Back in 2017 we visited Piney Lakes Reserve to discover the newly opened Piney Lakes Sensory Play Park and also to explore the Sculpture Trail. In doing so we also found the Wetland Walk and the Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail, all of which interlock providing a number of different viewpoints to this bushland. Since then a Self Guided Tour has been added which incorporates these trails as you discover Piney Lakes history and learn about Noongar culture. In addition there is a Climate Watch Trail, a Story Map trail and an interactive Play Trail so there is plenty to keep you busy within a small area of bushland.
You can formalise the Piney Lake Trails by following the trail maps or just wander the paths discovering as you go as we did on our return visit in 2022. We approached from the main carpark on Murdoch Drive wandering past the pretty little waterfall in Piney Lakes Reserve before heading across the open spaces (off lead dog exercise area) and finding an access path into the bushland. You may also access these trails from the Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre (PLEEC) accessed from Leach Highway - westbound only, however opening hours vary so check first.
Wetland Walk Trail and Paperbark Boardwalk
After entering the bush reserve and using the dieback cleaning station we found ourselves on the Wetland Walk Trail. In May there was no water in the wetlands but walking through the paperbark and flooded gum forest was very calming. Mosquitos can be a problem when there is water in the wetlands so be prepared! If you look carefully on the boardwalk you can see some Noongar words and their meanings etched on the timbers but now somewhat degraded. Dogs and bikes are strictly prohibited from going into the natural wetland area. The Wetlands Walk Trail is 650m in total but can be done as part of the trail system for a longer walk. Sandy trails and uneven ground make this trail unsuitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Sculpture Walk
In 2017 we followed a map to walk the Sculpture Walk and I have been unable to find a current map but had fortunately saved the map from 2017 so can reference the map and descriptions although I'm not sure if all of these artworks are still in place. What we did discover this time around was that if you continue along the trail heading west you emerge at Juett Park which has a lovely lake and gazebo and also features a number of sculptures.
Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail
Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women’s Trail is a site of significance for local Noongar women. This trail shares knowledge about the Noongar Six Seasons. Following seasonal changes allowed First Nations people to conserve and protect natural resources and ensure the sustainability of the environment for future generations. The name of the trail, Bidi Katitjiny, comes from the word Bidi which means trail or pathway, and Katitjiny which means knowledge. Along the Trail there are several resting places as well as storyboards depicting the Noongar six seasons. Interpretive signage points out significant trees, plants and animals from the Noongar culture, according to these seasons. The Trail finishes in a gathering place where you are welcome to sit and reflect. Please consider the heritage of this site and stay on the paths.
This trail is 400m and is sealed and accessible from the PLEEC.
Piney Lakes Self Guided Tour
This tour is designed to be self-guided using this brochure and incorporates the Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women’s Trail as well as the Wetland Walk Trail. There are seven stop points to visit on this tour with other educational signage to read along the way allowing you to discover its history, learn about Noongar culture and experience the diversity of Perth’s unique natural environment. This trail is 1.8km long and covers both paved and sandy trails and uneven ground however by excluding the wetland section you can complete the walk on accessible asphalt paths.
Climate Watch Trail
ClimateWatch allows every Australian to collect and record data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change. Climate change is affecting rainfall and temperature across Australia, and is triggering changes in established flowering times, breeding cycles, migration movements and more. This trail at Piney Lakes spotlights local indicator species and encourages visitors to record their observations as they walk. Download the ClimateWatch app and record what you see! This 1.5km trail will be upgraded in 2022 making it fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Piney Lakes StoryMap
Created in collaboration with the Parks and Wildlife Service WA, the Piney Lakes Reserve StoryMap allows you to discover the beauty of the Banksia woodlands and paperbark wetlands. The StoryMap includes ten stop points with information about plants and animals and supporting photos. Pre-load the Piney Lakes Reserve Story Map on your mobile device. This trail is 1.4km and is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Please note that dogs are only allowed on the concrete footpaths (not the limestone path).
Piney Lakes Play Trail
The Piney Lakes Play Trail is a digital scavenger hunt with various challenges to unlock and points to win! You will need a device with mobile data and location services turned on, as all resources needed for this trail are in the app. You can start anywhere on the trail but you will need to be at the right location to access the activities through the app. The trail is 1.5km long and is fully sealed and accessible with dogs permitted on lead.
To access the Piney Lakes Play Trail:
Download the free ‘Play Trails’ app (search ‘Play Trails’ in Apple App Store of Google Play Store)
Select ‘Redeem Invitation’ and enter the code: PINEYLAKES
Click on ‘Download Trail’
If you plan on bringing your dog along to any of the walking trails, refer to the dog walking area map for areas in which dogs are permitted on or off leash.
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.
To read more blogs go to:
Piney Lakes Sensory Play Park : https://www.outandaboutfnc.com/post/piney-lakes-sensory-play-park
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.
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