City of Kalamunda, Western Australia

Victoria Dam: wall and forest

Distance6.5 km

Elevation gain131 m

DifficultyEasy

Estimated time2 h 2 min

Overview

You walk onto the wall of Victoria Dam — Western Australia's first — then on through jarrah, not around the shore.

After the wall the path drops to the brook and takes the height back in one long climb. The second half is the hard part.

A good weekend morning close to the city. Come in spring for the wildflowers; skip hot summer days. Not a walk for a pram.

Victoria Dam — Early on, steps onto the wall — the walk's one look at the water. Western Australia's first dam stood here.
Munda Brook Timber Tramway Bridge — About halfway, at the bottom of the drop. The timber tramway bridge over the brook; the climb back starts here.
Weston Grave — A grave beside the track, near the top of the climb back. Pass it quietly.

Leave the trail if the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or Catastrophic. Check Park Alerts the morning you travel.
Follow the lilac posts. At the brook take the stony climb marked in blue, not the bridges. Near the end, yellow triangles mark the Mason Bird trail — stay with the lilac.
About a quarter is wide enough to drive — park tracks used by vehicles and bikes. The first stretch is just after the dam; the longest is on the way down to the brook. Keep to the side and listen for bikes.

About one eighth is steeper than one in ten. 41 m of steps down to the dam wall — not a walk for a pram.
The surface changes — forest path and park track. Wear proper walking shoes.

Getting there: Car via Mason Mill Road, Carmel.
Parking: About 76 cars at the start.
Tickets and fees: Entry to the park is free.
Rules: No dogs or other pets. Stay on the track.
Opening hours: Reservoir gates close at 17:00.
Facilities: Toilets and picnic tables at the dam wall; no drinking water on the trail, so bring your own. Turn around there if you only wanted the water.

Park alerts, fire closures and the dog rule. Check before you travel.