Lightning Swamp Bushland - Noranda

Lightning Swamp Bushland has a number of trails that criss-cross through it. The bushland is designed more for local use as it has no facilities. Access is actually quite difficult to find. We came in off Malaga Drive and did a few circuits before turning off at Mayer Close and parking on the street on Widgee Road. We then had to walk across Malaga Drive and walk up to the turnstile access point. The turnstile does move but makes pram or bike access tricky.

A better access point would be from Della Road and Matthews Close on the eastern border. Both Della Road and Matthews Close have limited parking bays or you could park at Lightning Reserve off Della Road. This was our starting point when we rewalked this trial in July 2025 (see below)

There is an excellent trail map at the entrance turnstiles. We took the trail directly north, enjoying listening to the birds as we walked the shady trail. The trail is pressed limestone but can be a little rough and even sandy in places.

When we revisited in September 2021 and found interesting interpretive signage has been installed around the trails.

We emerged alongside the open stormwater drain and turned west following the drain to Malaga Drive where we turned left.

The trail here skirts the western dampland. Although we completed the full loop around the damplands we didn't see any evidence of water. Much of this loop follows Malaga Drive and the traffic noise combined with the heavy sand trail didn't make this section very enjoyable. Back at our starting point we retraced our steps north to meet up with the storm water drain, this time following the trail east. A little further along is a crossing point and there are paths on the northern side however on this occasion we did not follow them (refer below).

There is a short boardwalk section but at the time of our walk the ground was dry anyway. We wandered up to what showed on the map as the Old Farm but were unable to locate anything recognisable. Following the drain, which was reasonably full of water, we could hear birds and frogs and saw ducks and plenty of dragonflies. The reflections of the trees in the water made this section quite pretty.

The main path eventually turns to the south and you can choose which access gate to use to return to Matthews Close

In July 2025 we followed the trails on the eastern side after parking our car opposite the access gate on Matthews Close which has several parking bays. The trail heads east and we were alerted to the nearby wetland near Della Road but increased frog song. At the access point from Della Road there is a lovely "book" with stories of all the fauna and flora you can find in wetland areas. There is then a short boardwalk with views across the wetland before you come out on to Della Road opposite the car park leading to the playing fields.

Continue north along the road and then onto a dirt track, passing the shipping container (presumably used for the educational activities that occur here) and a short way along there is a gate on the left leading back into the bush.

The bush trail meanders gradually uphill through banksia woodland with the noise from Reid Highway disturbing the peace somewhat. There are very distant city views at the upper most point before the trail descends.

A junction allows you to travel the high road or the low road - we took the low road - both trails meeting further along.

Eventually the trail meets the drain and a short way along is a crossing. This is where we walked the loop trail west towards Malaga Drive then back through the centre and then east along the boardwalk back to Matthews Close. The full loop covering both east and west sections was about 4km and took an hour to complete.

We have walked this bushland in June, August and September. There is always something in flower but the orchids were out in September.

With the Reid and Tonkin Highways on it's northern and eastern sides it is good to see this piece of natural bush preserved as a Bush Forever site.

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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 extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking.