Dusky Moorhen
Gallinula (Gallinula) tenebrosa
Animalia: Aves
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Whadjuk Noongar Country
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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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
(08) 9483 1111
Description of the Trail from a Bird-watching perspective
Comprehensive information on the Perth region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.

Herdsman Lake, Perth’s largest inner-metropolitan wetland, is a critical conservation area and vital refuge for over 200 bird species. Its unique ecosystem—featuring open water, mudflats, and paperbark swamps—supports diverse waterbirds, migratory waders, reptiles, and feral aquatic life.
The wetland’s vegetation is dominated by thick, dense stands of the introduced bulrush, which covers about 80% of the inner lake. Surrounding this are fringing paperbark swamps, flooded gum trees, and managed eucalyptus woodlands.
The lake is a crucial breeding ground for waterfowl and trans-equatorial migratory birds. Several species of ducks live here, including the rare Freckled Duck, along with numerous Black Swans, Pacific Black Ducks, Australasian Swamphens, cormorants, egrets, and various birds of prey like the Swamp Harrier. Keep an eye out for the Great Crested Grebe (which breeds in spring), the Rainbow Bee-eater, Glossy Ibis, and Nankeen Night-Heron. Tiger Snakes and long-necked turtles are frequently seen along the lake's edges, plus sveral skink species, including the Mourning Skink, and frog species.
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Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
3 hours
8km loop
Flat
No Fees Apply
Car, bus
This walk can be enjoyed the whole year round, but is especially beautiful in spring (September-December)
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.
A flat Class 1 trail with a mix of wide paved surfaces and hardened natural surfaces.Â
Group A - Urban Trails (Urban trails or short trails near facilities)
During wet weather periods, unpaved surfaced may become inundated making them unsuitable for wheelchair and pram access.
Dogs must be on leash at all times.Â
Bird Observation Deck, Wildlife Centre, Playgrounds, Discovery Centre.
There are no toilet facilities at this location.
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).
18°C
Feels like 17°C
Max 18°C
Min 8°C
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