Perth is a city that offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and green spaces from lush national parks to serene nature reserves and vibrant marine parks, Perth has something to offer for every nature enthusiast. Whether you prefer exploring on foot, cycling along picturesque trails, or snorkelling through crystal clear waters, there is an adventure waiting for you.
In our exploration, we will delve into the wonders of Perth’s parks and nature reserves, revealing hidden gems and must visit locations.
So grab your hiking boots, pack your snorkelling gear, and join us on an adventure through the breathtaking national, nature, and marine parks that make Perth a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the natural beauty that Perth has to offer. Here is our list of Perth’s Parks and Nature Reserves to visit:
Photo by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Alfred Cove Nature Reserve is a hidden gem on the Swan River, where you can enjoy a variety of activities and admire the rich biodiversity of the estuary. Whether you are a nature lover, a bird watcher, a kayaker, or a fisher, you will find something to suit your interests at this tranquil spot.
Photograph by Gnangarra…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.
Avon Valley National Park covers an area of 4,800 hectares and is located about 70 km northeast of Perth. The park is named after the Avon River, which flows through it and forms a stunning backdrop for many of the park’s features. The park is home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including kangaroos, echidnas, emus, wedge tailed eagles, cockatoos, and wildflowers.
The park offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing picnic, a challenging hike, a thrilling bike ride, or a scenic drive.
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Banyowla Regional Park is a hidden gem in the Perth Hills, offering a range of natural and recreational attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic walk, have a picnic with your family, spot some native wildlife, or explore the historic sites, there is something for everyone at this beautiful park.
The park covers an area of 2,600 hectares and features diverse landscapes, from jarrah and marri woodlands to granite outcrops and wetlands. The park is home to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, some of which are rare or endangered. You might see kangaroos, echidnas, quendas, black cockatoos, wedge-tailed eagles, or even a carpet python!
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Beeliar Regional Park covers 3400 hectares of wetland and bushland, with twenty-six lakes and many other natural attractions to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, a birdwatching spot, a picnic area, or a cultural experience, you will find something to suit your interests in this park.
The park is also home to a diverse range of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. The wetlands provide important nesting and feeding habitats for water birds, some of which migrate from the northern hemisphere. You can see over 10,000 birds at Thomson’s Lake Nature Reserve, an internationally important wetland. The park also has areas of banksia, jarrah, and marri woodland, where you can spot kangaroos, bandicoots, echidnas, and reptiles.
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Beelu National Park is a treasure trove of nature in the Perth Hills, just 40 km from the city. It is named after the Beelu Whadjuk Noongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land.
The park covers three thousand hectares of jarrah, marri, wandoo, and grasstree woodland, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including threatened Carnaby’s cockatoos, splendid fairy wrens, quendas, western brush wallabies and western grey kangaroos.
In spring, the park bursts into colour with a range of wildflowers, such as orchids, grevilleas and pimeleas.
You can enjoy a picnic at one of the scenic spots, such as Fred Jacoby Park, The Dell, Pimelea Mycumbene or Grevillea Mycumbene.
If you are looking for a panoramic view of the Helena River Valley, Lake CY O’Connor and Mundaring Weir, head to the South Ledge and Golden View Lookout. You can also explore the North Ledge, which has a short loop trail that overlooks the Helena Reservoir.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Canning River Regional Park is a stunning natural oasis in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. It covers more than six square kilometres of land along the banks of the Canning River and offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
The park is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including wetlands, woodlands, and heathlands. You can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by kayak, and discover its rich history and culture. The park has several heritage sites, such as the Woodloes Homestead, the Kent Street Weir, and the Mason’s Landing.
Carnac Island is a 19 hectare, A Class, island nature reserve about 10 km southwest of Fremantle and 3.5 km north of Garden Island in Western Australia. It is a picturesque limestone island that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors who love nature and wildlife.
