Yellagonga Regional Park was named in honour of Yellagonga—the regional Noongar leader during European settlement. Local Aboriginal people once used the area for shelter and food during seasonal camp movements and Pinjar Doondalup (Lake Joondalup) is considered a physical representation of the Noongar ancestral dreaming spirit known as the Charnock Woman.  

The Country surrounding Yellagonga Regional Park is Mooro Country. The Mooro people moved across the land with the six Noongar seasons. Wetland areas such as Yalbunullup were a place to camp during bunuru and kambarang seasons; when flourishing life in the wetlands provided plentiful food.  

The name of the new urban mountain bike park, Yalbunullup, pronounced Yalbun-a-lup, was chosen in consultation with Traditional Owners as it reflects the traditional name for the area, loosely translating to ‘place where black swan is hunted from large lake’.

Recognising the importance of the land, a smoking ceremony was conducted in early 2024 by Whadjuk Noongar Elder Greg Ugle before construction work commenced on site.  

Mr Ugle explained the purpose of the smoking ceremony was to clear the land of bad spirits.  

The Yalbunullup mountain bike trails provide an important outdoor recreation opportunity for residents of the northern suburbs and several years of planning and community consultation went into their design.  

Before any planning commenced on the trails themselves, a comprehensive site assessment carefully considered the natural and cultural values of the area.  

Phytophthora (dieback) disease mapping was conducted, important ecological communities including banksia woodland were considered, and archaeological surveys were undertaken.

In more recent history, the area served a variety of purposes with landscape modification occurring to allow for agricultural and recreational use. In areas of remaining native vegetation, prominent tree species include tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) (see ‘Treasuring our tuarts’, LANDSCOPE Autumn 2020), jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and slender banksia (Banksia attennata).  

It was extremely important that the trails were designed to cause minimal disturbance to established native vegetation, preserve significant trees, and not disturb any areas or sites of cultural significance.  

Guided by an eight-stage trail development process, the trails were carefully planned and designed to minimise impact and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the surrounding landscape. 

 The family-friendly trail network is perfect for beginner and intermediate riders, offering a combination of technical and flow trails.  

Located in the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain, the trails were surfaced with naturally occurring limestone to provide a durable riding surface.  

The trails on the southern side of the network are more technical in nature and provide a good introduction to cornering, rock gardens and log overs. Climbs and descents weave through the tuarts towards the lake.  

The trails on the northern side of the network are longer ‘flow’ trails designed to provide a smooth, enjoyable ride. These trails feature wide open berms, rollers and tabletop jumps and are a guaranteed fun ride!  

The trail names were chosen to reflect some of the important values of the site including the abundant bird life the lake supports, the geology of the area, and some other local fauna.  

The Yalbunullup mountain bike trails are an example of the State Government working in partnership with a local community group, key community members, and trail designers and builders.  

Member for Joondalup Emily Hamilton MLA was a strong advocate for the project, as was City of Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob.  

Northern Beaches Cycling Club (NBCC) had been advocating for the project since 2015 and members were excited to see it come to fruition.  

NBCC Director of Mountain Biking Mark Papadopoff said the group was heavily involved with the design of the trails, with assistance from a 2018 City of Joondalup Sports Development Grant.  

“This is the first cross-country-specific trail system built in the metro area,” Mr Papadopoff said. “We think it will be extremely popular and a benchmark for future mountain bike trails in urban areas.  

“We can see everyone from young families and school groups up to your elite riders using this trail to stay fit and gain new skills and a passion for off road cycling.  

“NBCC will be advocating for cross country mountain bike events to be held on these race-ready trails, which we hope will attract riders from all over the State.”  

Mr Papadopoff acknowledged Three Chillies Design, Common Ground Trails and departmental staff for their commitment to the project.  

Lake Joondalup is part of an expansive north-south link of lakes, rivers and wetland systems on the Swan Coastal Plain.  

Wetlands are enormously important as they reduce flooding risk and soil erosion, provide rich and diverse ecosystems for aquatic and land-based plants and animals, and are nature’s filter system.  

Migratory birds visit the wetlands seasonally, and wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) and whistling kites (Haliastur sphenerus) can often be seen at Yellagonga soaring high in the sky looking for a meal.  

The endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo (Zanda latirostris), oblong or southwestern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga), western tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) and quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) are also sometimes spotted around Lake Joondalup