John Forrest National Park, Glen Brook Bridge
A major milestone has been reached at John Forrest National Park.
The third stage of the park’s redevelopment is now complete, with Gresley Abas delivering the new pedestrian bridge, following the completion of the new entry road and arrival carpark that establishes the gateway to the park’s future visitor hub. This new infrastructure forms the crucial first step in a broader transformation of Western Australia’s oldest National Park.
The bridge and elevated walkway create a carefully choreographed arrival through the landscape. Rising lightly above the valley floor, it minimises disturbance to the bushland environment while guiding visitors from the new carpark into the heart of the park. Constructed from weathered steel and recycled timber, the structure sits quietly within its setting and will continue to soften and blend into the surrounding vegetation over time.
The route provides universal accessibility while offering a gentle procession through the bushland, framing views across the valleys, hills and rocky outcrops that define this remarkable landscape.
In 2021, Gresley Abas was appointed as architect for the broader redevelopment of the public facilities at John Forrest National Park, including the design of a new Park Centre. The project will deliver a contemporary park hub incorporating visitor interpretation spaces, café and event facilities, together with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions offices and new amenities. Developed in close consultation with Traditional Owners and DBCA, the project seeks to share the beauty, heritage and cultural significance of the park with a wider audience.
With this critical arrival infrastructure now complete, construction of the new Amenities Building will commence shortly, followed by the Park Hub café, office and interpretation facilities. Together these projects will help shape a renewed visitor experience for John Forrest National Park and strengthen its place alongside Kings Park and Rottnest Island as one of Perth’s great nature destinations.
