A multipurpose paved 2.5km path loops around Lake Gwelup Reserve. There is plenty of parking at the Scouts Hall and adjacent public carpark off Huntriss Road where you will also find toilet facilities, picnic benches, drink fountains and a playground. Tennis Courts are also located here and are free to use. If it is too busy here informal verge parking is available along Segrave Street.
Having last walked this trail in 2018 we decided we were due a refresher and were not disappointed as we would our way along the western edge to the short but pretty boardwalk.
The boardwalk has a viewing platform which was very popular with birdwatchers (judging by the camera gear!) and also forms part of the City of Stirling Play Trail which can be accessed on the Nature Play WA Play app. We spotted ducks, swans, grebes and cormorants going about their business on the lake.
When we first walked this loop back in 2018 as part of a Wildflower Society WA guided walk we spent considerable time along the southern and eastern edges of the lake. The trail did not showcase many wildflowers in December but our guide, David, shared his extensive knowledge about the plants we came across and also the insect life. He could spot a bug from a mile away! I guess it helps knowing what to look for and we made some amazing discoveries along our walk. When the naturalists, including David, get excited about a find and pull out their cameras you know you are seeing something extraordinary.
Under David's guidance we walked along the grassy areas close to the water's edge alongside some beautiful paperbarks. We did some serious bug spotting as we continued around the lake through different types of vegetation. In the Flooded Gum section we diverted from the path onto a narrow bush track which took us through some interesting landscapes including a meadow where frogs, ladybugs, dragonflies and butterflies abounded. If you enjoy looking for birds, frogs, reptiles and insects or wildflowers (in season) Lake Gwelup certainly has it's fair share!
Wildflower Society WA offer guided walks through many suburban bushland reserves throughout the year. Whilst walking in nature is always pleasant it is a different experience being on a guided walk. The pace is governed by the interests of the participants and we took two and a half hours to get about 3/4 of the way around the lake but at any time you are free to leave the group, as we did, and continue along the path back to the starting point.
As you round the bottom of the lake the path runs adjacent to busy North Beach Road for a while but this section also affords great views across the lake towards the massive Karrinyup Shopping Centre.
As the trail moves away from North Beach Road there is a small nature play area and war memorial.
The trail then winds through a meadow before coming to an intersection. Take the trail to the left to continue around the lake or extend the walk by taking the trail to the left which winds up to the top of Porter Street and Tranquil Brook. You used to be able to cross here but a bushfire burnt the bridge so now you have to retrace your steps or, alternatively, head across North Beach Road to the Careniup Reserve Lakes - once known as The Secret Garden but now not so secret nor as spectacular as it once was.
Heading back south take the path to the left and then to the right as you come to the meadow. From here the path passes by a seasonal nesting area for Rainbow Bee-eaters so keep an eye out (and keep to the path with dogs on lead as they nest in the sand).
You soon meet up with the lake trail and continue south around the lake.
This is a lovely easy flat walk - great for scooters, bikes and prams. Dogs are permitted on leash to protect the wildlife. See if you can spot the pavement art along the way!
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I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
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, present and emerging 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. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.