One of the main highlights of Carnac Island is the presence of Australian sea lions, the rarest sea lion in the world and the only type found in Australia. These adorable creatures use the island as a rest area, before slipping back into the ocean to feed. You can see them basking on the beach and frolicking in the water, but make sure to keep your distance as they can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
Another reason to visit Carnac Island is the diversity of seabirds that nest on the island. You can spot little penguins, wedge tailed shearwaters, crested terns, and many other local seabirds.
Gnangara State Forest is a natural wonderland that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the diverse flora and fauna, enjoy the scenic views and trails, or have some fun with the recreational facilities, you will find it here. Here are some of the features and facilities that make Gnangara State Forest a great destination for your next adventure.
The forest covers an area of about 21,000 hectares and is home to more than four hundred species of plants and animals. Some of the rare and endangered species that live here include the Carnaby’s black cockatoo, the western swamp tortoise, and the quenda. You can also spot kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and many birds and reptiles.
The forest has many trails and tracks for walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, swimming and camping. Some of the popular trails include the Lake Gnangara Trail, the Pinjar Trail, the Wanneroo Trail, and the Yanchep Trail. One of the popular attractions in the forest is the Pinjar Motorcycle Area, where you can ride motorcycles and quadbikes on family friendly trails.
Photograph by JarrahTree…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.
Gooseberry Hill National Park is a stunning natural oasis that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to explore the scenic trails, enjoy the panoramic views, spot some wildlife, or relax in the picnic areas, you will find something to suit your mood and preferences at this park.
The park covers an area of 33 hectares and is located on the Darling Scarp, about twenty kilometres east of Perth. It is part of the Beelu National Park and is managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife. The park is named after the gooseberry plants that grow in the area, which are edible and have a sour taste.
One of the primary features of the park is the Zig Zag Scenic Drive, which is a one-way road that winds down the hillside and offers spectacular views of the city skyline and the Swan Coastal Plain. The road is open to vehicles from 2 pm to sunset on weekdays and from noon to sunset on weekends and public holidays. You can also walk or cycle along the road but be careful of the traffic and the steep slopes.
Photograph by JarrahTree…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.
Greenmount National Park is a stunning destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and history buffs alike. Located in the heart of the Perth Hills, this park offers spectacular views, diverse wildlife, and fascinating heritage sites. Here are some of the highlights of Greenmount National Park that you should not miss.
The Heritage Trail: This 4.2 km loop trail takes you through the park’s rich history, from the Aboriginal occupation to the European settlement. You will see remnants of old buildings, quarries, orchards, and farms, as well as interpretive signs and artworks that tell the stories of the past. The trail also passes by the Greenmount Hill Lookout, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Swan Coastal Plain.
Photograph by Gnangarra…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.
Helena National Park is a hidden gem in the Perth Hills, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the jarrah/marri forest and wandoo woodland. Whether you are looking for a relaxing picnic, a scenic drive, or a challenging hike, you will find something to suit your taste and ability in this vast park.
One of the highlights of Helena National Park is Mount Dale, the highest point on the Darling Scarp. From the lookout, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Darkin River Valley, the state forest areas, and the national park itself. You can also spot some of the native wildlife that calls this park home, such as kangaroos, echidnas, and birds. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Mount Dale Circuit, a 2.4 km loop trail that takes you around the base of the mountain and offers more stunning views and wildflowers.
Photograph by Gnangarra…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.
Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a wetland oasis in the heart of Perth’s metropolitan area. It’s a tranquil location for picnicking, exercising and bird watching. This is a diverse and green landscape all year round. Waterbirds and migratory birds come here to breed and enjoy a summer refuge. You can watch them wading among the rushes, paperbarks, and flooded gum trees. The diversity here is impressive with over one hundred species of birds -some have even come from the other side of the world. It’s easy to see why birdwatchers and photographers flock here!
Walking and cycling are clever ways to explore the lake and a shared pathway goes all the way around. Do the full 7km loop or just part of it. Please note, fishing is not permitted at any time. The Herdsman Lake Settlers Cottage has been heritage listed and gives you a glimpse of what life would have been life for early settlers. To learn more about the wildlife in the park check out the Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre. They run interesting events, talks and night walks.
