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This year on the 25th of June we have over 500 runners and hikers joining us for an adventure in the Avon Valley! We love that this event is inspiring people to venture out of their comfort zones, get healthy and fit and enjoy what Perth's backyard has to offer!
Please note all entries must be completed by midnight the 11th of June.
With two years of Transcend behind us now we have been able to fine tune some details and added some great new features:
- NEW location for the opening ceremony which will mean you can watch a video briefing after your check in and not have to hang around for too long.
- NEW 40km hike experience from Paruna to Cobbler Pool
- NEW Kids Dash to help grow the future generation of passionate trail runners.
- NEW elevated finish zone opposite Cobbler Pool, situated in a private property.
- NEW live feed experience via Pulse TV, tracking the head of the race with GoPro runners and bikes etc... supported by a broadcasting studio featuring presenters Oliver Page and Claire O'Brien-Smith.
- More food / coffee vans along the course
- More entertainment
- Some funky new lighting
- Bigger and better aid station experiences. We have upped our water stations 10 fold and the food spread will make it hard to leave and / or keep running.
- Better pre and post event transport options.
- Growing the recycled materials concept i.e. New Transcend collapsible cups
- A bigger finish zone with more shelter
- A new digital experience at the finish line with some screens.
- The event shirts are as comfortable, still made from recycled material and great to run in thanks to TARKINE.
We look forward to giving it our best to deliver another epic adventure for you all. Thanks again for supporting the Transcend Trails Team with our dream to grow a quality and helping to further develop the Perth Trail Community. Please take the time to read the following details so you and your crew can get the maximum experience. Rise above. Go beyond...
Thank you to all our sponsors who have helped make this run viable and have contributed greatly to building the Transcend experience. Unfortunately we haven't been successful with government grants to grow this event, hopefully for future events they will see the value.
A very special mention to our 2023
GOLD SPONSORS
We have been working with these legends for a long time now. They are a 120% behind this event and have helped to make it a special adventure for you all.
They are the specialists in Perth property!
If you need someone to manage or sell your properties check them out.
SILVER SPONSORS
UON - Energy for every future
Supporting large scale projects with hybrid energy and emerging battery technology - SMART Cell.
Health professionals that help you achieve all your trail running and health related goals.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Have a legal question? Don't be shy to give them a call and ask. If they can't help they will point you in the right direction.
PRODUCT SPONSORS
Tribe & Trail - Western Australia's #1 store for trail running gear and accessories.
Fire Stryker - The latest technology for putting out fires quick and eco friendly.
Nowhereman Brewing Co - The ultimate craft beer!
Tarkine Running - The most eco shoe in the world
Noeko - Your digital experience guru!
A'live & Streaming - Mixing you the first Aussie Trail livestream
Pulse TV - Making Live Streaming a reality!
Corrie Johnstone Endurance Coach
Mobilo - You will see their QR codes at the opening ceremony making it green and simple to set up the Race Director contact details.
HELPERS
Also a massive thank you to all the helpers at every point of the adventure! Without these champions we would not be able to deliver this event. Make sure you thank them as you run past them on the day, especially if it is wet and cold!
PLEASE SUPPORT
Australian Wildlife Conservancy
40km hikers, 65km ultra runners and leg 3 & 4 runners pass through Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary which is just one of the amazing land parcels that AWC manage. AWC are doing a hard and very important role for the world, looking after threatened native flora and fauna. It is an amazing initiative and we are extremely proud to support and showcase it each year.
Please make sure your team details are complete and run legs allocated. We have a number of incomplete teams.
Team Members: You may meet your Leg 5 runner on the trail at the most north western corner of the private property, which is the fire trail parallel to Cobbler Pool Road and near the rail level road crossing. Join the runner for the last few hundred meters, sorry it is a bit of an uphill finish this year. At least you will get to soak up the experience for a little bit longer.
Unite and run as one!
Please note: If someone is unable to continue due to being injured or not meeting the aid station cut off time, the next runner may still commence their leg providing they have the mandatory gear. The team will be issued a new tracker (providing we have more) and the team will be moved into a non-competitive category.
Make sure you have the required gear as per the list. You are always better off being over prepared rather than under prepared.
In 2021 we had a runner injure themselves on leg 2 and they wrote an email to us thanking us because of the mandatory kit they were able to address the issue, keep warm and exit the course without too much discomfort despite it being freezing cold and pouring with rain.
