Churchman's Bushland Circuit

Churchman's Bushland Circuit is a 7.4 km loop through jarrah forest and rocky outcrops at the northern end of Wungong Regional Park, Roleystone, WA. It's rated hard, with steep sections and loose gravel underfoot, and takes most walkers around two to two and a half hours. Dogs are welcome on lead, a policy confirmed with the City of Armadale.

The walk. A 7.4 km loop, graded hard, mixing forest track with rock hopping over granite outcrops. Expect wildflowers from September to November and views over the Canning River Valley and across to Perth city from the higher points.

The rules. Dogs must stay on lead at all times, per the City of Armadale, the land manager for this reserve. This protects native wildlife and keeps footing predictable on the steeper, loose sections. There's no fenced no-go zone on record, but the rocky outcrops here double as a rock-climbing spot, so keep dogs clear of climbers and their gear as a courtesy.

Water. None on the trail. Bring enough for the full loop, especially in warmer months when the exposed rocky sections heat up fast.

Hazards. Bushfire risk is real here in summer, and the trail can close or become unsafe, so check conditions before heading out. The terrain itself is the main hazard day to day: steep grades, loose gravel and rock hopping ask a lot of a dog's paws and joints. No bins on site either, so carry out all waste.

Getting there. About 30 to 45 minutes south of Perth CBD via Brookton Highway, then Stocker Road and Beeloo Close. There's a small free gravel parking area at the end of Beeloo Close that fits only four or five cars, so it fills on weekends. Overflow parking is possible along Stocker Road. Bus 241 from Kelmscott train station reaches Brookton Highway, leaving a walk in to the trailhead.

Nearby with the dogs. For an easier follow-up walk, try the Contour Channel Walk. Afterwards, refuel at The Cozi Corner Book Cafe or Coffee @ The Shed, or stay over at The Getaway Roleystone if you're making a weekend of it.

When to go. Spring brings wildflowers and cooler walking conditions, which suits this trail better than the height of summer, when heat and fire risk both climb. Good for confident, fit dogs rather than nervous first-timers.

Sources

• Churchman Bushland Trails - Explore Armadale · my.armadale.wa.gov.au
• Churchman's Bushland Circuit - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com
• Churchman Parklands Trails - Trails WA · trailswa.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.