Are you trail ready?
From short bushwalks to longer adventures, Serpentine Jarrahdale has trails to explore at your own pace.
A little preparation can make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Choose a trail that suits your experience, check the conditions and pack what you need before heading out.
The checklist below focuses on day walks. Overnight hikes, remote trips, cycling and horse riding require additional planning and equipment.
Check before you go
Check the weather, fire conditions and trail closures before leaving home. Change your plans if conditions are unsafe, and always follow closure signs and instructions.
Plan your walk
- Choose a suitable trail. Check its distance, difficulty, terrain and estimated walking time. Consider the fitness and experience of everyone in your group.
- Allow enough time. Plan to finish before dark and leave time for breaks and unexpected delays.
- Tell someone your plans. Let a reliable person know your route, who is with you and when you expect to return. Tell them when you are back safely.
- Know your route. Carry a map and download trail information before you leave. Mobile reception may be limited or unavailable.
- Plan for changing conditions. Avoid walking in extreme heat or dangerous fire conditions. Be prepared to turn back.
Explore trail descriptions and difficulty ratings on Trails WA.
Pack the essentials
Use a comfortable backpack and take enough supplies for your walk, with extra in case you are delayed.
Day walk checklist
- Drinking water: DBCA advises carrying and drinking at least one litre per person for each hour of walking. Do not rely on water being available along the trail.
- Food: nutritious snacks and extra food in case your walk takes longer than expected.
- Navigation: a trail map and a way to navigate without mobile reception.
- Communication: a fully charged phone. For remote trails or areas without reception, carry a personal locator beacon and know how to use it.
- First aid: a kit suitable for your trip, including pressure immobilisation bandages, blister dressings and personal medication.
- Weather protection: sunscreen, a hat, warm layers and wet weather clothing as needed.
- A torch: preferably a head torch, in case you are delayed.
- A rubbish bag: take all your waste home.
Wear comfortable, protective clothing
- Wear well-fitting walking shoes or boots with grip suited to the terrain.
- Choose comfortable socks and try your footwear on shorter walks before a longer hike.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen and clothing that protects you from the sun.
- Take layers so you can adjust to changes in temperature.
- Consider long trousers or gaiters for extra protection from scratches and bites.
Look after your feet
Footwear should have room for your toes without allowing your heel to slip. Avoid starting a long walk in new or untested shoes.
Keep your feet as dry as possible. If you feel rubbing or a sore spot, stop early and protect the area before a blister develops.
Build up gradually
Start with shorter, easier walks and gradually increase your distance and difficulty. Take regular breaks, watch your footing and walk at a pace that suits your group.
Give wildlife space
Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed, approach or try to handle native animals.
If you see a snake
- Stop, stay calm and give it plenty of space.
- Slowly back away when it is safe to do so. Let the snake move away.
- Never try to touch, catch, move or harm it.
- Stay on the trail and watch where you step or place your hands, especially around logs, rocks and long grass.
A suspected snakebite is an emergency. Call Triple Zero (000), keep the person still and follow snakebite first aid guidance. Do not let them walk.
Read St John WA’s snakebite first aid instructions.
Share the trail
Some trails are shared by walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. Help everyone enjoy their visit:
- Use trails designated for your activity and follow signs about who gives way.
- Slow down near others and give people plenty of room.
- Let others know you are approaching before passing.
- When approaching horses, slow down, speak calmly and ask the rider how to pass safely. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
- Keep dogs under control and follow the trail’s rules. Dogs are not permitted on every trail.
Leave the trail as you found it
Help protect the bush so others can enjoy it too.
- Stay on marked trails. Avoid shortcuts and trampling vegetation.
- Take your rubbish home. This includes food scraps, tissues and pet waste.
- Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed. Leave flowers, rocks and other objects where you find them.
- Respect wildlife. Watch quietly from a distance and never feed animals.
- Clean your footwear and equipment. Remove soil and plant material before and after your trip, and use dieback cleaning stations where provided.
- Follow camping and fire restrictions. Use designated areas and check the rules for your destination.
Useful trail safety resources
Are you trail ready? was co-designed with trail user groups and other stakeholders to encourage safe, considerate and responsible use of local trails.