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John Forrest National Park is located in the Perth Hills, just 30 minutes from the city and is home to a variety of native wildlife, including kangaroos, bandicoots, and many birds. You can spot them in their natural habitat, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars!
John Forrest National Park has several walk trails that cater for different abilities and fitness levels. You can choose from easy strolls to challenging hikes, depending on your preference. Some of the highlights include the Swan View Tunnel, the historic railway line, and the stunning waterfalls that flow in winter and spring.
John Forrest National Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue with your family and friends. There are several picnic areas with tables, benches, and shelters. You can also visit the tavern for a refreshing drink or a hearty meal.
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Kalamunda National Park is a stunning natural destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to hike, bike, picnic, or just relax, you will find plenty of options to enjoy this beautiful park.
The park covers an area of 375 hectares and features diverse landscapes, including jarrah and marri forests, granite outcrops, creeks, and waterfalls. You can explore the park on foot or by bike, as there are several trails that cater to diverse levels of fitness and experience. Some of the most popular trails are the Bibbulmun Track, which passes through the park and connects Perth to Albany, the Schipp Road Trail, which loops around the park and offers scenic views of the city and the coast, and the Rocky Pool Walk, which leads to a refreshing swimming spot.
If you prefer a more leisurely visit, you can also enjoy a picnic at one of the many facilities available in the park. There are picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, and drinking water at the main car park on Schipp Road.
Korung National Park is a hidden gem in the Perth Hills, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll, a challenging hike, or a fun bike ride, you will find something to suit your taste and fitness level in this park.
The park covers an area of 3,000 hectares and is home to a variety of native plants and animals. You can spot kangaroos, echidnas, bandicoots, and many birds as you explore the park. In spring, the park becomes a wonderland of colour with over three hundred species of wildflowers blooming. You can admire orchids, wattles, banksias, grevilleas, and more.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Munda Biddi Bike Trail, which is a long-distance cycling trail that runs from Mundaring to Albany. The trail passes through Korung National Park and offers some scenic views and challenging terrain. You can access the trail from several points in the park, such as Carmel Road or Pickering Brook Road.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Lane Poole Reserve is a stunning natural park that covers more than 50,000 hectares of forests, rivers, waterfalls, pools, and trails. Whether you are into camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or wildlife watching, you will find something to suit your taste and level of adventure. Here are some of the amazing features and facilities that the Lane Poole Reserve has to offer:
The Murray River: The main attraction of the park is the scenic and serene Murray River, which flows through the reserve and offers plenty of opportunities for water activities. You can paddle along the river in a kayak or canoe or try your luck at catching some trout or marron. You can also swim in the refreshing pools or relax on the sandy beaches. The river is also home to a variety of birds and animals, such as ducks, swans, pelicans, kangaroos, and possums.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Len Howard Conservation Park is a 3 kilometre loop trail that offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding wetlands. The trail is easy to follow with excellent bird watching opportunities, specially designed bird hides and lookouts. The trail is suitable for all skill levels. You can access it from the end of Glendart Court in Erskine, where you will find an information bay and a parking area.
Along the trail, you will find several facilities to enhance your experience, such as toilets, picnic tables, shade shelters, lookouts, and wildlife hides. You can stop for a bite at the gazebo or take a dip in the estuary if you want to cool off. You can also learn more about the park’s history and ecology from the interpretive signs.
The park is home to a variety of plants and animals, especially birds. You can spot some of the rare migratory waders that visit in summer, such as red-necked stints, sharp tailed sandpipers, and curlew sandpipers.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Manning Reserve is a stunning natural oasis that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to explore the scenic trails, enjoy the wildlife, relax by the lake, or have some fun at the playground, there is something for everyone at this beautiful park.
