Shannon National Park
About a four (4) hour drive south of Perth, Shannon National Park is the perfect place to explore an area of WA’s stunning karri forest.
Cultural Recognition
We recognise and acknowledge Menang people as the traditional owners of Shannon National Park.
Overview of Shannon National Park
Shannon National Park is a fabulous place for exploring WA’s most stunning karri forest.
Visitors can hike under the beautiful tree canopy, or swim or paddle in the Shannon Dam. There are five (5) trails to explore – from short walks, to drive trails and horse trails!
No drinking water is available in the Park, so be sure to bring plenty of your own.
No pets are allowed in Shannon National Park. Standard park entry fees apply, which contribute to park management, including protection of the environment and the development and maintenance of visitor services and facilities.
Cost of Entry*
Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants
- $17 per vehicle
- $10 per vehicle concession
Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants
- $8 per occupant 6 years or older
- $3.50 per occupant concession
Motorcycle
- $10 per motorbike
- No concession
No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into the park.
*Prices accurate as of January 2024, refer to the Explore Parks WA website for up to date pricing.
Nature Play Resources
Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources to use at Shannon National Park.
For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library
Activities & Information
With its proximity to Perth, the picturesque Shannon National Park has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.
Visitors can hike under the beautiful tree canopy, or swim or paddle in the Shannon Dam.There are five (5) trails to explore – from short walks, to drive trails and horse trails! Keep an eye out for the gorgeous birds who flit about the trees (read our Plants and Animals section for more!).
There are five (5) trails to explore – from short walks, to drive trails and horse trails! Snake Gully Lookout and Big Tree Grove are two must-see stops along the Great Forest Trees Drive Trail, allowing visitors to feel completely immersed in the towering karri trees.
An interesting feature of Shannon National Park is the horse camp! After exploring one of the bridle trails, horses and their riders can stay overnight at Shannon Horse Camp.
Shannon Campground is just for human visitors, but has great facilities like hot showers, flushing toilets, barbecues and dishwashing sinks. No drinking water is available in the Park, so be sure to bring plenty of your own.
No drinking water is available in the Park, so be sure to bring plenty of your own.
No pets are allowed in Shannon National Park. Standard park entry fees apply, which contribute to park management, including protection of the environment and the development and maintenance of visitor services and facilities.
See if you can spot some of these plants and animals during your visit!
Mammals
- Possum
- Quenda
- Bats
Reptiles
- Skinks
- Snakes (dugite)
Birds
- Grey fantail
- Grey currawong
- New Holland honeyeater
- Australian ringneck
Plants
- Orchids
- Eucalypts (jarrah and karri)
- Paperbarks
- Banksia
- Grevillea
If you plan to swim in Shannon Dam or River, enter the water slowly and do not dive in – the depth varies from shallow to very deep. Do not enter the water if you are not a strong swimmer.
Shannon National Park is an important location to the Menang people, and home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist in the protection of the Shannon National Park environment.
- Follow campfire regulations.
- Only follow marked walk trails.
- Only camp at designated campgrounds.
- Leave no trace. Ensure all food and rubbish is contained and out of reach of wildlife and take all belongings with you when you leave.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Do not disturb or displace plants and animals.
Visit the Explore Parks website for more information and Shannon National Park.
Acknowledgements
Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Shannon National Park.
