Earliest Perth Hills Realignments Stand the Test of Time
The proof is in the pudding as the adage goes and the early Perth Hills realignments are just that.
Having learnt the basic trail design and construction methods from DBCA’s Recreation and Trails Unit staff, Support Volunteers built a number of realignments, the first in 2017 south of Canning Campsite. In 2018 approvals were gained for three important realignments south of Helena River towards Waalegh. Due to a lack of knowledge in the 1990’s these sections were built straight uphill, or as the technical term goes, on the “fall line”. That was just perfect for water and the trail sections became drains, steep sided, slippery in winter and plain horrible. Walkers soon made their own side trails which went the same way.
Realignments were designed and built by applying the current methods of siting the trail across the hill following natural contours to minimise the slope, incorporating switchbacks with turns at prominent trees or rock outcrops for visual appeal, and regular drainage features to prevent water running along the trail. Those features include grade reversals, rolling grade dips, knicks and water bars.
After almost six years of high use the realignments south of Helena River were inspected in May and found to be in excellent condition with clear signs that the drains are doing their job. This is due, in no small part, to the efforts of the two maintenance volunteers, Jen and Simone who have maintained their section well and have gone on to build drainage on other parts of their allocated Track section. Another great aspect was the effectiveness of the simple old trail rehabilitation by brushing with dead branches and bush cut for the realignment.
Working closely with DBCA’s Recreation and Trails Unit and District personnel, BTF’s Support Volunteers have continued to improve their trail design and building methods over varying geography and soil types. A number of significant trail building and realignment projects have been completed since 2020 and this year should see the opening of the major Murray River realignment between Dookanelly and Possum Springs Campsites. That alone will improve walkers’ experience immensely and meet a loud and clear 2017 Vision Survey response, “take the Track off long boring roads”.
