under control if it:

Chases or disturbs wildlife, other dogs or people
Acts in a threatening or aggressive manner
Attacks or injure another animal or person
Is a considerable distance from their owner(s) preventing response to verbal commands.

See the City of Joondalup & Wanneroo websites for further information: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/ & http://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/

Key things to keep in mind:

The areas are used by many members of the community and visitors, please remember to be courteous and respectful of those around you when out and about with your best friend.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. Please remember to clean up after yourself and your pooch. If you see any rubbish around, please dispose of accordingly
Be careful of snakes in the warmer seasons, they are around.
As this is a native bush area, fires may occur. Please be aware and respond appropriately.
Please remember to take water, poo bags, dog lead, wear appropriate walking shoes, and to wear sunscreen and a hat (in summer).
Unless signage states otherwise, please keep your dog on a lead at all times.

Personally recommended by the West Coast Pet Care Centre Team.