We will announce if you need the thermal top on race day at the Saturday briefing. In 2021 it was required, 2022 it was not required. Please note teams can pass on their mandatory equipment to their running mate at the changeover checkpoint providing it fits and is suitable for them. Don't forget to pass on the tracker and car keys also!
We recommend doing the mandatory gear pre check at Tribe&Trail or getting to the opening ceremony on the Saturday as early as possible. Please allow at least an hour to get through gear check, bib pick up and watching the briefing video.
If you want to skip the line at the Saturday race briefing you can do a pre-event mandatory gear check at the following locations:
Please note Tribe&Trail will also be at the opening ceremony and finish line. They have an extensive trail range available for you if you need any last minute gear. You can also checkout their online store.
Despite having your mandatory equipment already checked off please note you will still be required to attend the Saturday Opening Ceremony at Guildford Grammar School to pick up your GPS tracker and race pack. We do a group photo of your team for the trackers so try and get everyone there. If you do a pre check you will need to bring your certificate of approved mandatory equipment with you to check in. You can find the certificate checklists on the mandatory gear page.
Please note the 6km runners / hikers only have recommended not mandatory gear, they are however required to collect 5 pieces of rubbish of the trails pre-Transcend and take photo evidence for bib pick up. They also don't have to attend the briefing at Guildford Grammar School, however you are most welcome to join us for the festivities. There is a specific 6km event day bib pick up and briefing at Cobbler Pool on event day.
Saturday 24th of June Guildford Grammar School - David Lawe Davies Centre
12:00 - 5:00pm - Please allow at least an hour for the whole process. The briefing will be done via a video recording, which will be the last stage of check-in process. This means you won't have to hang around until a set time.
There are a lot of novices joining us on the day and the opening ceremony is a great opportunity to get some last minute tips. Don't be shy, ask questions we are there to help!
Carb Loading
Lets be honest, we run big distances so we can indulge with some fine food and beverages.
To help you pre-fuel for the big adventure at the opening ceremony we will have on site:
These guys know how to do a wood fired pizza!
They have the best crepes in Perth!
East African Coffee
Hot Choccy or Chai's will be on offer too.
Please support these vendors who have made the time and effort to come to the event
YOU CAN PURCHASE
Transcend branded TARKINE cap $35 (Opening ceremony SPECIAL)
These caps have turned out awesome and they are made from recycled materials!
100% Recycled Transcend Shirts $35 (Opening ceremony SPECIAL)
Each shirt is made from recycled materials and 5 plastic bottles!
100% Recycled Transcend collapsible cups $12 (Opening ceremony SPECIAL)
Each shirt is made from recycled materials and this years edition is a great training shirt too!
Buy all three in a bundle for $70
5:00 am Entry to Walyunga National Park Gate will be opened
5:15 am Bus Departs Midland Train Station for runners with pre-purchased tickets
5:45 am Bus Arrives at Walyunga National Park (65km distance)
5:45 am Bus arrives at Scenic Lookout / Paruna (40km Hikers)
Toilets are located in both car parks. Don't forget your event National Park parking tokens in your race pack.
Spectators and fellow team runners: It will be dark bring your head lamp.
6:25 am Place your unwanted jumper, trousers, beanies and scarfs in the St Vinnies donation bag (optional)
6:29 am Countdown song drops and the ADVENTURE STARTS!!!
Your team then has to hold a pace of 13min/km or faster on average to avoid aid station cut-offs.
11:00 am - 8:30 pm Finisher trophy Tree Planting Site opens up at Cobbler Pool, you are encouraged to go and assist planting the 500 trees!
11:00 am 6km Hike / Fun Run Gear check opens at Cobbler Pool
12:00 pm First potential team or ultra finisher
12:00 pm Nowhereman Brewing Co and Food Vendors fire up
12:00 pm Live music kicks off
12:29 pm Legendary Runner Status cut off (Sub 6 hours)
1:00 pm 6km Hike / Fun Check in closes
1:10 pm First potential hiker finish
1:30 pm 6km Hike / Fun Run starts at Cobbler Pool
3:30 pm Final 6km Hiker / Runner expected
4:30-5:00 pm Award presentations - Have to be present to collect prizes as we will not be posting them in the mail.
5:00 pm Walyunga National Park gate closes. We advise not to leave your car in the park overnight. The gate will not be opened until 8:00 am Monday morning
5:30 pm First Bus leaves Cobbler Pool, to take people back to Midland Train Station. Tickets can be purchased via Events Plus, approx 1 hr trip.
