John Forrest National Park in the hills east of Perth is set to undergo a $17 million transformation to improve access and create a new park centre.

The park is the first designated national park in Western Australia and the second in the country after Royal National Park in New South Wales.

The project, designed by Gresley Abas, includes a new Park Hub with a cafe and interpretation centre, upgrades to existing picnic areas, gardens, car parking, improved walking trails and new off-road cycling trails.

Works have begun on a new picnic area east of the proposed Park Hub.

The Park Hub will be sited to take advantage the views over a nearby valley. The interpretation centre will allow visitors to learn about the Aboriginal heritage and post-settlement history of the park.

The architects and Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions are working with Traditional Owners to ensure cultural heritage values, stories and sites of significance are clearly understood, documented and considered throughout the design process.

The Park Hub will also include a function space for community and private events. A garden on the roof terrace showcases planting as well as assists to passively cool the building below.

Landscaped areas adjacent to Park Hub will include botanical and demonstration gardens, terraced spaces for events, and nature and sensory play areas.

A six-seasons cultural garden west of Park Hub has also been designed in consultation with Traditional Owners. The garden will include informal and mixed planting to educate visitors on the bush landscapes, with species endemic to the local area.

“John Forrest National Park is a hidden gem in the Perth Hills. This redevelopment will attract tourists to the area and ensure this natural asset continues to be a must-visit destination,” said WA environment minister Reece Whitby.

Source: TourismAfrica2006