John Forrest National Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Forrest National Park Western Australia
IUCN Category II (National Park)
National Park western entrance
John Forrest National Park Location in Western Australia
Nearest town or city	Perth
Established	1957
Area	26.78 km2 (10.3 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department of Parks and Wildlife (Western Australia)
Website	John Forrest National Park
Footnotes
Western Australia Heritage Register
Designated	17 December 2004
Reference no.	8561
See also	List of protected areas of Western Australia

John Forrest National Park is a special place in Western Australia. It's about 24 kilometers east of Perth, nestled in the beautiful Darling Scarp hills. This park made history! It was the very first national park in Western Australia, created in November 1900. It was also only the second national park ever in all of Australia, after Royal National Park.

Discover John Forrest National Park

How the Park Got Its Name

This land was set aside for nature and fun way back in 1898. Two years later, it was called Greenmount National Park. People still called it National Park even in the late 1930s. Then, in 1947, its name changed to honor Sir John Forrest. He was the very first Premier of Western Australia, like a state leader.

Where to Find the Park

John Forrest National Park sits on the edge of the Darling Scarp. This is a range of hills east of Perth. The park is north of the Great Eastern Highway. To its west is the suburb of Swan View. The Pechey Road forms a natural border there. South of the highway, you'll find the suburbs of Darlington and Glen Forrest. To the east, the park is next to Hovea.

A Park with History

The Eastern Railway was built right through the park in the 1890s. Trains used this line until 1966. That's when a new railway route, the Avon Valley line, opened.

The Swan View Tunnel is a cool part of the park's history.

The railway path, especially through the Swan View Tunnel and the park, was often called the "National Park" railway line.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many park features were built. This work helped people find jobs during tough times. Some of these old features have been fixed up.

The park was a very popular spot for train trips. This was from the 1890s until the 1960s. At first, Hovea was the closest train station. But in 1936, the National Park railway station was built right inside the park. The National Park Falls and Hovea Falls were also popular places to visit and photograph.

After the railway closed, the old train tracks were removed. The path became part of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. The part of this trail inside the park is now called the John Forrest Heritage Trail.

What You Might See Today

You can still spot large kangaroos in the park. However, smaller marsupials, which are like small kangaroos, have had a tough time. Foxes, feral cats, and dogs have caused problems for them.

The park's Jarrah forest has also faced challenges. Long periods of dry weather and a plant disease called dieback have affected the trees. Along the park's edges, new types of weeds and plants are growing. These can harm the park's natural environment. Even with these changes, you can still see beautiful wildflowers along the internal roads.

The park's management has also changed over time. The Department of Environment and Conservation has fewer staff now. This means less people are working to look after parks like John Forrest.

Large bushfires have also damaged parts of the park. These fires happened in the western and northern areas in the 1990s and early 2000s. In November 2010, another bushfire, thought to be started on purpose, burned a big part of the park. This included a section of the Eagle's View trail.

Some parts of the park have also been used for mountain biking.

The John Forrest Tavern

The John Forrest Wildflower Tavern and Restaurant opened in 1978. It's right in the middle of the park, a short walk uphill from the ranger's office. This tavern has become a well-known spot. Car clubs and orienteering groups often meet there. The outdoor courtyard is a favorite for visitors. Native birds and kangaroos often come close to the building, looking for food.

Exploring the Park's Walking Trails

John Forrest National Park has many walking trails. These trails are for different fitness levels and abilities. All the walks begin at the main picnic area. Here are some of the trails you can explore: