Okay, I have found something really special to share with you – super magical and amazing.
But before you read further I need you to make a pledge…
You need to pledge that you will show patience, reserve and respect to this very special place, and the process to get there. Are you intrigued yet? Let me introduce you to the Wandoo Hills Nature Reserve Walk Trail.
Wandoo Heights Nature Reserve 
On this walk you will find a little magic 
Wildflowers are in bloom
Situated 13km from Midland, in the Darling Escarpment there sits this property that is unique in so many more ways than just the lush wildflower-filled bushland. This block of land was initially granted to a George Fletcher Moore, the Advocate General for the Swan Colony back in 1830. Now, I don’t know much about that, but the original block was 4000 acres and only part of it was able to be farmed, so it was left in its natural state to just ‘be’. In 1960 the property was acquired by three people who were passionate conservationists and they worked hard to maintain the property and protect the incredible flora and fauna. In 1988 the land was gifted to the City of Swan with the proviso that it would continue to be conserved.
And this brings us to the present day
When you arrive you are stepping into some sort of time capsule. A secret beckons you, and it feels as though you are discovering a secret garden that is frozen in time. A little cottage sits and pays homage to the past, and as you walk along one of the two walk trails, you will find yourself surrounded by the most beautiful, untouched wilderness, heaving with colour during wildflower season and alive with wildlife, birds and okay I will say it – snakes. You hear only the sound of your footsteps, the symphony of birds singing all around you, and the occasional thumping of a roo startled into movement. The air is so clean and fresh, and you walk through clouds of bush perfume as you wander. The sun is warm on your skin and you feel your body tingle with the quiet energy that flows here.
It is almost like this land, all the plants, with all the animals know they have been protected, loved and nurtured all these years. And now they are repaying us with this energy that makes you feel so incredibly alive. This is an unbelievably special space.
You know those moments when you feel just pure joy…that is what Wandoo Hills is for me. Pure joy.
The walk has challenges. There is uneven ground, and there are some steep parts as you climb upwards. At the top you have views over the Darling Scarp and across to the city of Perth skyline. It is really incredible. The path is clearly marked and those with a moderate level of fitness would manage. I suggest finding a large walking stick or bringing your own as in the heat there are snakes, and the path is not wide and manicured. The path is present to guide you, but it connects with its surroundings so your legs are brushing against plants and you need a keen eye to notice our slithery friends.
Now, I was told this was dog friendly provided he was on a leash. And yes, of course I took Noodles. He loved it. But now I have been to Wandoo Heights, now I have experienced this place – I have to say, no. Please leave your dog at home. Not only due to the risk of snakes, but because this land is pristine and perfect. I cannot think of anything worse than having dogs in this area leaving their scent, scaring the wildlife, and damaging the plants.
This chap scared the Jimminy Crickets out of us
Getting There
When you arrive at the property there is a gate with a large sign on it, so you cannot miss it. Drive carefully up the gravel driveway to the little cottage and prepare to be wowed. A time capsule, left in perfect condition in spite of the visitors.
A large veranda out back is perfect to sit and eat your picnic on, and inside the cottage you will find remnants of history. In the little kitchen, there is a refrigerator from a bygone era, and a kettle sits on the stove. In the living area a little shelf with items such as an old lantern, sit on display. A stack of old nature brochures are there to look through, and in pride of place on the fireplace mantle sits an old rusted piece of something has ‘Wandoo Heights’ painted roughly on it. A gorgeous fifties style table sits in the middle of the room, and on an old-fashioned sideboard is a visitors book. Take a moment to read the dates in it – the first is from 1979. And be sure to leave your own message before you go.
There are toilets in the cottage, and in another room you will find camp chairs to use if you do plan to stick around for your picnic.
Outside the start of each pathway is clearly marked, and a gorgeous bench made from wood takes pride of place in the shade of a tree. It is really just so picturesque. Be sure to leave it the way you find it, if not a little better.
Remember to leave only footprints – take all of your rubbish with you. Do not litter, do not smoke, and as I said before – I know you are allowed to take your dog but please don’t. In fact, the sign on the property stipulates pets are not allowed, so let’s respect that.
You will need to take your drinking water, hats and sunblock and of course your picnic and thermos for a good cup of tea after your walk. Oh and wear proper closed-in footwear.
About the Walk Trails
There are two walks and they are in a loop. The short one is only about 45 minutes to do, the long one is hardly long at all, it is under 2km and while the map says it is about 1.5 hours, I guess that depends on how often you want to stop and check out your surroundings. The pathways are really well marked out so you cannot get lost and if it has been raining there will be slippery bits.
When you get to the section that leads off to the sundial, go and check it out. It really is such a short walk, links back to the path and is actually right at the end of the walk trail anyway.
My friend and I took the long walk, and at the top of the hill found a granite outcroft. We walked down to check out the view and found a stone circle that had been built by someone. Sitting high above the world it just drew us to it, and so we sat inside the circle for some quiet contemplation as we stared out across the lands. We honestly could have stayed there all day. It was so still and it felt like we were the only ones who existed, and I guess in that moment, on that property, we were. It felt really special and apart from the beautiful bird song there was nothing but silence. The energy drank us in, so pure and clean.
Details
Where: Wandoo Heights Walk Trail, Gidgegannup, City of Swan. Corner of Range and Loton Roads, Millendon. The driveway is just up Range Road, as you can see on the map.
How: Download the map here. Contact City of Swan using the number shown on the map, and book the key. Collect the key as arranged and drive to the property. Follow the guidelines on the map, you will also find it on Google Maps. Lock the gate behind you.
Dog Friendly: I’m saying NO.
What to take: Water, hats, sunblock, closed in shoes, walking sticks and a picnic or snacks.
