Walk by the Waters: Herdsman Lake South

Herdsman Lake

Herdsman Lake is a 15-minute drive from the Perth CBD.  The lake is roughly circular and is encompassed by Herdsman Lake Regional Park.  Herdsman Lake and Herdsman Lake Regional Park have a total area of approximately 4 km².  They are surrounded by the suburbs of Woodlands, Churchlands, Glendalough, and Osborne Park, and are popular among the residents for leisure activities such as picnics, birdwatching, cycling, hiking, walking, and jogging.

Herdsman Lake consists of 4 outer permanent water bodies surrounding the inner wetland, which is the central conservation area.  The 4 outer water bodies are Popeye Lake in the north, then in the clockwise direction followed by the elongated Powis Lake in the east stretching to the south, and then Floreat Waters in the southwest, and Floreat Lakes in the east. 

The wetland is the largest wetland within Perth’s inner metropolitan region.  In the dry summer months, the wetland may be mostly dry.

With its vast conservation area, Herdsman Lake is an important wildlife refuge close to Perth city centre understood to be the habitat of more than 100 bird species.

There are signs warning visitors to watch out for and stay clear of snakes.

Herdsman Lake Regional Park 

Herdsman Lake Regional Park has well-maintained open parklands with extensive sealed shared walking/cycling paths that encompass Herdsman Lake’s 4 permanent water bodies – Popeye Lake, Powis Lake, Floreat Waters, and Floreat Lakes – and the inner wetland. 

For visitors who want to be really close to the water to enjoy the scenic views of the water, they can take the sandy walking trails located just next to the 4 water bodies.

There is no walking trail to access the inner wetland which is the central conservation area.

Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre

Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre is located in the southern part of Herdsman Lake Regional Park.  It is only open on Saturday between 9 am to 2 pm.  The centre aims to promote reconnection with nature and holds regular talks and exhibitions relating to nature and wildlife. 

Access to the centre is via Selby Street.  The centre has a gated car park that is open to the public every day with the gate open during day time.  So if you just want to enjoy a walk, you can park your car here.

Check out the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre website for more details about the centre.

The Walk – Herdsman Lake South

Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre is a good starting point.  Start the walk with a 500m boardwalk/sandy walking trail just outside Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre.  The boardwalk/sandy walking trail will take you through the wetland and gum trees, and over Floreat Waters, offering serene scenic views of the water.   

After the boardwalk, take the sealed shared walking/cycling path in the eastern direction (i.e. anti-clockwise direction around Herdsman Lake).  You will walk past Moondine Park and reach Jon Sanders Drive.  The sealed shared walking/cycling path continues alongside Jon Sanders Drive in the northern direction.  

The one-way distance on the sealed shared walking/cycling path between Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre and Moondine Park is approximately 1 km, and Jon Sanders Drive is an additional 1 km away.

You may return to Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre following the same route or continue to walk alongside Jon Sanders Drive if you want a longer walk.

Alternatively, you may cross Jon Sanders Drive to get to Glendalough Open Space to continue your walk there.  Check out Walk by the Waters: Glendalough Open Space blog for more details.

If you want to be closer to the water, you may walk on the sandy walking trails or grass parklands just next to the water.  There are many nice and quiet spots in the grass parklands with benches if you want to sit and relax.

Want to discover more great walking locations around Perth?  Check out the “By the Waters” blogs.