Hovea

Hovea is a district located north of the Great Eastern Highway between the suburbs of Swan View and Parkerville. This area is comprised mostly of John Forrest National Park, Falls Park and Wooroloo Regional Park. The park land was set aside for conservation in 1898 and in those days it was known as Greenmount National Park. The former Eastern Railway passed through here complete with a rail crossing point. The suburb takes its name from the native plant Hovea

Hovea - National Park Ranger's Station

John Forrest National Park is located up in the hills, just off Great Eastern Highway near Mahogany Creek and Parkerville. This is the Ranger's station inside the Park. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE001

Hovea - National Park Rail Bridge

A feature of the Park is the old railway reserve which today provides an excellent walking or bike riding track. Trains ran through here between the 1890's to 1966. It was the Eastern Railway, a line that ran from Midland via Swan View, here, and through to Chidlow and beyond. This former railway bridge is in the central area of the National Park and crosses the upper reaches of Jane Brook. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE002

Hovea - National Park Rail Bridge

Up on top the former railway bridge over Jane Brook. Visible beyond the bridge is a view down the reserve which continues west to Swan View and the old railway tunnel. The bridge has been closed on and off recently due to safety reasons. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE003

Hovea - National Park Railway Station Site

There were several railway stations along this line, amongst which was National Park Station. This is all that remains of that station. The station was built in 1936 and provided an alternative train stopping point to Hovea Station for National Park visitors. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE004

Hovea - National Park Rocks

These rocks are so typical of the Darling Scarp. Huge grey boulders like this can be found all over the place. Today a small amount of water trickles through the creek. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE005

Hovea - National Park Dam on Mahogany Creek

This must be the only dam in Perth which is overflowing right now. This is a small dam on Mahogany Creek. Mahogany Creek is one of three main waterways that flow within the park. The others are Jane Brook and Glen Brook. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE006

Hovea - National Park Boulders and Water

A tranquil Park scene with boulders and water. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE007

Hovea - National Park Picnic Shack

One of the many picnic shacks or rest shelters which can be found all over the Park. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE008

Hovea - National Park Pool

A picturesque view of the National Park Pool. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE009

Hovea - National Park Wildflower Tavern

The John Forrest Wildflower Tavern is a great place for lunch. Around the other side is the dining area. There are many "tame" native birds and kangaroos here and to see those alone are worth the visit. We were advised it's best to eat indoors else a kookaburra is likely to swoop in and fly off with your lunch. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE010

Hovea - National Park Old Pay Station

This tiny building is the old pay station when entering the park. A little small and I bet it would be hot in there in summer. The next pay station is much bigger and is located a kilometre or so up the road. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE011

Hovea - National Park Glen Brook Dam

The Glen Brook dam situated within the Park. This place is a resting and feeding/watering area for wildlife. The water is not for swimming or drinking. The water level is pretty low after lean winter rainfall. A spillway down the side runs off water (when available) into the National Park pool. October 2010. Photos Ref: HOVE012

Hovea - National Park Hovea Falls

The Hovea Falls are on the Jane Brook around 900 metres east of the central area of the National Park. Many people today enjoying the sounds and spectacle and clambering around on that massive granite rock. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE013

Hovea - National Park Hovea Falls

Looking downstream from the falls from near the bridge crossing. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE014

Hovea - National Park Hovea Falls

Here's a handy way of getting across to the other side of Jane Brook. This bridge is also a popular waterfall viewing platform. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE015

Hovea - National Park Hovea Falls

Another view of the vast granite rock which is adjacent to the Hovea Falls to give another perspective perhaps reflecting its huge size. This time we're standing on it. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE016

Hovea - National Park Hovea Station

The site of the old Hovea Railway station approximately 1.7 kilometres east of the central area of the National Park. The avenue of palms looks somewhat out of place in these surroundings. The station was called originally called Park View but this was changed to avoid confusion with Swan View and Bellevue. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE017

Hovea - National Park National Hills and Rocks

Looking across the river valley to the hills beyond. Note the large granite boulders which are something of a unique feature of the Darling Range. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE018

Hovea - National Park Falls

The National Park Falls is around one kilometre west of the central area of the National Park. Walk there via the railway heritage trail or the Eagle Walk on the opposite bank of the creek. Many people are here today enjoying torrents of water crashing over the rocks after record September rains. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE019

Hovea - National Park Falls

Looking up at the Falls from the lower level. Always difficult to photograph scenes such as these to capture the true spectacle. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE020

Hovea - National Park Falls

The Hovea Falls this time viewed from the south side just off the railway reserve heritage trail. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE021

Hovea - National Park Kangaroos at Tavern

Here are a few of the kangaroos that live at the rear of the Wildflower Tavern Being spring, a few have joeys pouched. Hotel staff have just brought out a load of seeds for them to feed on. September 2013. Photos Ref: HOVE022

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