7:00 pm Second Bus leaves Cobbler Pool, to take people back to Midland Train Station. Tickets can be purchased via Events Plus, approx 1 hr trip.
7:28 pm The Prospector Train leaves Toodyay and arrives at Midland 8:20pm
8:30 pm Cut off time for last runner
8:30 pm Third and final bus leaves Cobbler Pool, to take people back to Midland Train Station. Tickets can be purchased via Events Plus, approx 1 hr trip.
If driving home please take care
- Lots of wildlife
- Country roads
- Tired and sore muscles
- Don't drink and drive!
Please note we will get aid station drop bags to the finish line for collection ASAP. If you don't get yours they will be at Tribe & Trail in Maylands from Tuesday for a few days.
Monday Avon Link Train leaves Toodyay 6:50 am and arrives at Midland 7:50 am
Monday Merredin Link Train leaves Toodyay 3:06 pm and arrives at Midland 4:00 pm
Aid Station 1 Avon Ridge 12.5km
65km Lead Runner: 7:34 am
65km Runner Cut Off: 9:16 am
Aid Station 2 Walyunga Scenic Lookout 25km
65km Lead Runner: 8:31 am
65km Runner Cut Off: 11:45 am
40km Hiker Start Time: 6:30 am
Aid Station 3 Paruna Nissen Hut (Runner: 36km, Hiker 12km)
65km Lead Runner: 9:28 am
65km Runner Cut Off: 14:15 pm
40km Lead Hiker: 8:35 am
40km Hiker Cut Off: 10:42 am
Please note the hiker cut off time is earlier because we need to allow for 21 min/km rather than 13 min/km for the runners.
Aid Station 4 Valley Campground (Runner: 52km, Hiker 28km)
65km Lead Runner: 10:51 am
65km Runner Cut Off: 17:48 pm
40km Lead Hiker: 11:10 am
40km Hiker Cut Off: 16:15 pm
Finish Line Cobbler Pool 65km
Lead Runner: 11:54 am
Lead Hiker: 13:10 pm
Runner & Hiker Cut Off: 20:30 pm
Please note due to safety reasons cut offs will be strictly applied.
Please return your tracker to the aid station if you don't make the cut off, there is a $250 fee for not returning trackers.
Copley-dale Rd is sealed, however it is quite narrow and windy, please take care. There is a gravel fire track (not an official road) to the left that follows the Paruna wire fence. This is 800m long and is 2-way and narrow. Please drive very slowly. Please be patient and respect the volunteers coordinating the traffic.
Map link: Walyunga National Park (Start Line)
There are two large carparks. The Walyunga Pool Carpark is 900m from the race start. You can walk along the course to get back there. Please note the park gates close at 5:00 pm. If you intend to leave your car at the start but are unsure if you will get back there by 5:00 pm it is ok to leave your car overnight, you MUST however put a note on your dash to say are in Transcend, otherwise they will do a search party and we will have to deal with some unhappy park rangers. The gate doesn't re-open until 8:00 am the following day.
You also have the option of parking your car outside the Walyunga NP gate. Please note it is 2.5km from the gate to the race start at Boongarup Pool. If you choose this option please walk down the parallel gravel track rather than on the road. It will also be dark so you will need your headlamp. Wearing your high vis vest would be wise too.
WE RECOMMEND: Pre purchasing a bus ticket, parking at Midland Train station and getting dropped off at Walyunga National Park by the bus. Or car pool in a similar fashion. Get a ticket from the event plus registration shop link.
Bells Rapids
Brigadoon, Cathedral Ave
This is not an aid station but a great viewing point. Please take care coming and going as there is a section of road only wide enough for one car. There is lots of parking available. Please note this is only 6km in on the run course.
Bells Falls Lookout
Brigadoon, Campersic Rd
This is also not an aid station but a beautiful viewing point on your way to Aid station 1. Please note there is minimal parking here and Campersic is a busy road.
Map Link: Avon Ridge (Aid Station 1)
Brigadoon, Rollinghills Drive
There is a small park on Rollinghills drive.
Please avoid parallel parking as we need to maximise the cars being parked in this region.
There are very limited parking bays at this site. You will have to park on the verge. Please try and stay on the west side of Rollinghills Drive and be mindful of properties driveways.
