Mountain Duck Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network Mountain Duck Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network

The Mountain Duck Trail travels along the Serpentine River North of Riverside Gardens through Goegrup Lake and several other pools. A recently built all abilities launch facility at Riverside Gardens, makes this trail accessible to all. The shallowness of the pools means there are rarely any power boats; there will be just you, the birds, the bush, the sky and the sound of your paddle.

Paperbarks, sheoaks and river gums are to be found here, and there are extensive reed beds throughout the pools. The river level can rise considerably, and navigation may be difficult when pools are flooded and the water spreads onto adjacent land.

The beautiful Mountain Duck (Tadorna tadornoides) lives mainly on large waterways and not on mountains, as its name implies. This trail with its wide pools suits the Mountain Duck, and it honks to show it is happy. There is plenty of food for Mountain Ducks in this location, with weed, algae and numerous insects and their larvae. The Mountain Duck has a black bill, a glossy, greenish-black head and neck and a white collar around the base of its neck. The female is white around the eyes and bill, and both sexes have dark-brown eyes. The breast is cinnamon brown, the belly is dark brown and the wings are multi-coloured. The plumage also has showy patches of white, rich chestnut and olive green. The legs and feet are dark grey.

All Abilities Launch Site

Riverside Gardens Foreshore has an all-abilities paddle launch site. The launch facility offers an accessible option for people with a mobility disability to enjoy the Serpentine River in a canoe or kayak. The facility provides a large floating platform with contrasting colours, kick plates, grab rails and ramp access. There is a specially designed step seating option for people to transition from a seated position into a watercraft whilst using the grab handles for support. Two custom slipways ensure a safe entry and exit into the Serpentine River for all paddlers.