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The spectacular sites

The Beeliar Wetlands lie along the swales of the coastal dunes between the Swan River in the north and Kwinana in the south. There are more than 20 different reserves that make up the Beeliar Regional Park, each with their own unique fingerprint. 

Some of them, like Manning Lake and Bibra Lake, are popular recreational sites, while others, like Thomsons Lake and the Spectacles, are important wildlife refuges. Together, the Beeliar wetlands are home to many species of wildlife including rare flora and fauna and threatened ecological communities.

All of these wetlands are of significance to the local Whadjuk Noongar community who share deep cultural and spiritual ties with the land. They also share custodianship, having managed as well as utilised these wetlands for many thousands of years.

Do a walkabout!

Hop onto our TRAILS webpage to explore these hidden wonders!

TRAILS

The resplendent Bibra Lake

Trek around the Lake

Bibra Lake is the stunning centrepiece of the Beeliar Regional Park. A popular regional playground and bustling picnic area that people from all walks of life and all parts of the community enjoy. 

It is home to The Wetlands Centre and Native ARC. There are also plans to include an indigenous cultural centre as a part of the precinct.

Bibra Lake is an important wildlife refuge and supports numerous waterbirds and bush birds, plus many different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects reside here. 

The “Woodland to Wetland” trail that starts at the Centre is extremely popular with bushwalkers who frequent it. There is another circuit trail that runs around the Lake, stretching for 6 km, which is used heavily by joggers, cyclists and walkers alike.

The North Lake Reserve is an important conservation category wetland which contains a beautiful and large lake and a spattering of several seasonal swamps. It also has a large area of pristine dampland and banksia woodland.

Like Bibra Lake, North Lake too is an important Aboriginal heritage site that has been known to contain a spiritual area along with many documented campsites.

A two-kilometre-long circuit trail at the North Lake is used by bushwalkers and joggers to explore its natural wonders. It is also an excellent site for birdwatching, as the lake and the surrounding bushland support over 100 species of birds. Numerous species of waterbirds, including black swans, black ducks and coots breed at North Lake.

The charming North Lake

The fascinating Manning Lake

The Manning Lake in Hamilton Hill is a vital wildlife refuge and recreational site. The lake supports a variety of waterbirds and countless bush birds use it for breeding, feeding and water supply. 

There is a trial around the Lake that is popular with walkers and joggers. Manning Lake has an interesting Noongar and European history. It is the site of the Azelia Ley Homestead Museum and the Cockburn Historical Society.

Visitors can visit the Museum and walk the Davilak Heritage Trail which runs along a limestone ridge from the Museum to a staircase with 192 steps. There are several lookouts on the Davilak Trail that provide spectacular views over Owen Anchorage and the offshore islands.

Thomsons Lake is a Ramsar-listed wetland of considerable prominence located in the suburb of Success. It is a large and tranquil place with several trails available for explorers and enthusiasts alike.

It is a biodiversity hotspot that supports large populations of waterbirds, including black swans and trans-equatorial migratory shorebirds.

It is enclosed by a vermin-proof fence which keeps the feral animals and predators, such as cats and foxes, away. Consequently, it has a large population of grey kangaroos and quendas, together with plentiful bushbirds.

The internationally important Thomsons Lake

General advice for walkers

  • Always take water and a mobile phone with you on your walks.
  • Stay on the trail at all times and follow the trail markers. 
  • Do not walk through long grass or rushes as snakes are often found there.
  • If you see a fire, please report it immediately to DFES (000 or 132500).
  • Do not pick wildflowers. It is an offence for which large fines apply.
  • Do not leave litter behind and use rubbish bins available at the facility.
  • Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • Please do not feed the birds and animals as bread/biscuits will make them sick.