I didn't even know there was another island (other than Heirisson Island) in the Swan River until recently. We stumbled across Kuljak (Black Swan) Island while walking Baigup Wetlands and Riverside Gardens a while back and I've had it in the back of my mind to come back and walk the trails around the island. Finally I managed to fit the walk in on a cool December day.
The island is mostly flat and the 2.6km trail loops around the island with a number of offshoots for longer or shorter walks. The trail around the island is a little rough with some pea gravel, pine nuts and some loose sand but is mostly suitable for prams with all terrain wheels. It is about a 40 minute walk all the way around the island. We headed in a clockwise direction enjoying views of the Maylands Peninsula across the river. Walking anti-clockwise would offer a different perspective.
The wind whispers through the casuarinas lining the trail and these provide some shade. There are scattered benches and some covered picnic gazebos but there are no other facilities are on the island.
There is also a network of paved pathways in the island's centre - great for the kids to ride their scooters or bikes around as there is no traffic on the island beyond the access road. At the time of our visit the interior was very dry and yellow but I'm sure it would be lovely and lush during the wetter months. The paved pathways in the centre of the island are in full sun so I wouldn't recommend a ride in the heat of the day.
Access by car to the Island is via Tidewater Way in Ascot Waters and there is a small car park immediately after crossing the bridge or you can drive up the hill to a larger parking area. Alternate access to the island is via a footbridge at Samphire Street and for a more interesting walk you could you walk through Freshwater Park on the Ascot foreshore and cross to the island at Samphire Street.
Kuljak Island was created as part of the Ascot Waters development in 1997. Two channels connect an artificial wetland with the Swan River. Up until the early 1980's the site was council rubbish landfill.
Not content with just walking the Kuljak Island Trail we also explored Ascot Waters and came across some lovely surprises - see separate blog https://outandaboutfnc.wixsite.com/outandabout/post/freshwater-park-ascot-waters
You could also explore the Swan River Ramble on this side of the river heading west to Burswood or east from Ascot to Garvey Park.
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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 emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.