Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail

The Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail is a long, linear bush walk of roughly 28km running from Joondalup north towards Yanchep, following traditional Aboriginal movement paths through tuart and banksia woodland, wetland and coastal heath. It breaks neatly into short sections, but dogs change the maths: parts of the route are off-limits to them, so pick your section before you drive out.

The walk

The full route is about 28km one way, split into manageable legs, with the surface a mix of sandy track, limestone path and bush trail, generally easy to moderate and undulating nearer the northern end. The southern sections around the Burns Beach Road crossing are the practical dog-walking ground. Expect to share the track with mountain bikes.

Leash status

Dogs are allowed on lead only where local rules permit, and the two bookends are not among them. Neil Hawkins Park, the trail's southern trailhead, is a dog-prohibited area under City of Joondalup rules, which protect the waterbird life around Lake Joondalup. At the northern end, dogs are prohibited inside Yanchep National Park entirely. Plan an out-and-back from a mid-trail entry point, such as the Burns Beach Road crossing, and keep the lead on throughout.

Max: the lake-side start looks like the obvious trailhead, but the waterbird rules say otherwise. Start from a mid-trail road crossing and walk a shorter leg instead.

Water

There are no water points along the trail, so carry plenty for both of you and do not rely on finding any en route.

Hazards

Snakes are active in the bushland and sandy stretches through the warmer months, which is a second reason the lead stays on. Shade is patchy on some sections and the track heats up underfoot for paws, and kangaroos move through towards the north. Watch for cyclists sharing the trail at speed.

Getting there and parking

Road crossings at Burns Beach Road, Hester Road and other points give alternative entries with roadside parking nearby. Skip the Neil Hawkins Park car park if you have a dog in the car, because the park itself is dog-prohibited. Best walked in the morning or late afternoon, especially in summer when the exposed sections heat up.

More walks nearby

For a run off the lead afterwards, Elcar Park Fenced Dog Park is a few minutes away on Winton Road, and the Lake Joondalup Circuit works as an on-lead alternative from its own access points. Diesel Espresso Bar covers the post-walk coffee.

The broader options are on the Western Australia dog friendly trails guide and the Joondalup destination page.