Opening of Walyunga Survey Heritage Trail

11/10/94

Bushwalkers will be able to follow the footsteps of early pioneers such as Sir John Forrest with the opening today of the first of a series of survey heritage trails.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said Western Australians would be able to get a first hand feel of what our early explorers experienced as they opened up the State.

The Walyunga Survey Heritage Trail begins in the Walyunga National Park and follows the Avon River Valley to Walyunga lookout.  When all stages of the trail are completed, it will  finish at Toodyay.

Mr Lewis said the trail followed the route taken by Sir John Forrest when he was asked by the Colonial Government to assist in opening up farming developments in the Toodyay area.

"This trail has been designed to have connecting side-paths to highlight some of the various survey cairns and other features such as Moondyne Joe's Cages," the Minister said.

"Along the route are various information signs explaining the historical significance of parts of the walk.

"The trail will give people the chance to enjoy the natural heritage of the bushland, as well as experience what these early pioneers went through as they explored and surveyed these areas.

"In many ways the trail is a living museum which allows people to physically share the adventures of those early explorers."

Mr Lewis, himself a licensed surveyor, said the trail was also a tribute to the early work of surveyors in developing WA.

He said field books from the archives of the Department of Land Administration had been used to help develop the route of the trail.

The Walyunga Survey Heritage Trail began as an initiative of the Institute of Surveyors, which hopes to develop a network of survey trails throughout the State.

The Heritage Council of WA and the Department of Conservation and Land Management provided support and financial assistance.

Media contact: Tony Robertson  (09) 222 9595