Beeliar Regional Park covers a vast area of 26 lakes and associated wetlands on the coastal plain south of the Swan river. The wetlands and surrounding areas provide important nesting and feeding habitats, as well as acting as summer refuges for a diverse bird population, many of which migrate here from the northern hemisphere. This area is culturally significant to the local Nyoongar people. North Lake and Bibra Lake in particular have spiritual connection. The wetlands were important camp sites and ceremonial areas as well as a being part of a major trade route between Aboriginal people in the Swan and Murray River areas.
There are many sections to this park and this blog is by no means complete and will be added to as I explore the area further.
Download the City of Cockburn Walk Booklet to find out about all the walks in this area.
BUSH TUCKER WALKS
I joined Marissa from Bindi Bindi Dreaming on a Bush Tucker tour of a small section of bush on the north eastern side of Bibra Lake Reserve off Bibra Drive. This area is being carefully regenerated as a Native Bird Refuge. Marissa told the story of how the tribes travelled through this area using the bush as food, medicine and for other products necessary for their survival.
And in early September there were plenty of wildflowers to admire.
Located off Bibra Drive this small playground has some natural play features and is alongside a 1,200 square metre skatepark. Parking, barbecue and toilet facilities are available.
NORTH LAKE
The 2.4 km loop trail around North Lake took about 35 minutes to complete. This flat limestone trail follows the edge of the lake and meanders through open parkland and mixed banksia, jarrah and marri bushland. In Spring there were a few places where the wildflowers, including orchids, were growing profusely. The sounds of birds and frogs followed us the whole way around the lake which was rather lovely. The lake generally dries out each summer. Parking is available at the northern end of Progress Drive in Bibra Lake.
BIBRA LAKE LOOP
The Bibra Lake Loop is a 6km trail around Bibra Lake on a dual use path. Refer to separate blog for full description.
BIBRA LAKE REGIONAL PLAYGROUND
This fantastic playground has a blog all of it's own: Bibra Lake Regional Playground
NATIVE ARC AND THE WETLANDS CENTRE COCKBURN
Between North Lake and Bibra Lake on Hope Road you will find Native ARC Inc and the Wetlands Centre Cockburn.
Native ARC Inc is a non-profit organisation which provides medical care and rehabilitation services for over 4000 injured, sick or orphaned native wildlife each year. It also provides information and education on the importance of biodiversity and environmental sustainability to support the conservation of native flora and fauna. They run the Cockatoo Kids Club for kids aged 6-15 encouraging kids to have fun outdoors, explore the natural environment, discover why native wildlife is so special and to tell their friends and family about wildlife and caring for the environment. Native Arc run school holiday programs.
The Wetlands Centre Cockburn is an independent not-for-profit community organisation that is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands, environmental education, training, community services and facility hire. You can get involved in a number of community and volunteer activities at the centre.
To read more blogs go to:
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.