Map Link: Walyunga Scenic Lookout (Aid Station 2)
Brigadoon, Ewing Rd
40km HIKE START LINE
Please be careful on the way to this location. The road has lots of bends, inclines and declines and a single lane bridge. Ewing Rd is a flat fairly straight and well maintained short gravel Rd. At the end there is a parking area. This is a beautiful viewing point and the runners come past it. Once this is full we will use an overflow parking zone within Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary. If you need to use the overflow parking please be mindful as you drive through the gate and may crossover with runners and spectators, 10km/hr speed limit.
Map Link: Nissen Hut - Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary (Aid Station 3)
Gidgegannup, Copley-Dale Rd
Copley-dale Rd is sealed, however it is quite narrow and windy, please take care. There is a gravel fire track (not an official road) to the left that follows the Paruna wire fence. This is 800m long and is 2-way and narrow. Please drive very slowly. Please be pateint and respect the volunteers coordinating the traffic.
Map Link: Valley Campground - Avon Valley National Park (Aid Station 4)
Morangup, Forty One Mile Rd
Please bring your National Park ticket from your starter pack. If you don't have one you will be required to pay for park entry. This is a long slow gravel road drive to our NEW carpark on the old aristrip. Here we have a transfer bus that will take you down for the remaining 3km. Runners will have priority. This service is paid for by Transcend. There is lots of wildlife in this region and allow for 2-way traffic.
Map Link: Cobbler Pool (Finish Line)
Morangup, Cobbler Pool Rd
Please note Lovers Lane can have a section of road that goes under water.... There is a water depth marker there so make note of that before attempting to cross. You can go via Toodyay to avoid this hazard. At Cobbler Pool drive past the main gate and enter the second gate where a volunteer will be pointing you in the right direction. You will enter a large field with a dirt ring road. Please drive slowly and check the grass for rocks before parking in it. Please be mindful after this carpark turnoff. Once parked return to the entrance gate and cross the road to enter the finisher village on the private property - Wesuri Alpacas. Please be weary of traffic coming over the crest.
This year we are doing the Tree Planting in-house. When you cross the finish line you will receive a plant to sow in the tree planting zone adjacent to the finish line.
GIVE. GAIN. GROW.
Start Line Walyunga NP
Bells Rapids
Bells Falls, Campersic rd (very limited parking)
- This is a cool place to make our own mini Zegama Santospirito and cheer people up the the very steep Bells Falls climb.
Avon Ridge, Rollinghills Drive - Aid 1
Walyunga Scenic Lookout, Ewing Rd - Aid 2
Nissen Hut Copley-Dale Rd - Aid 3
Valley Campground, Avon Valley National Park - Aid 4
Cobbler Pool, Cobbler Pool Rd - Finish Line
See parking above for more detail
What to do if not at aid stations:
- Check out Newcastle Gaol and Connors Mill
- Be a champ and help with planting the trees at Cobbler Pool
- Take the kids to the Miniature Railway, Fairy Tale Farm, Christmas 360, Cola Cafe in Toodyay
- Come and play some games i.e. jenga, enjoy the music, food and drinks at Cobbler Pool.
If you have any allergies or lifestyle diet preferences we advise you to use the drop bag system to make sure we don't contaminate you unexpectedly.
There will be a Community Coffee Co. coffee van at the start line. Bring cash just to be safe.
Water
Tailwind Mandarin Flavour non - caffeinated
Coke / Red Bull
Lollies
Chips
Fruit
Slices
Other high carb foods
Drop Bags
Food Vans:
- Trawlers i.e. Bacon & Egg Wraps
Water
Tailwind Mandarin Flavour non - caffeinated
Coke / Red Bull
Lollies
Chips
Fruit
Slices
Other high carb foods
Hot Food
Drop Bags
Possibly Showers...
Food Vans:
- East African Coffee
Water
Tailwind Mandarin Flavour non - caffeinated
Coke / Red Bull
Lollies
Chips
Fruit
Slices
Other high carb foods
Drop Bags
Food Vans:
- Hot Jam Donuts
Water
Tailwind Mandarin Flavour non - caffeinated
Coke / Red Bull
Lollies
Chips
Fruit
Slices
Other high carb foods
Hot Food
Drop Bags
Food Vans:
- East African Coffee
Water
Tailwind Recovery Protein Powder at the Tribe & Trail tent
Food vans
- Burgers TBC
- Little Brassica
- Community Coffee Co.
- Nowhereman Brewing Co
Drop Bags
Please bring them to the opening ceremony and place them in the correct designated zones.
