Bilya Walk Track
Prior to the establishment of the Bilya Walk Track, access to the Avon River in Toodyay was very limited. It was difficult and hazardous to walk along the riverbank. Private land also restricted access. Feedback from the Toodyay Visitors Centre indicated many people enquired about walking along the river.
Fortuitously, public access was created after the establishment of a residential subdivision at a stretch of the river called Millard’s Pool. As part of a developmental condition a designated car park and 1.5 km sealed foreshore walk track were constructed there. This saw the area become popular with residents and visitors alike.
Further downstream the conversion of private land to a public foreshore conservation reserve, Lloyd Reserve, by TFOR had occurred. This presented the opportunity for a continuous 6 km walk track along the south riverbank from the Nardie Pioneer Cemetery to the Toodyay town.
Initial surveys and track marking was conducted by the TFOR Project Officer. This was followed by hand clearing during TFOR working bees and by a Green Corps team.
In 2011 TFOR successfully applied for funding to Lotterywest through the Dept. of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries to develop what they had now named the “Bilya” Track, meaning river in Noongar language.
This funding allowed for the purchase of signage, track markers, 2 picnic tables, 4 bench seats and the production of a high-quality information brochure. Further, it paid for the design and construction of a footbridge across Harper Brook and the fabrication and installation of a picnic shelter and table at Millard’s Pool (with assistance from the Avon Valley Environment Society of Northam).
Over the ensuing years TFOR and the Shire of Toodyay have partnered with several organisations and groups to continue value adding to the Bilya Walk Track.
These projects include:
- The construction of the John Masters Bird Hide at Redbank Pool by the Toodyay Naturalists’ Club and funded by Wheatbelt NRM.
- A successful riparian revegetation site at Millard’s Pool (Greening Australia WA and Shire of Toodyay).
- Aboriginal interpretive signage & artwork at Redbank Pool and Lloyd Reserve by Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation (NKAC).
- The installation of the Gaven Donegan Memorial at Millard’s Pool (TFOR and Donegan/Ferguson Family).
- Dr. Richard Walkey memorial at Red Banks Pool (TFOR).
- The development and installation of ten interpretive plaques at Millard’s Pool funded by Wheatbelt NRM and Shire of Toodyay.
- Installation of a Canoe launching ramp at Millard’s Pool (TFOR).
- Creation of disabled access to picnic shelter and sealed walk path.
Representatives from the Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation and Rod Garlett standing in the John Masters Bird Hide in front of the display of Noongar artwork and history of Red Banks Pool before settlement.
Like all such assets the Bilya Track requires constant maintenance. It has been inundated by flooding on several occasions which has closed sections for extended periods. This is inevitably followed by required repairs to the walking surface.
The Bilya Walk Track is now one of Toodyay’s most popular attractions/activities. It continues to provide opportunities for the public to connect to the Avon River and learn about its environmental & cultural history and heritage.
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