We've all heard of those exorbitantly expensive houses in Peppy Grove, Mosman Park etc with one costing over $50 million. Situated right on the Swan River these high end houses sit right above one of the most untouched sections of the Swan in the metro area. And the best thing is, you can walk right through it.
Quite a decent view I'd say
Walking along this section of river gives you an odd sense of exhilaration and happiness, as well as a different viewpoint of Perth's mega mansions. Finding your own way through the weaving bushes and trees, over the rocky outcrops and across the cliff faces is quite a unique experience. And just some advice, this is best done at low tide.
The unmarked walk starts at the Coombe Reserve at the bottom of the incredibly steep and wealthy road known as 'the Coombe', it then bends around the Point Walter sand bar and through to Chidley Point Reserve on the other side.
The walk from Google Maps
It isn't an easy walk by any means, and you can't be afraid of getting wet. But it is well worth it if you're up for a quick adventure. This map shows the section of river and several highlighted points of interest, as explained below.
A). Castaway Island style beach
Think of Gilligans Island, those tropical island paradises that we all dream of. This stretch of beach is hidden between rocky outcrops and thick trees. Untouched sands and large driftwood feature on this hidden shoreline to give you a surprising feel of peaceful isolation.
At low tide it really does look like a deserted island beach
The 57.5 million dollar mansion is not just the most expense property in WA, but also holds the record for the most expensive property in Australia. The mansion was sold to mining magnate Chris Ellison in 2009.
The property features three separate houses, gym, cinema, tennis court and pool. Stretching down to the riverside you can walk right up to the boat shed and out onto the private jetty. As the river is public land walking past is completely legal and as long as you're respectful going out onto the jetty is no problem.
Right underneath the most expensive property in Perth
Ellison's mansion isn't the only one with a private jetty. Just a few more metres down the trail is a bigger, arguably better jetty out the front of a manicured public garden. The garden is hidden down the bottom of an old wooden staircase, away from any public eyes. This could explain why it's a favourite for nude photo shoots.
From here you can go up the stairs to the road or continue on to the rougher, unmarked part of the riverside walk. From here it gets a little tricky but is well worth the journey.
D). The CliffBetween the park and Chidley reserve is an area of untamed bushes, rocky outcrops and cliff faces. Navigating your way through this wilderness can take a little effort but is quite a lot of fun.
Climbing cliffs is fun
The cliff is a great place to stop, sit and take in the surroundings. You can see Point Walter and Blackwall reach over the other side of the river as well as passing boats and the mansions south of the river.
E). Chidley Point Reserve
After conquering the hardest part of the trail you come out onto a calm white sand beach called Chidley Point reserve. The beach has shaded seats, grassed area and barbeque facilities so is a great place to relax, swim or have a barbeque.
From here you can go back the way you came or take the dotted line back to check out some of the gigantic mansions around the area, particularly along Saunders street.
So if you have walked every popular spot Perth has to offer, if you've discovered every nook and cranny of the surrounding areas, and if you think there is nothing you haven't seen in our city think again, there's always secrets waiting to be uncovered. Mosman Park is waiting.