We will attempt to get as many drop bags back to presentations as possible. Drop bags not collected will be taken to Tribe & Trail and will be available for collection on Tuesday (they are closed Monday) 27th of June for 1 week only. All items not collected will be donated or binned or perishables.
Please clearly label your name and race number on the drop bag.
Drop bags should be no larger than 30cmx30cm.
Coles/Woolies Cooler Bags are ideal.
For your finisher bag you may use a slightly larger backpack.
Drop Bag 1: Aid Station 1 - Avon Ridge (12.5km), Rollinghills Drive
Drop Bag 2: Aid Station 2 - Walyunga Scenic Lookout (25km), Ewing Rd
Drop Bag 3: Aid Station 3 - Nissen Hut in Paruna (36km), Copley-Dale Rd
Drop Bag 4: Aid Station 5 - Valley Campground, Avon Valley National Park (52.5km), Forty One Mile Rd
Drop Bag 5: Finish Line - Cobbler Pool (65km)
TRAIL MAIL
On our Track Me Live tracker system you can type in words of encouragement that the runners / hikers support team can read out or the person can check them out post event. Keep them G rated, maybe PG :)
FIRST AID: Floreat SLSC will be manning all of our aid stations and finish line with first aiders. Hopefully no one will require their assistance.
HIKING POLES: Are permitted we just ask you to take care especially in the early stages of the race when it is a bit congested.
EMERGENCY: Your tracker has an SOS button which will send a message to the two race directors and tracker coordinator if you are in need of help.
TRAIN CROSSINGS: Please stay well clear of level train crossings at
1.) Bells Rapids, use the designated Orlov Tunnel,
2.) Anywhere along the course. The trains are particularly quite in the valley, fog can make them hard to see and they approach very quickly!
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
FOOD & FLUIDS: The aid station team will control all water / Tailwind reservoirs at the aid stations. Please note no runner is to touch these. Food will also be distributed by the aid station team. Please be patient they will assist you as fast as possible. You are required to bring your own cup or use your own bottles as no cups will be provided.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: If you have signs and symptoms that correlate with COVID-19 please do not attend the event. Look after yourself and others.
They will be released after entries close on Sunday the the 11th of June. You will have plenty of time to label your bags.
Race numbers must be on your outermost layer. It might be best to get a race number belt so you don't have to pin it to your rain jacket. Teams please note you will only receive one bib per team so have a plan if you want a quick transition. Please have your race number facing forwards at all times. If you withdraw from the event please also hand in your tracker.
TRACKERS: They work off a Telstra 3G system and ping data every ~1 min. If the tracker can't get signal which is only a few small sections of the course it will hold the data and send it when it can. Please note the first 7km of the event has little to no reception so they will start to work after that.
The trackers are already on. Do not turn them off we will do it post event.
If trackers are lost or damaged please note you will be charged a replacement fee of $250. Some trackers may not work - it is rare but does happen. We will do our best to identify this and issue you a new tracker at the next aid station.
LIVE RESULTS: You will be able to keep an eye on your runner using the live tracker link. That should help with your planning. We will also have a live feed of the event via Pulse TV. There will be GoPro runners and Bikes on course. There will also be static cameras at most aid stations.
The links to the live tracking / live feed will be released closer to the race.
THANK YOU
Thanks to everyone that has respected staying off the private properties in the lead up to this event. It is also for your own safety as they do cull destructive pests in these areas i.e. wild boars, foxes. Getting these land owners on board will also help us secure the event location for future years.
GPX Files Options
Full 65km Course + Aid Stations
Leg 1
Leg 2
Leg 3
Leg 4
Leg 5
40 km Hike
6km Hike / Fun Run
We highly recommend you to upload these on to your watch and/or phone. Please google how to upload it to your device, it is fairly straight forward and a great thing to know how to do. GAIA maps free version can also do it. Consider having a back up battery pack and charging cable with you or in a drop bag.
There will be some cameras and photographers on course. Don't forget to smile and get those dramatic arm and leg movements happening! The images will be provided free of charge but we do ask you tag Transcend and the photographer in return.
Film:
Live Feed:
Photographs:
Ingo Burkhardt
PRESENTATIONS: 4:30 pm at Cobbler Pool (Finish Line)
- Winners are to be present to collect prizes
- Please note we also have a number of spot prizes to give out. We will simply draw out race numbers.
