In between showers during a crazy wet July we decided to head to Star Swamp Reserve. Wetlands are always at their best during or straight after lots of rain and Star Swamp didn't disappoint. The paths are well compacted so were not at all muddy underfoot.
The Star Swamp Heritage Trail is one of 8 trails that run through the reserve. Trails are well signposted at all junctions and there is a brief description of the flora and fauna you might see on each trail. The Heritage Trail is a 1.4km loop starting at the Henderson Environmental Centre at the Groat Street entrance to the reserve.
Interpretive signage along the way explains how this land has been used over time. We walked a section of this trail a few years ago and are pleased to see new signage has replaced the old degraded signage.
The trail weaves around Star Swamp and the gloomy paperbarks on the western section ensure a mystical atmosphere.
You will pass the old olive tree on the edge of the reserve at Hope Street. From here you wander through an area where there are some benches to sit and reflect, a small grassy area for a quick play and access to the stream for your little rock hoppers. We came across a beautiful kookaburra which posed obligingly for some photos.
The trail skirts some houses and another swampy area before turning at the top of the loop and heading south again on the eastern side of the swamp. Where the loop trail meets up with the first section we decided to wander along some of the other trails back to the Resource Centre.
In winter this trail is great for a fungi hunt and we saw several different varieties. In spring there are loads of wildflowers out and if you stroll around in the evening you may even spot a quenda. We saw one on our previous walk through Star Swamp Reserve with the Wildflower Society of WA. Picking of fungi and wildflowers is not permitted.
There are a number of parking bays at the Groat Street entrance or you can access the reserve via pathways around it's circumference. There are toilet facilities at the Henderson Environmental Centre but only during it's limited opening hours. Dogs are permitted - they are supposed to be on lead but are often walked off lead along these trails.
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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.
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.
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.
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