John Forrest Waterfall & Walk Trail

A few weeks ago we were back at John Forrest National Park to see if the waterfall was as lively as Lesmurdie Falls had been and to enjoy a day out in one of Perth’s most beautiful and oldest National Parks.

Water Ribbon, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia

First, A Little History

Forest Path, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia

John Forrest National Park was the first area to be given National Park status in Western Australia in 1900 though it was originally named Greenmount National Park until it was renamed in later years to honor Lord John Forrest, the first Premier of Western Australia.

During the Great Depression sustenance worker’s built gardens, picnic shelters & even swimming areas which can still be seen around the visitor area. Sadly most of the bridges built across Jane Brook are in need of repair and not currently usable.

There also used to be a railway line to the Park which was part of the original route of the Eastern Railway that now runs from Freo to Northam. In the early 1900’s visitors regularly traveled out to the Park from Perth by rail for a day out in the forest. Sadly this is no longer possible as the rail link was rebuilt through the Avon Valley but you can now walk much of the abandoned railway line by following the 59km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail which passes through the Park.

Before heading out on any of the trails it’s worth having a look around the picnic area and seeing the landscaping that was done, it is a unique piece of history and an interesting place to explore with some amazing photo opportunities.

The Trails

The Most Important Ingredient for Photographing Nature is …

Glen Brook Damn, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia

Obviously the answer has to be “A Camera”, right?

Sure, a camera is pretty useful (for obvious reasons) but it’s certainly not the most important ingredient. I believe we first have to answer another question.

“Why are we photographing the Natural World?”

Twenty-Eight Parrot, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia

If you want a piccy of what everyone else sees then charge on out there with your camera, grab your snaps of what you see on the way and head back home before the rush hour.

But that’s not really how you experience nature or, for that matter, get the most out of life.

If you really want to experience and photograph nature then the most important thing to have available is “Time”.

Without spending Time you’re simply experiencing an unreal snapshot of the Natural World as you rush through and scatter all living creatures to the four winds, that’s not exactly natural now is it?

Soldier Ant, John Forrest National Park, WA

Stop by that brook that you have walked past dozens of times or under your favourite tree or off the beaten track of a popular bush walk though a National Park. Sit on the grass or set up a chair then grab a book or just sit and meditate, but make sure you take Time and use lots of it.

You’ll be amazed at what happens around you when you just sit quietly and relax.

The birds get used to you being there and stop by for a visit, you start to notice their behaviour and patterns, you even get to predict when they will give you a great photo opportunity.

You’ll also start to notice things around you that never stood out before, the patterns in the branches above you, the subtle textures of the leaves and how the light shines through them, or maybe just that enormous Soldier Ant that is out scouting the forest floor for some sinister reason!

This is a good time to grab your camera and start experimenting, some of your best photos will come at a time you least expect it.

Everyone has their own answer to my second question “Why Photograph the Natural World?”, my answer is “Because of how it makes me feel”. I want to share those amazing moments in time when we are surrounded by nature and observe some of the most wondrous events that we never expected.

I would love to hear why you “Photograph the Natural World?”

And don’t forget that spending Time in nature is a great way to de-stress from the hectic world man has made.

New Image – Green and Gold

This image is another one from the archives, taken way back in 2010 at John Forrest National Park up in the beautiful Perth Hills.

Green and Gold, John Forrest National Park, Mundaring (YPW2.19-V1-TH1)

The photo was taken outside the John Forrest Tavern where a group of roos we’re lazing about under the cover of the trees & bushes.

This guy obviously got a bit nosy about me taking so many photos so he stuck his head around the blanket of golden leaves hanging down from one of the trees and gave me a perfect view with those gorgeous gold & green colours from the late afternoon sun 🙂