Skip to Content Skip to Navigation Show Trail Map Show About the Trail Show Important Trail Details Read Trail Reviews
Support Our Trails

Pelican Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network Pelican Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network

  • Full day
  • 66 km

The Pelican Trail is a 66km loop trail starting at Island Point Reserve and taking in most of the Ramsar-listed Peel Harvey Estuary which is the largest and most diverse estuarine complex in south-western Australia.

This trail takes in most of the Peel-Harvey Estuary and on a calm day is a wonderful paddle experience, with placid waters complemented by the bushland on the eastern foreshore. There are many isolated sandy beaches in the south and opportunities to observe migratory wetland birds.

Birdlife Pelican Trail Tourism W A
Earn 3 Points Paddle
Logo for Leave no Trace Initiative

Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

Learn more

This trail is aptly named after the Australian Pelican (Pelicanus conspicillatus), our largest local water bird. The pelican certainly is conspicuous. It is mainly white, with black wingtips and black markings on its tail. It is from 1.6m to 1.9m long, has a wingspan of from 2.5m to 3.4m and a bill of from 40cm to 47cm. The bill has a large, pinkish pouch which turns mostly scarlet during the courtship period. The pelican is able to glide in thermals to a height of 3,000m. Remains of pelicans dating from 30 to 40 million years ago have been found in Australia.

This trail also abounds with flocks of local and migratory birds such as the Australian Black Swan (Cygnus atratus). The Creery Wetlands can be found on the trail and is an important sanctuary and habitat both for resident and for migratory wetland birds. Observing these wetland birds without disturbing them is best carried out on land via the boardwalks and observation points provided for this purpose. The entrance to this land based facility is off Darwin Terrace, Mariners Cove. Please refrain from paddling in the wetlands.

On a calm day, the trail is a wonderful paddle experience, with placid waters complemented by the bushland on the eastern foreshore. From Point Grey south there are many isolated sandy beaches. The western foreshore has some urban development, but still is very appealing. Historically, the inlet and the estuary were crabbing and fishing heaven.

Mandurah Visitor Centre

(08) 9550 3999

Other Links

Expand your trip and enjoy great businesses nearby

Collie River Valley Tourist Park

Be welcomed by our friendly staff when staying in Collie with your tent, caravan or in one of our cabins. The rivers, murals, walks and mountain bike trails are waiting.

Photo of Collie River Valley Tourist Park

Down Under Discoveries

Welcome to Down Under Discoveries, where nature meets adventure, and every step is a journey of connection and discovery. Immerse yourself in the heart of WA with Chelle and her team Down Under.

Photo of Down Under Discoveries

Be trail ready for Pelican Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network

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

Time / Duration

1-2 day paddling experience

Length

66km loop

What To Pack

Group F - Paddling Trails (Paddling trails) required.

Trail Start

Novara Foreshore, Erskine

Get directions

Trail End

Novara Foreshore, Erskine

Get directions

Hazards & Warnings

Paddlers are advised to be sure to check weather and wind forecasts.
Novice paddlers should stay close to foreshores and not attempt to cross the estuary or the inlet or go near the Dawesville Cut, which has a strong tidal flow and, very often, hazardous water disturbance within itself and across its openings.
During holiday periods, particularly during the warmer months, power boating is very popular. Paddlers should always be aware of and avoid power boats and remember to keep clear of the wash created by them. 

Safety

Paddlers should familiarise themselves with Boating Rules and Regulations contained in the official Western Australia Boating Guide.

Paddlers should keep to the right in boating channels and canals.

Use insect repellant and/or cover up to protect against mosquitos.

Facilities

  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Water Access Points

Best time of year

Anytime of year

Trail Access

Novara Foreshore, Erskine

Edge shaped like mountain horizon
topography pattern

Complete Pelican Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network to earn badges and points!

Earn points and badges and become a "TrailsWA Expert" by completing trails and leaving reviews.

Earn 3 Points

Earn 3 points towards
your TrailsWA level

Paddle

Earn the Paddle badge when you complete this trail.

Edge shaped like mountain horizon
Alt text

Be the first to review Pelican Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network

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.

Like this trail? Explore others nearby

More around Perth & Surrounds

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.

topography pattern