Here are some of the features and facilities that you can find at the Manning Reserve:
Hiking and biking trails: The reserve has over 16 kilometres of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, meadows, and wetlands. You can hike or bike along the paths and admire the views of the lake and the mountains. The trails are suitable for different skill levels and have signs and maps to guide you along the way.
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Dive into a world of colourful corals, fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals and experience the thrill of exploring underwater caves, ledges, and swim-throughs. Witness the majestic migration of humpback and southern right whales.
Marmion Marine Park is Western Australia’s first marine park, covering 9500 hectares of ocean between Trigg Island and Burns Rocks, just north of Perth. It protects a chain of inshore limestone reefs and islands that are home to a rich diversity of marine life, including endangered Australian sea lions, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles, and seahorses. The warm Leeuwin Current also brings many tropical species to the park, such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and coral.
Marmion Marine Park offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities, whether you want to stay on the surface or go deeper. You can enjoy boating, swimming, whale watching, kite surfing and windsurfing on the water, or snorkelling and diving below.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Marrinup State Forest is a beautiful place to explore, whether you are into hiking, biking, camping, or just enjoying nature. It is located west of Dwellingup, a charming town in the Perth Hills region of Western Australia.
Marrinup State Forest covers an area of about 10,000 hectares and is home to a variety of native plants and animals. You can see jarrah, marri, and redgum trees, as well as wildflowers in spring. You might also spot kangaroos, bandicoots, possums, and birds. The forest is rich in history and culture, as it was once the site of a timber mill and a prisoner of war camp during World War II. You can learn more about these stories at the nearby Marrinup Heritage Trail and the Cage in the Bush POW Camp.
Photography by Cygnis insignis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Matilda Bay Reserve is a beautiful place to enjoy the Swan River and the Perth city skyline. Whether you want to relax, have fun, or learn something new, there is something for everyone at this park.
Here are some of the features and facilities that you can find at Matilda Bay Reserve:
A grassy, shady area with picnic tables, free electric barbecues, and public toilets. You can bring your own food and drinks or buy them from the Bayside Kitchen café or the Matilda Bay Restaurant. The restaurant also offers stunning views and functions for special occasions.
A calm and sheltered river that is perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, snorkelling, and fishing. You can also watch the boats go by, or spot some of the dolphins that live in the river. There are jetties and boat ramps for easy access to the water.
Milyu Nature Reserve is a small peninsula where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beach or the foreshore path and watch a variety of waterbirds and waders that visit this wetland habitat. Milyu is the Aboriginal name for samphire, a type of salt tolerant plant that covers most of the peninsula.
See pelicans, black swans, ospreys, and many other waterbirds that feed and rest here.
You can also fish or prawn from the shore. Just make sure you follow the fishing rules on the DPIRD websites.
Photograph by Gnangarra…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons.
Monadnocks Conservation Park is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Western Australia’s natural landscape. Monadnocks are isolated hills of erosion resistant bedrock that rise conspicuously above a flatter plain.
Three examples of this give Monadnocks Conservation Park its curious name: Mount Cuthbert, Mount Vincent, and Mount Cooke. These are also the three peaks that you can hike on the Bibbulmun Track, one of the world’s great long distance walk trails that stretches 1000km from Kalamunda to Albany.
Monadnocks Conservation Park is located 35km southeast of Armadale along the Albany Highway and offers a range of activities for nature lovers. You can enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, camping and more. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including jarrah forest, granite outcrops, wildflowers, kangaroos, red-tailed black cockatoos, and eagles. The views from the higher slopes are fabulous, especially from Mount Cooke, the highest point in the Darling Range at 582 metres.
Photograph by Michael_Spencer from Perth, WA, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Moore River National Park is an untapped treasure in Western Australia, just 95 km north of Perth. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, from the banksia heathland to the clear waters of the river and the ocean. Here are some of the features and facilities that you can find in this amazing park.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, reptiles, and birds. You might also spot dolphins, sea lions and whales in the ocean.