PRIZE CATEGORIES:
Best Dressed
King of the Mountain
Queen of the Mountain
Top 3 Female Ultra
Top 3 Male Ultra
Top 3 Teams (2-5 ppl)
Female / Male / Mixed
Top 3 Female 6km
Top 3 Male 6km
There are also some community draw prizes to be done at the event and post the event.
Please note the 40km Hike and the Kids Dash are non-competitive.
AGE GROUPS
(No Prizes)
Each age group has been assigned a fauna and flora Totem and a destructive pest or weed.
To find out more there are detailed descriptions below.
< 24
Fauna: Red Tailed Black Cockatoo
Flora: Marri Tree
Pest: Feral Cat
25-29
Fauna: Chuditch
Flora: Zamia
Weed: Phytophthora
30-34
Fauna: Numbat
Flora: Eucalyptus Wandoo
Pest: European Fox
35-39
Fauna: Western Pygmy Possum
Flora: Melaleuca Radula
Weed: Black Berry Bush
40-44
Fauna: Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Flora: Karri
Pest: European Rabbit
45-49
Fauna: Western Brush Wallaby
Flora: Nuytsia
Weed: Bridal Creeper
50-54
Fauna: Emu
Flora: Fringed Lilly
Pest: Wild Pig
55-59
Fauna: Echidna
Flora: Balga
Weed: Arum Lily
60+
Fauna: Wallaroo
Flora: Red Ink Sundew
Pest: Wild Goat
Red-tailed black cockatoo (Karak): A Large, all black and glossy parrot with a a bright undertail. Males are fully black with a bright red undertail. Females are speckled with yellow on the head and neck, and slightly barred on the body. Undertail feathers and barred and yellow to orange.
- These birds are likely to be seen in small groups in family groups and small flocks, eating the seeds of eucalypts, hakeas and banksias. Their Noongar name comes from the sound of its call, often described as a harsh or grating ‘karraak’.Interestingly, red-tailed black cockatoos that feed in the tree canopy do so with their left feet. Red-tailed black cockatoos from the NT (who feed on the ground) use both feet without preference. Are all tree dwelling red-tails left footed?
Marri tree: Often confused with eucalypts, this tree is fast growing, and can reach 60m in height and 2m in diameter. The bark is rough and tessellated and will often ‘bleed’ red sap (kino or Mayat) when damaged by insects or fire. Marri trees played a significant role in Noongar culture. The Kino (Mayat) had multiple medical and cultural purposes. These trees are also common nesting, feeding and hanging out trees for red-tail black cockatoos.
Chuditch: The Chuditch is the largest marsupial carnivore in western Australia, but have experienced a spectacular decline since colonisation. This is due to a number of factors, including poisoning from early settlers, habitat destruction, and of course predation from foxes and feral cats. The Chuditch population is now estimated to be less than 6,000.
- The Chuditch is an opportunistic hunter and carnivore, meaning it will feed on whatever it can catch. This is mostly small invertebrates from fallen and dry logs, small mammals and lizards. Chuditch are also known so supplement their diet with the fleshy coating of Zamia seeds.
Zamia: The Zamia is an ancient Cycad plant, a relic from Australia’s Gondwanan history. The plant is endemic to South-west Australia, and is identifiable by its crown of palm-like fronds, and the red fleshy seeds that form at the base. The seeds supplement the diet of many small mammals and birds, including the Chuditch! Please do not copy the behaviour of the animals, these nuts are poisonous to humans unless treated properly first!
Numbat: This unusual mammal is amongst Australia’s most vulnerable mammals. Adult numbats grow only to around 27 cm in length, including their brushy tail. They are Identifiable by a pointy nose, a reddish-brown coat and bold white traverse bands.
- The Numbats dramatic decline is the result of a familiar story; habitat destruction, and predation from wild foxes and feral cats. Numbats are specialised feeders, using their strong sense of smell and sticky tongue to sniff-out, and collect termites underground and on the surface of decaying logs and mounds.
Eucalyptus Wandoo: Also known just Wandoo or Dooto, this eucalypt is small to medium-sized and is endemic to southwest of western Australia. It has smooth bark, and forms lignotubers – a woody swelling at the base of the plant that is used for resource storage, and is particularly useful for regeneration post fire or disturbance. The Wandoo hold particular importance to the Numbat, who typically make their nests from fallen and rotting tree hollows of Wandoo trees.
