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Herdsman Loop and Olive Seymour Boardwalk, Perth Herdsman Loop and Olive Seymour Boardwalk, Perth

Urban Walk

(+3)
Gravel, Road, Trail Running
 in Perth & Surrounds

  • 1-3 hours
  • 8 km
    • Bush Walk Class 1

      All abilities access, flat, even, hardened surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for unassisted wheelchair users and prams. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required.

Walk the eight kilometres around Herdsman Lake and enjoy one of the best bird watching areas not far from Perth City. There are over 100 species of birds recorded at the lake, some of which have come from the other side of the world.  To make things even better, take a detour and include the impressive Olive Seymour Boardwalk on your circuit .

Boardwalk at Herdsman Lake
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Herdsman Loop is an eight kilometre trail in Herdsman Lake Regional Park.  The Park contains a diversity of landscapes ranging from expansive views over open waters, to dense wetland rushes, fragments of remnant of paperbark and flooded Gum woodlands and well maintained open grass parklands. 

One of the most popular starting points is the Heron Place carpark (located at the south end of Lakeside Drive) walking anti-clockwise. You can stay on the cycle path or divert through woodland dirt tracks around the lake. Make sure you include the Olive Seymour Boardwalk on your circuit (south end of the loop) where you walk among the Paperbark trees. Here you can visit the Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre which provides an opportunity to interact with conservation research activities conducted at the site. Activities run by the centre include bird walks, information nights, night stalks and wildlife excursions. 

If you don't feel like walking the entire track you can walk shorter sections starting from Popeye lake (north end), which are about 3 kilometres. Popeye Lake has an information shelter and a floating jetty with an observation deck. Sheltered picnic areas and a large playground with car parking and wheelchair access can be accessed from Jon Sanders Drive. 

Herdsman Lake Regional Park is part of a chain of wetlands that once extended from north of Joondalup to south of Cockburn. The lake is a haven for birdwatchers, only six kilometres from the city. With over 100 species of birds recorded at the lake, some of which have come from the other side of the world, you are sure to find astoning bird species while enjoying some time outdoors. 

Western Australian (Perth City) Visitor Centre

(08) 9483 1111

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Be trail ready for Herdsman Loop and Olive Seymour Boardwalk, Perth

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

3 hours

Length

8km loop

Elevation

Flat

What To Pack

Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.

Trail Start

Heron Place carpark, Herdsman, a 15 minute drive from the Perth CBD.

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 1

All abilities access, flat, even, hardened surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for unassisted wheelchair users and prams. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

A flat Class 1 trail with a mix of wide paved surfaces and hardened natural surfaces. 

Hazards & Warnings

During wet weather periods, unpaved surfaced may become inundated making them unsuitable for wheelchair and pram access.

Facilities

Bird Observation Deck, Wildlife Centre, Playgrounds, Discovery Centre.

There is fully accessible parking at the North Carpark (access via Jon Sanders Drive), East Carpark (access via Herdsmans Parade) and Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre (access via Selby Street and includes dedicated coach parking)

There are no toilet facilities at this location.

  • Car Park
  • Child Activities
  • Picnic Area
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Visitor Information Centre
  • Dog Friendly
  • All accessible parking
  • Coach Parking

Best time of year

This walk can be enjoyed the whole year round, but is especially beautiful in spring (September-December)

Fees

No Fees Apply

Trail Access

Car, bus

Prohibited Items

Dogs must be on leash at all times. 

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7 trail goers have rated Herdsman Loop and Olive Seymour Boardwalk, Perth as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

David Kayer

Reviewed 18 Aug 2023, 10:23am

Great place for Wildlife Photography and a nice easy walking trail., been there multiple times.
Victoria Senethep

Reviewed 25 Sep 2022, 6:58pm

Did the loop which took about 1.5 hours. Lots to see and heaps of cute ducklings and cygnets. It’s a strict on leash area because of the wildlife but there’s also lots of cyclists and runners. Good amount of shade and sun. Saw some baggies for the dog but no water
Nicky Wise

Reviewed 19 Jun 2020, 10:41am

Rode around here with our boys (5 and 8). Easy path, nice spots to get off bikes and explore the mud!
Andrew Bremner

Reviewed 1 Aug 2019, 7:55pm

Am I In the city or at a nature reserve ??
Stuart Shackell

Reviewed 17 Feb 2018, 11:48am

A variety of surfaces and scenery make this a nice walk or ride. Not as busy as nearby Lake Monger, but they could be combined for a longer ride.
ben andlara

Reviewed 4 Feb 2018, 6:15pm

The 2km bit on the north east is no longer winding through the trees as signs say it is now walkers only in there.
The fine bike path by the busy four lane road is the route instead.
This has seriously lessened the trail's appeal to me.
Jode Mcdiarmid

Reviewed 6 Jan 2018, 2:02pm

Gorgeous ride around pictureous Herdsman Lake. Easy ride for people getting back on their bikes after years of no cycling! Nice and shady for the most part and very serene! Tracks are good and flat and 50/50 paved/unpaved. Excellent 7 to 8km ride with a nice boardwalk ride with lake outlook stops!

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