Photograph by Colton Harris-Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Mundy Regional Park is a stunning natural destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic hike, a relaxing picnic, a thrilling bike ride, or a fun playground, you will find it here. Mundy Regional Park covers 349 hectares of land in the Perth Hills, and features diverse landscapes such as jarrah forest, wandoo woodland, granite outcrops, and wetlands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, birds, and reptiles. You can also admire the views of the city and the Swan Coastal Plain from several lookout points.
One of the main attractions of Mundy Regional Park is the Lesmurdie Falls, which cascade down a 50-metre drop into the valley below. You can access the falls from several trails that vary in difficulty and length.
Neerabup National Park is an underappreciated find in Western Australia, just 27 km north of Perth. It’s a narrow strip of bushland that stretches for 12 km, preserving an ancient Aboriginal migration route and a rich biodiversity. If you love nature and history, you’ll enjoy exploring this park on foot or by bike.
The park has no vehicle access, so you’ll need to park your car at one of the nearby suburbs and walk or cycle to the entrance. There are no facilities in the park, so make sure you bring enough water, food, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You’ll also need a good map or a GPS device, as there are no signs or markers along the trails.
One of the main attractions of Neerabup National Park is the Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail, a 28 km (one-way) trail that connects Joodanup (Lake Joondalup) with Yanchep National Park.
Photograph by JarrahTree…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons
Pelican Point Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot on the Swan River in Perth, where you can enjoy a variety of activities and wildlife. Whether you want to relax on the grassy areas, swim, or kayak in the calm waters, or watch the pelicans and other birds that frequent the reserve, you will find something to suit your mood and interests.
The reserve is located at Matilda Bay, near the University of Western Australia. It was formerly known as Point Currie, after Captain Currie who received an allotment of land in the area in 1829. The point is named for the pelicans that rest on sand bars at the end of the point. The area south of the point’s axis is now a bird sanctuary, where you can observe a variety of species, such as black swans, cormorants, egrets, herons, and terns.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Penguin Island is a small island located just seven hundred meters off the coast of Mersey Point, near Rockingham. It’s home to a colony of around 1200 little penguins, the smallest and cutest species of penguins in the world. These penguins are very shy and mostly stay in their burrows during the day, but you can see them up close at the Penguin Island Discovery Centre, where they are fed three times a day by rangers. You can also learn more about their biology, behaviour, and conservation at the interactive displays and exhibits.
But there’s more to Penguin Island than just penguins. The island is also a haven for other wildlife, such as pelicans, dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and various seabirds. You can explore the island’s natural beauty by walking along the boardwalks and trails or climbing up to one of the two lookouts for panoramic views of the ocean and the mainland.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Rockingham Lakes Regional Park is a stunning natural oasis in the heart of the city. It covers more than 3,600 hectares of coastal and inland habitats, including salt lakes, woodlands, wetlands, and beaches. It is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, some of which are rare or endangered. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, a thrill seeker, or a family looking for fun, you will find something to enjoy in this park.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Serpentine National Park is a stunning natural wonder that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to hike, swim, picnic, or just relax, you will find plenty of options to enjoy this beautiful park.
One of the main attractions of Serpentine National Park is the Serpentine Falls, a cascading waterfall that plunges into a deep pool surrounded by lush vegetation. You can access the falls by a short walk from the car park, or by a longer trail that follows the Serpentine River. The falls are a popular spot for swimming and cooling off on hot days but be aware that the water can be cold and deep. Always check the conditions before entering the water and follow the safety signs.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, where you can explore a stunning underwater world of coral reefs, shipwrecks, dolphins, sea lions, penguins and more!
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is located just an hour south of Perth and covers over 6,000 hectares of pristine coastline and islands. You can access the park by car, boat, or ferry, and enjoy a range of activities for all ages and interests.
Penguin Island is a must see attraction in the park. It is where a colony of penguins lives. You can observe them at the Discovery Centre during feeding times or catch a glimpse of them in the wild from the boardwalks and lookout points. The island is also home to other seabirds such as cormorants, pelicans and terns that nest there.