Western Pygmy Possum: Also known as the mundarda, this is one of the smaller Australian mammals that is able to cope with predation pressure from foxes and feral cats, thanks to their quick reproductive cycle! The mundarda is soft grey to brown, with a reddish tinged back and a creamy white underside. Their tail is long and is almost hairless in the rear two-thirds.
- In the Avon region the animal is found in Mallee heath, preferring areas of Banksia and shrubby native myrtles. Their diet is opportunistic and varied, including invertebrates, small lizards and the nectar from native melaleucas and eucalypts.
Melaleuca Radula: Also known as the graceful honey-myrtle is another plant endemic to the south-west of Australia. It is a spreading shrub with narrow leaves and pink to purple flowers that bloom in late winter. Noongar people use a leaf stew for sore gums, upset stomachs and indigestion.
- This tree also makes up a significant food source for the Western pygmy possum, but only when the nectar becomes available during the late winter bloom.
Wedge-tailed eagle: Australia’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan approaching 2.8m in the largest birds. Predominantly brown with a ruffled blonde patch across the back that becomes darker with age. Although they are now common across Australia, they were once threatened. Many think their resurgence is due to the large number of introduced prey now available – one upside to rabbit, fox and feral cat introduction.
- The wedge-tailed eagle or Warlitj holds particular significance to the Nhoongar people, the bird is woven into the dreamtime as the old guardian of the sky, protecting the earth and sun.
Karri: The Karri tree is vital to many Australian birds and mammals. It’s dominance in the canopy offers particular value to the wedge-tailed eagle who requires a high vantage point for hunting, and protection of the it’s clutch. Their nests will rest high in the tallest trees, often lodged between forks in branches. Their nests are made up of dry sticks, and a lining of green eucalypt leaves.
Western Brush Wallaby: The Western brush wallaby is pale grey with a distinct white facial stripe, and dark ears. The tail is black with a white tip, and its paws and hind feet are ‘gloved’ black. It prefers drier forest, and tend to shelter in thickets during the day and grazing on native grasses, shrubs and forbs in the afternoon, evening and early morning.
- The wallaby has suffered greatly across the avon region from land clearing for agriculture, and although the adults are large enough to avoid predation from foxes and feral cats, young wallabies are consistently preyed upon.
Nuytsia: Known as moodjar in noongar is a hemiparasitic tree found only in Western Australia. Thanks to its bright display of orange flowers during December time, it has also been known affectionately as Christmas tree. The plant synthesises food both by photosynthesis, and obtains some food, water and nutrients from its hosts through it’s root system. The leaves of the plant are consumed by the western brush wallaby, who are also known to suck nectar from the flowers.
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Emu: Emu’s are a flightless bird, they lack a part of their breast bone where wing muscles would attach. Their wings are only 20cm long which is way out of proportion to the rest of their body. They are the second largest bird in the world, standing nearly 2m’s tall and weigh up to 55kg. They may be a bird that cannot fly BUT they are very fast! They can dash away at nearly 50km/hr. They are actually the only bird that has calf muscles and have favourable three forward facing toes. They love to swim as well so you might see them in the Avon River. To keep their large mass the omnivorous eater has to eat lots of nutritious plants, flowers, roots and all. They even eat some pebbles to help their gizzard break up all the food. Emu’s were once culled by farmers because they eat their crops but they are now thankfully protected.
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Fringed Lilly: This perennial herb is endemic to Australia. It boasts a beautiful violet three petal fringed wildflower that grows 20-60cm tall. It has a crisp edible root. It is quite special seeing these beautiful flowers in the Avon region.
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Echidna: These are one of two egg laying mammals left, they have descended from the platypus millions of years ago, but they have adapted to the life of the land. They now have very short and strong limbs and long claws which are great for digging and breaking up soft logs. Their diet predominately consists of ants, termites and worms. They have approximately 2,000 elctrosensors on their snout and poke their long sticky tongue into holes in search of a snack.
When under threat they curl up and protrude their spikey spines all over their body, looking like a Balga tree. The spines are often not enough to protect them from feral foxes, cats and domestic dogs. Their young spineless puggles are of particular risk.
Balga: Is a grass tree endemic to Australia and can grow up to 5m tall, which is impressive when they grow at a rate of about 2.5cm per year, yes that a 200-year-old grass tree! The black charcoal stem that protrudes from the ground can often take up to 20 years to start becoming prominent. These trees are stimulated by fire burning them and often post a fire they will flower. They are very special to Noongar people because they would use almost all of the tree as a part of their survival. Some of the uses include:
o The bases of leaves are sweet and nutty to eat, when you chop the tree top off you can eat the white pulp within the trunk. This pulp was used as a medicine for upset stomachs and food in times of shortage.
o Nectar was collected from spike flowers.
o At the base of the plant globules of a hard-waterproof resin was collected, which served as a cement to fasten barbs in spears or stone axes to handles.
o The tough leaves were used as knives to cut meat.
