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Bushland reserves and wetlands

This page provides information about the City’s bushland reserves and wetlands, how we can protect our wildlife and biodiversity, and how to get involved with the City’s Living Green program.

The City of Stirling is home to a diverse array of natural areas, consisting of 71 bushland reserves and approximately 40 wetland sites. Together, these conservation reserves cover about 738 hectares, with the City managing 381 hectares of bushland.

The City’s bushland reserves range in size from small neighbourhood pockets to large, regionally significant reserves. All of which are home to native plant and animal species that live in our urban environment as part of our community.

The City’s natural reserves are perfect for exploring, learning about local wildlife, relaxing, and connecting with nature. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or simply seeking tranquility from urban surroundings, the City’s bushland reserves and wetlands offer a range of recreational activities. Explore walking trails, enjoy picnics with family and friends, or participate in both guided and self-guided nature tours.

For children and families, the City's Play Trails App offers a fun way to get outdoors and learn about the environment.

Did you know?

The City has its own Nature Passport to support self guided exploration of the City’s reserves. Aimed at children, the booklet features activities and challenges in reserves across the City. Collect yours at your local library while stocks last.

Top 10 local conservation reserves

Below are the top ten places to connect with nature, go for a hike or enjoy a picnic with family:

You can search for these reserves using the map below. 

Trigg Regional Open Space

This expansive bushland area is renowned for its diverse ecological habitats, ranging from coastal shrubland to tuart forests. The walking tracks provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy bushwalking, bird watching, and tranquil natural surroundings. The views offered from various locations in the reserve are among the best in the City.

The City works with the Friends of Trigg Bushlands Reserve to manage this reserve. If you would like to get involved, their details are available on the Volunteering page

Trails: Trigg Bushland Walk Trail Information

Star Swamp Bushland Reserve

Covering 96 hectares, Star Swamp Bushland Reserve is popular for walking, jogging, and nature appreciation. The Henderson Environmental Centre offers educational opportunities about bushland ecosystems and conservation volunteering. The reserve is home to Quenda, a threatened marsupial that enjoys feeding at dusk and dawn but is easily frightened. This is a dog-on-lead reserve to protect the local wildlife and keep your pets safe.

The City works with the Friends of Star Swamp Bushland to manage this reserve. If you would like to get involved, their details are available on the Volunteering page

Trails: Star Swamp Bushland Reserve Trail Information

Lake Gwelup Regional Open Space

This reserve includes a large lake, which serves as a significant wetland habitat for waterbirds and other wildlife. The Lake Gwelup loop trail is a favourite trail for locals and visitors alike. The reserve is also popular to bird watching, photography, walking, and family picnics. The Play Trail App adds an interactive element for children keen to explore. 

The City works with the Friends of Lake Gwelup to manage this reserve. If you would like to get involved, their details are available on the Volunteering page.

Trails: Lake Gwelup Trail Information

Dianella Regional Open Space

A large, versatile space reserve featuring a diversity of habitats. The facilities make it a great place for bushwalking, community events and kids can practise their skills on the local BMX track. 

Trails: Dianella Regional Open Space Trail Information

Cottonwood Crescent Reserve

A smaller reserve offering a peaceful retreat with rich display of biodiversity and native wildflowers in Spring. Perfect for a quiet walk while enjoying nature. Check out the informational sign at the entrance to learn more about what lives in the reserve.

The City works with the Friends of Cottonwood Bushland to manage this reserve. If you would like get involved, their details are available on the Volunteering page.

Breckler Park

This park combines open landscapes with natural bush areas, providing a diverse environment for visitors. The bushland hosts many grass trees and is a great spot for the whole family to get outdoors.

Princess Wallington Reserve

A well-maintained park featuring open green spaces, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The bushland adjacent to the park offers a great opportunity for bird watching and observing the seasonal changes in the bush. Learn more about the Nyoongar six seasons at the Bina Parkland public artwork.

Careniup Wetlands

A neighbourhood haven for bird watchers, this wetland area supports a variety of bird species and other wildlife like the snake-necked turtle. The wetland observation hut provides an immersive opportunity to see these species.

Herdsman Lake

Herdsman Lake is a regionally significant wetland area that provides a sanctuary for a wide variety of bird species and other wildlife. It offers scenic views, walking trails and educational opportunities about wetlands ecosystem at the Herdsman Wildlife Discovery Centre.

This reserve is largely managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, who works with the Friends of Herdsman Lake to manage this reserve. If you would like get involved, their details are available on the Volunteering page.

In your area: reserves and wetlands map

The City’s natural reserves are perfect for exploring, learning about local wildlife, relaxing and connecting with nature.

Find your local bushland, wetland or coastal reserve using the map below.

 

How to protect our wildlife and biodiversity

The City encourages people to take small steps to help the environment in their daily lives, from their backyard to the bush. It invites residents to act as ‘good neighbours’ to the natural world around them and to view wildlife as part of the community.

  • Here are some simple ways to make a big difference in creating a more sustainable future where we live alongside nature and be a good neighbour: 

    • Keep dogs on a lead and out of wetlands; many animals are easily disturbed or frightened by dogs
    • Stick to the paths
    • Remove all your waste and litter
    • Observe but do not disturb the plants and animals
    • Do not feed local wildlife.
  • Here are some simple ways to make a big difference in creating a more sustainable future where we live alongside nature and be a good neighbour: 

    • Plant natives to create wildlife-friendly gardens, encouraging birds, bees, and other animals into your garden
    • Plant trees as habitats for birds and ground covers or shrubs as shelter for lizards and insects
    • Select plants that won’t invade or spread into natural areas
    • Install bee hotels, bat boxes, and bird boxes to create artificial homes while waiting for plants and trees to grow
    • Install bird baths on raised platforms for larger birds
    • Place shallow water bowls with pebbles on the ground for lizards and insects
    • Think about what you put down your drains – fertilisers, chemicals, and rubbish end up degrading our waterways. 

Get involved

The City hosts a variety of opportunities for the community to get involved in volunteering to increase biodiversity, protect wildlife and restore urban canopy.

Current opportunities include: 

  • Turtle Tracker volunteers

    Turtle Tracker volunteers protect the near-threatened snake-necked turtle species by monitoring nesting and conservation efforts in the ‘Saving Our Snake-Necked Turtle’ project.

    If you would like to get involved, please visit our Volunteering page.

  • Conservation volunteers

    Conservation volunteers are members of the community who work with the City to help with the restoration and management of our natural areas. Volunteers engage in activities like planting, weeding, and conservation surveys and mapping.

    If you would like to get involved, please visit our Volunteering page.

  • Community Planting Program volunteers

    The Community Planting Program features a series of planting events that revegetate natural spaces and reserves with native species and trees.

    If you would like to get involved, please visit our Living Green page for more information.