Bayswater Foreshore Play Trail
Details for trail on a map
Trail Start
Get directionsAt the entrance to Riverside Gardens (bottom of Leake Street carpark), in Bayswater, 8km north east of Perth.
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This trail takes place on Whadjuk Noongar boodja (country). We pay respect to the Elders past, present and future and acknowledge their spiritual connection to country. This area, on the banks of the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan), was actively and superbly managed for thousands of years by our Indigenous Australians.
In 2016, the Bayswater community successfully campaigned to save this previously privately-owned wetland from being bulldozed for a housing subdivision. The City of Bayswater purchased this wetland in 2017, preventing further development and therefore protecting crucial resident flora and fauna including Melaleuca Raphiophylla, Oblong Turtles, and the Nankeen Night Heron.
Enviro House is a community hub promoting climate protection, river/wetland care and sustainability. Enviro House has almost 50 volunteers involved in the EcoShop, Local Wetland Conservation, Energy and Water Efficiency, Community Waste Projects, Native Plants distribution, Sustainability and Gardening Workshops, Community Events, and Transition Town Bayswater (created this trail).
Previously called “Leighton”, Halliday House was built by the Halliday family in 1892. After extensive restoration, and renamed ‘Halliday House’, it is now managed by the Bayswater Historical Society as a Heritage Centre, and contains an extensive collection of items and images related to the history of Bayswater.
This sanctuary was named after local resident Eric Singleton (1920-2011) OAM, who with the aid of volunteers helped to conserve the sanctuary by recording over 70 bird species. In 1977 the area was declared a nature reserve, and in 2016 the City of Bayswater completed restoration of this award-winning wetland.
The olive tree at Slade Street’s south end is thought to have been planted in the early 1840’s, and was used for religious ceremonies, communal olive harvests, as a landmark, and as the City’s logo. It is said to be the earliest surviving evidence of European occupation in the district.
Centennial Memorial Drive commemorates Bayswater locals who served in the conflicts of World War I, World War II, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War and Borneo Confrontation. During World War II, Bayswater became centre of signalling operations due to its hilly terrain, and also constructed an aircraft engine overhaul centre.
Gobba Lake was a remnant clay pit from the earliest industry in Bayswater, Walkenden's Brickworks (est. 1887). It has now been transformed into a deep-water lake, but this area was previously Whatley Park, a station off the Belmont Railway Spur which used to carry passengers to the races at Ascot.
Some native residents here include the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), Oblong Turtle (Chelodina colliei), Brush Tail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), and the Western Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca vittata); as well as the WA Swamp Sheoak (Casuarina Obesa), Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca Rhaphiophylla Schaur), Softstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), and Centella Asiatica (Pennywort).
The Waugal (Rainbow Serpent) is recognised by Noongar people as the giver of life who carved waterways and valleys and maintains all fresh water sources, including the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River). To the Noongar traditional custodians, the land and its waters are an integral part of spirit and culture.
Anne Whatley and husband Dr John Whatley were among the earliest European settlers in Bayswater. Anne kept a diary, excerpts of which were later published in The West Australian, and give us a special glimpse into the lives of Bayswater’s early settlers, including one fateful day when Dr Whatley drowned.
ANA Rowing Club was formed in 1920 for members who were born in Australia, a requirement of membership. Initially housed near the Barrack Street Jetty, the rowing club moved to Canning Bridge after fire destroyed the boatshed, and then in 1992, the club made the visionary decision to move here.
The Garratt Road Bridge is the longest remaining timber bridge with a steel navigation span in the state. Sustenance workers of the Great Depression in 1934 built the bridge which now goes from Bayswater to Belmont, while the 1970 bridge travels from Belmont to Bayswater. It remains an iconic landmark.
As part of the Swan River floodplain, Baigup (Place of Rushes) is sacred to the Wadjuk Noongar people of Perth. Baigup is one of very few relatively intact riverside wetlands remaining along the Swan River, and attracts over eighty six species of bush and water birds, amongst remnant paperbark trees.
In 1912 the Ellis family built one of the first dairy farms in the district here, having 50 cows milked by hand. Fully refurbished, Ellis House is a great example of early settler architecture, and is now home to the Ellis House Art Centre, a contemporary community art gallery.
Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.
Learn moreAbout Bayswater Foreshore Play Trail
The family-friendly Bayswater Foreshore Walking Trail begins at Riverside Gardens, and walkers are then taken on a loop trail where they will visit Enviro House, Halliday House, Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary and nearby Wetlands, an infamous Olive Tree, Gobba Lake, ANA Rowing Club, Garratt Road Bridge, Baigup Wetlands, and Ellis House. Along the way people will also learn about Bayswater’s Indigenous history and culture, War history, early European history, and the native flora and fauna which call this place home.
There is a playground, toilets and barbeque facilities at Riverside Gardens, and also at various locations along the trail. People are encouraged to download the ‘Bayswater Foreshore Play Trail’ of the Nature Play WA ‘Play Trails’ App to get a more interactive experience and complete fun challenges along the way. The City of Bayswater’s website contains further content and links, and a Treasure Hunt document for use in the trail.(See links section)
Western Australian (Perth City) Visitor Centre
Other Links
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Nature Play WA Play Trails
Interactive App to accompany trail
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Bayswater Foreshore Play Trail landing page
City of Bayswater Landing page for trail and Treasure Hunt pdf
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Enviro House
Integral in creation of this trail; a stop along trail.
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Halliday House
A stop along the trail
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Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary
A stop along the trail
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ANA Rowing Club
A stop along the trail
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Baigup Wetlands
A stop along the trail, and also hosts another trail in Trails WA
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Ellis House Arts Centre
A stop along the trail
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Experience Perth
Comprehensive information on the Perth region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.
Be trail ready for Bayswater Foreshore Play Trail
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
2 - 3 hours
Length
4.7km loop (including 1.8km round trip to Gobba Lake)
What To Pack
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.
What To Pack
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities)
- Full large water bottle per person.
- Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant.
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions (See suggestions below).
- Binoculars and camera (optional).
Additional Useful Items
For those looking for some extra fun on the trail, download the Treasure Hunt check off list, to help find 9 special points of interest along the trail. Available from the City of Bayswater webpage listed under 'Website'.Trail Start
At the entrance to Riverside Gardens (bottom of Leake Street carpark), in Bayswater, 8km north east of Perth.
Trail End
Facilities
There is a sealed walking path the whole way along the trail, bikes are welcome however along the riverfront section adults will need to dismount and walk their bikes (follow the signage). Small children can ride their bikes as long as they are accompanied by a walking adult. Dogs are allowed on lead, but not allowed in the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary. Please remember poo bags!- Access without assistance for the Disabled
- BBQ Facilities
- Bicycle Path
- Car Park
- Child Activities
- Dog Friendly
- Parking for Disabled
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
- Shaded Area
- Sheltered Area
- Toilet Facilities for Disabled
- Water Access Points
Best time of year
All year round
Trail Access
16 minute drive east from Perth, car parking available. Easy walking distance from bus stop on Leake St (350m, 5 min walk) or from Bayswater Train Station (1.9km, 23min walk).
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Supported by great organisations
Trails are free and bring so many benefits to our community by providing opportunities to have fun, get fit, socialise, explore and challenge yourself. But they also have to be managed and maintained which only is made possible through terrific sponsors, donations and/or volunteering.
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Bayswater Brook
The picturesque view walking north along Bayswater Brook, a part of this trail.
Halliday House
Previously called “Leighton”, Halliday House was built by the Halliday family in 1892. After extensive restoration, and renamed ‘Halliday House’, it is now managed by the Bayswater Historical Society as a Heritage Centre, and contains an extensive collection of items and images related to the history of Bayswater.
The Derbal Yerrigan and The Waugal
Belinda Cox, Kangeang - Bibblemun woman, paying respects to the Waugal as the keeper of this water: the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River).
Baigup Wetlands
As part of the Swan River floodplain, Baigup (Place of Rushes) is sacred to the Wadjuk Noongar people of Perth. Baigup is one of very few relatively intact riverside wetlands remaining along the Swan River, and attracts over eighty six species of bush and water birds, amongst remnant paperbark trees.View 4 Photos of Bayswater Foreshore Play Trail
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