Wallaroo (Euro): They are not a kangaroo but they are a subspecies, they are bigger than a WALLaroo and smaller than a kangaROO. The males are often more than double the female size. They are stocky in build and are the masters of climbing up rocky slopes and less efficient at moving quickly across flat grassy plains. They tend to isolate and keep to a radius habitat of 2-3km. They are more nocturnal and often hide out in small caves and shelter behind large rocks. They are quite resourceful when it comes to sourcing water, digging to find sources rather than just relying on open water sources in times of scarcity. Lots of land clearing has threatened their habitat and an abundance of kangaroos has led to more competition for their food in times of drought.
Red Ink Sundew: Another recluse is the tuberous carnivorous species survives the summer by living underground and emerges in abundance once the first rains fall. It supplements its limited nutrient uptake by trapping anthropods (insects and spiders) by luring them in with its glistening drops of mucilage resembling fresh morning dew.
Pests & Weeds
Feral Cat: Cats were first introduced by European explorers in the 1800’s to hunt rodents in their sailing vessels. Feral cats have become perhaps the most problematic introduced species in Australia. They are thought to account for at least 20 mammal extinctions in Australia, and threaten the survival of more than 100 species including the numbat and bilby.
- Each night, it is estimated that around 20 million native animals are killed by feral cats. This includes not only strays, but domestic cats that are allowed to roam the streets in the evening. Simple measures (such as belling your cat, meaning they are not able to sneak up on prey) could reduce the negative impacts of feral cats, but the number of strays mean active measures must be taken.
Phytophthora: is a well-known fungal pathogen, causing dieback in many of south-west WA’s forest communities. Phytophthora is an introduced, and very easily spread root fungus, that causes disease and death for many native plants. The most difficult aspect of phytophthora and associated dieback is it is near impossible to spot during dry weather, but can damage ecosystems very quickly in wet weather. Once it is established it is near impossible to eradicate, so stringent restriction of spread is the best way to tackle phytophthora.
European Fox: The European fox, which was thought to introduced to large areas for sport hunting, is also an efficient hunter much like the feral cat. Native mammals have not evolved to avoid these hunters and thus make easy prey. Fox and dog baits are used extensively in national parks and other protected areas to try and reduce fox numbers and thus the strain on native prey.
Black Berry Bush: This plant originates from Europe and is one of the most invasive weeds in Australia. It is a thick bush and has thorns which make it hard to pass through. It is commonly found along water banks and borders of roads and properties. It makes it difficult for wildlife to pass through these areas. It is also houses pests such as foxes. It also dominates the landscape and threatens native fauna.
European Rabbit: The European rabbit is one the most destructive pest in the Avon Valley. Due to their voracious appetite, in high population density areas they can place pressure on smaller plants, and seedlings. This in turn affects the native animals that require small grasses, herbs and forbs as diet and cover from other predators, both native and invasive.
Bridal Creeper: Bridal creeper is a highly invasive weed native to Ethiopia and South Africa. It was introduced as a garden plant in the late 19th century and has invaded many different ecosystem types in the Avon Valley and WA more broadly. It’s seeds are spread by birds, meaning it has invaded even the most remote, untouched parcels of the Avon Valley. Biological control has been attempted but to little success.
Feral Pigs: These hogs came to the country with the first fleet. They are incredibly destructive. You may notice large areas of soil turned up, especially along river beds which increase erosion. They spread weeds and degrade soil and water. They hunt native species like small mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs. Additionally, they can carry diseases that affect other animal and plant species.
Arum Lily ‘Death Lily’: This plant may be visually impressive but they have been wreaking havoc on the bushlands in Western Australia for over 100 years. They poison animals and destroy resources and habitats for native species. You often see them in abundance suffocating wetlands.
Feral Goat: Cashmere and Angora Goats have been present since early 1800’s settlement to start a fibre industry, when the industry collapsed a lot were set free and abandoned. Some goats were taken in land by railway construction and mining gangs to use for their meat and milk. Like all introduced species they increase competition for native species and increase erosion.
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