Spoonbill Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network

It is a tidal paddle trail with its shallow lakes appealing to paddlers who like a remote and easily accessible trail. Algae often builds up in the warmer months therefore it is recommended to do this particular trail in Winter & Spring, after good rains.  

Samphire Flats, low bush, trees and narrow linkages between the lakes give the paddler a feeling of being an explorer. Paddlers may also be greeted as they cross Lake Goegrup by the curious local Mandurah Dolphins who regularly appear on fishing patrol. 

The Yellow-Billed Spoonbill (of which the trail is named after), constantly moves its head from side to side when feeding, as though it is vacuuming the shallow fringes and reed beds, filtering water and consuming water insects, crustaceans, fish and molluscs. The birdlife is simliar of that on the Heron trail but also includes avocets, ospreys and the occasional White-breasted Sea Eagle.

The trail is set on the Serpentine River, one of three rivers flowing into the Peel-Harvey Estuary which is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and provides a habitat to many species of fauna and flora. The River slithers its way down from high up in the Darling Ranges, falling from the Darling Scarp, snaking across flood plains, forms pools, back waters and lakes, twists and then dissapears into the Peel Inlet. The Peel Inlet forms part of the Ramsar-listed Peel-Harvey estuary which is the largest and most diverse estuarine complex in south-western Australia, and a key destination for tourism and recreation, particularly popular for boating, fishing and crabbing.

Paddlers can start the Spoonbill Trail from Riverside Gardens, near the Lake Goegrup Nature Reserve and paddle upstream across Lake Goegrup and through the connecting lakes of Cogrup, Black Lake, Bulbilba Lake and Road Lake. 

Boating is popular on the river during peak season (school holidays etc) but is not as hectic as it can be on the nearby Murray River. 

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.