The Swan Canning Riverpark is a stunning natural oasis in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. It covers more than one hundred square kilometres of waterways and parklands and offers a range of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing picnic, a scenic walk, a thrilling boat ride, or a cultural experience, the Swan Canning Riverpark has something for everyone.
Some of the features and facilities of the Swan Canning Riverpark include:
The Swan River Trust, which manages and protects the river park and its wildlife. The trust also runs educational programs and events to raise awareness and appreciation of the river park.
The Elizabeth Quay, which is a vibrant waterfront precinct that features restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, public art, and entertainment venues. You can also take a ferry ride or a cruise from here to explore the river park.
Photograph by Stephen Dann, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Swan Estuary Marine Park offers bird watching, walking or cycling along scenic riverside paths as well as learning about the amazing wildlife that visits Perth every year.
The Swan Estuary Marine Park is a protected area that covers three biologically important sites along the Swan River: Alfred Cove, Pelican Point and Milyu. These sites are home to a variety of birds, fish, and plants, some of which are rare or endangered. They also provide important feeding and resting areas for migratory birds that come from as far as Asia, Mongolia, and Siberia every summer.
Photograph by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Spectacles is a stunning natural oasis in the heart of Perth’s southern suburbs. It is a wetland reserve that boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as a range of recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you want to explore the trails, birdwatch, picnic, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings, The Spectacles has something for everyone.
One of the main attractions of The Spectacles is the Aboriginal Heritage Trail, which takes you on a journey through the history and culture of the Whadjuk Noongar people, the traditional owners of the land. Along the way, you will see interpretive signs, artworks, and sculptures that tell the stories of the Noongar connection to the wetlands. You will also learn about the plants and animals that are important for their survival and spirituality.
Photograph by Ivana Martinovic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Thomson’s Lake Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in the southern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. It is one of the most important wetlands in the world, hosting over 10,000 birds every year. It is also home to many native animals, such as kangaroos, bandicoots, and wallabies.
The best way to explore this amazing place is by walking the 5.7 km loop trail that circles the lake. The trail is easy to moderate, with some sandy sections that require a bit of effort. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the lake and its surroundings, as well as plenty of wildlife sightings. You might even spot some rare and endangered species, such as the Australasian Bittern or the Hooded Plover.
Walyunga National Park is a natural wonderland that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing picnic by the river, hike through the forested valleys, kayak along the rapids, or admire the wildflowers in spring, you will find your happy place here.
Walyunga National Park is located about thirty-five kilometres north of Perth, near Bullsbrook. It covers 1,800 hectares of land, mostly along the valley where the Avon River meets the Wooroloo Brook and becomes the Swan River. The park has a rich Aboriginal history, as it was one of the largest and most important campsites for the Whadjuk people for over 40,000 years. You can learn more about their culture and stories on the Aboriginal Heritage Trail, which follows the riverbank.
Photograph by John Tann from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Wandoo National Park is a must-see for everyone who enjoys nature and animals. You may go for a walk along one of the routes and take in the scenery of the surrounding slopes. You may also view the birds that swarm to the creek-line vegetation from the wildlife hide along the eastern path. You may even see kangaroos or echidnas.
Wandoo National Park is a gem in the Perth Hills area, located about 80 kms east of Perth. It gets its name from the wandoo eucalypt forest that comprises the majority of its 44,000 hectares. Granite outcrops in the park lend character and variation to the terrain.
The park features a covered picnic area with tables and fire rings where you can sit back and relax while taking in the views and sounds of the forest.
Photograph by Nachoman-au, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Woodman Point Regional Park is a beautiful natural reserve with activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. This park has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach, hike the trails, have a picnic, or learn about the history and fauna of the region.
The park has fifty-four hectares of coastal property, including a nine-kilometer stretch of sandy beach. Swim, surf, fish, or kayak in the pristine blue waters, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Throughout the summer, lifeguards monitor the beach, and showers and toilets are provided for your convenience.
