About this park
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. Hooray for that!
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 100 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!
The lake is home to birds and all sorts of wildlife so small boats, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards or any watercraft are not permitted on the lake at any time.
Walking and cycling are good 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. Pets are permitted except at the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre. Where they are permitted, they must remain controlled and on a leash at all times.
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.
Whether you come for a cruisy picnic, to exercise or to watch the birds, Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a great place to spend time outdoors.
Review – Wildlife Everywhere
This urban wetland park is a great place to visit and stroll, with camera ready, amongst wildlife. Most evident are the many species of birds, from elegant black swans through to petite and beautiful splendid wrens. Apex predators here include wonderful swam harriers and the very deadly western tiger snake [ which is often more visible on sunny winter days, trying to soak up some warmth ]. Pathways and boardwalks allow easy access, and whole walk round is about 8km. IH - Trip Advisor
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about bushwalking. Consider traveling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
Gallery
Every kid in a park
The Every Kid in a Park project, by Nature Play WA, connects kids with WA's greatest assets - the amazing outdoors!
It supports families of children of all abilities in accessing and enjoying local parks, nature reserves, beaches, and national parks all around Western Australia with free resources such as an app, an activity booklet and much more.
Discover family resources for exploring Herdsman Lake Regional Park at Nature Play WA.
Activities
Bird watching
Bushwalking
Cycling
Picnicking
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Herdsman Lake Regional Park.
Traditional Owners
This park has a rich history and cultural heritage. Local Noongar and Yellagonga Aboriginal people used the area as a source of food.
We recognise and acknowledge Whadjuk people as the traditional owners of Herdsman Lake Regional Park.
