Completion of first 45kms of Coastal Plains Walk Trail

4/6/97

Western Australia's nature-based tourism attractions have been boosted by the completion of the first 45kms of the new Coastal Plains Walk Trail, just north of Perth.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the new trail would offer people the chance to explore the many unique and natural features of the Swan Coastal Plain.

"The Coastal Plains Walk Trail, when completed, will extend 90km from Yanchep National Park to Walyunga National Park," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Following in the footsteps of the Bibbulmun Track, it has been designed and built to provide people with an accessible recreational opportunity to explore the northern conservation estates of Perth.

"The completion of the first section of the trail, which stretches from Yanchep National Park to Melaleuca Conservation Park, means people can begin to enjoy this experience from June onwards.

"The trail is designed to cater for all levels of walkers, providing day walks for beginners and a two-and-a-half day trek for experienced long distance walkers.

"It showcases the areas natural attractions from the tranquil wetlands, tuart and banksia woodlands, and forest fauna to spectacular wildflowers and scenic glimpses of the coast and the Darling Scarp."

The Minister said as part of the trail's development, two camp shelters were constructed in the northern section, with a third on the way. A further two were currently under construction in the southern section of Walyunga National Park.

"A trail register has also been provided in Yanchep National Park as a safety precaution for long distance walkers," she said.

"To highlight the trail's heritage and unique features, the emu's footprint was chosen for the specially designed trail markers which guide walkers along the route through conservation estates and State forests."

The Minister said the new trail was initiated and developed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) in conjunction with the North West Metro Tourism Association.

Stage one of the trail was funded by the Federal Department of Science Industry and Tourism with strong support from the City of Wanneroo, CALM's Bibbulmun Track Project Team and local community organisations such as the Wanneroo Wanderers 4WD Club.

Mrs Edwardes said that strong support, representation and input was received from the community in the design and construction stages of the trail.

"This is truly a community project, which all organisations, Government agencies and community groups and individuals involved should be proud of."

The second half of the trail from Neaves Road to Walyunga National park is due to open in early spring. Trail guides for the northern section can be purchased from metropolitan CALM offices.

Media contacts: Diana Russell Coote on (08) 9421 7777

CALM Therese Jones on (08) 9405 1222