If you want to remain on land, you may explore the park’s network of walkways and boardwalks. There is a wide variety of flora and animals to be found, including native plants, birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Photograph by Iurii Ostakhov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Wungong Regional Park, a conservation park near Bedfordale in the Perth Hills, is one of the greatest spots in Perth to experience nature. This park provides everything you need for a calm and exciting day out, whether you want to go bushwalking, picnicking, birdwatching, or simply observe the beauty.
Wungong Regional Park is 2,600 hectares in size and contains various reserves, including Armadale Settlers Common, Bungendore Park, Churchman’s Bushland, and Wungong Valley. Each reserve has its own set of characteristics and attractions, including natural flora and animals, steep slopes and gorges, seasonal streams, and historical monuments.
Wungong Dam, a massive reservoir that supplies water to Perth and the surrounding area, is one of the park’s features. The dam is also a popular fishing, kayaking, and swimming site. The vantage point and picnic area provide spectacular views of the dam and surrounding hills.
Photograph by Geochick, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Yalgorup National Park, located just south of Mandurah on the Swan Coastal Plain, is a lovely location for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is 12,888 hectares in size and has ten lakes that are part of an internationally significant wetland system. The lakes are home to many waterbirds, including migratory species, as well as numerous unique and endangered flora and animals.
The Lake Clifton Thrombolites, which are rock-like formations produced by microbes that resemble the earliest beginnings of life on Earth, are one of the park’s most remarkable sights. These historic beauties may be admired from a walkway that stretches over the lake. The park also has several walking paths that exhibit the area’s different landscapes and fauna, including the Heathlands Walk Trail, Lake Pollard Walk Trail, and Lime Kiln Lake Trail. If you wish to spend longer time in this lovely area, you may reserve a tent at Martins Tank Campsite, which provides gas barbeques and picnic tables.
Photograph by Silver Birch Golden Wattle, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Yanchep National Park is one of Western Australia’s most diverse and intriguing tourist destinations. This park, located an hour north of Perth, has something for everyone, from breathtaking natural landscape and animals to a rich cultural legacy and historical monuments.
Yanchep National Park is 2,800 hectares in size and has a variety of habitats, including marshes, woods, heathlands, and limestone caverns. More than four hundred natural plant species and 140 animal species call the park home, many of which are uncommon or endangered.
The koala is one of the park’s most recognisable creatures. Yanchep National Park is one of Western Australia’s few sites where you may observe these cute marsupials in their native habitat. The park offers a koala boardwalk where you can get up and personal with the koalas while they rest or nibble on eucalyptus leaves. In the Koala Exploration Centre, you may also learn more about koalas and their protection.
Photograph by Somno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Yellagonga Regional Park stretches from Burns Beach Road in Joondalup to Hepburn Avenue. It is 1,400 hectares in size and includes two lovely lakes, marshes, woods, and natural areas.
Yellagonga Regional Park is named after Yellagonga, the Mooro Aboriginal leader who historically used this region for refuge and food during seasonal camp moves. The park is culturally significant and is included in their Native Dreaming. The Yellagonga Interpretive Centre, located in Neil Hawkins Park, can teach you more about the park’s history and culture.
Neil Hawkins Park is also an excellent site to begin your park exploration. It contains a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, and parking.
Perth’s parks and reserves are more than just green spaces. They are places of recreation, relaxation, education and conservation.
They offer a variety of activities and attractions for people of all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy nature, learn about history, culture and wildlife, or have some fun with your family and friends, you can find a park or reserve that suits your needs.
Perth’s parks and reserves are also important for the environment and the community. They protect biodiversity, provide habitat for native flora and fauna, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
By visiting and supporting these parks and reserves, you can help preserve them for future generations. Perth’s parks and reserves are a valuable asset for the city and the state. They showcase the beauty and diversity of Western Australia and offer a unique experience for everyone.
So next time you are looking for something to do in Perth, why not explore one of its amazing parks and reserves? You won’t regret it!
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