Starting from the end of Helena Valley Road, Gooseberry Hill, this walk takes you on a circuit through Kalamunda National Park via the Helena River Walk. The first part of the hike follows a hardened road before veering off onto a gravel track that takes you over a steel bridge and uphill to beautiful valley views. A short detour at the steel bridge allows you to explore the nearby creek and gauging station, a delightful spot in Winter. After enjoying the views of the river, the trail continues uphill along an old vehicle track through the lush jarrah forest that fills the valley, complete with granite boulders, wildflowers and grass trees. The valley views keep getting better, and as you reach the crest of the hill the Lower Helena Pipehead Dam and its pumping facility come into view. The trail continues alongside the Pipehead Dam then descends close to the river, offering great views across the water, where you may be lucky enough to spot black swans and other bird life. Leaving the river, the trail provides picturesque valley views of Piesse Brook as you climb a moderately steep hill, back up the valley and into wandoo woodlands. The trail eventually levels out to a flat, easy going walk as it returns to the start of the loop. The trail is comfortable and wide, but it can be quite rocky and steep in sections. There are no obvious trail markers or signage so it is important to follow the trail map closely, as it is easy to find yourself on a different trail. With picturesque river and valley views, granite boulders, wildflowers and wandoo woodlands, this is a great Perth trail waiting for you to explore. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Roe Hwy Nth Bnd off to Clayton Street then drive for 430 m
Continue onto Roe Hwy Nth Bnd off to Clayton Street and drive for another 45 m
Turn right onto Clayton Street and drive for another 490 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Clayton Street and drive for another 390 m
Turn right onto Katharine Street and drive for another 2.7 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Scott Street and drive for another 60 m
Turn slight left onto Scott Street and drive for another 450 m
Turn left onto Helena Valley Road and drive for another 100 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Helena Valley Road and drive for another 400 m
Turn slight right onto Helena Valley Road and drive for another 2.1 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of Helena Valley Road, Gooseberry Hill, head past the open area where the sealed section of the road ends and continue along the dirt track, keeping the pipeline to your left. Pass through the white metal gate, and head along the Helena River Walk gently uphill. After about 400 metres, keep left and continue moving parallel to Helena River(to your left) to continue along Helena Pipehead Walk(clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 40 m continue straight, to head along Helena Valley Road.
After another 360 m continue straight, to head along Helena Valley Road.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Helena Valley Road & Helena River Walk) continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 50 m head through/around the gate.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip will take you the foreshore of Lower Helena Diversion Dam. Enjoy a waterside picnic if you want to. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.5 km continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 670 m continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Helena River Walk & Lower Helena Bridal Trail) turn right, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 330 m continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 35 m (at the intersection of Helena River Walk & clockwork) continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 6 m (at the intersection of Helena River Walk & orange connector) continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 950 m continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 400 m continue straight, to head along Helena River Walk.
After another 45 m continue straight.
After another 30 m head through/around the gate.
Continue straight.
After another 55 m veer left, to head along Helena Valley Road.
After another 360 m continue straight, to head along Helena Valley Road.
After another 40 m come to the end.
This little side trip will take you the foreshore of Lower Helena Diversion Dam. Enjoy a waterside picnic if you want to.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Helena River Walk.
After another 40 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Helena Pipehead Walk
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
5.1 km
Time
1 h to 2 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Bushwalk
1 h to 2 h
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After another 50 m head through/around the gate.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.