The Beeliar Regional Park consists of two chains of wetlands comprised of 26 lakes and numerous wetlands stretching 25km along the coast and covering an area of approximately 3400 hectares. The Park has been placed on the Interim List of the Register of the National Estate, while Booragoon Lake, Thomsons Lake and The Spectacles have been listed on the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, while Thomsons Lake has also been listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention1.
Culture
Beeliar Regional Park has cultural significance to Aboriginal people, particularly North Lake and Bibra Lake which have spiritual connections. There are numerous Aboriginal sites within the Park which hold significance for the local Nyoongar people. The wetlands were important camping, ceremonial areas and sources of food. The eastern chain of wetlands was a part of a major trade route between Aboriginal people in the Swan and Murray River areas.
European people also have historical connections to the area. Thomas Peel first occupied the area in 1830 in the Clarence settlement. In the late 19th century intensive agriculture began in the area thanks to an abundance of water and fertile soils.
Flora and Fauna
The park’s landscape consists of vegetated uplands covered with mature woodland and forest, vegetated wetland areas, areas of open water and areas of well maintained grassed parkland. The vegetation communities found within Beeliar Regional Park are significant as they represent communities which have been widely cleared from the Swan Coastal Plain. A number of areas in the Park contain priority flora species.
The diversity of habitat is important to wildlife utilising the Park. The wetlands and surrounding areas provide important nesting and feeding habitats, as well as acting as summer refuges for a diverse bird population, many of which migrate here from the northern hemisphere.
Getting there
Beeliar Regional Park is an easy drive from the Perth CBD. Expect to drive about 30 minutes to reach the southernmost areas of the park.
