1 / 3Herdsman Lake Regional Park
📍 Herdsman, WA
A flat, peaceful wetland loop packed with birdlife and a small nature playground. Best for families with kids who love spotting swans, herons and pelicans - just pack water and plan toilet stops.
Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a tranquil oasis tucked within suburban Perth, offering a surprising amount of wildlife and natural beauty. The park features a mix of wetlands, open lake views, and bushland walking trails, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, and families. The 7.7 km loop around the lake is flat and well-maintained, ideal for walking, running, or cycling. Along the way, you’ll spot a wide range of bird species, from black swans and herons to pelicans and parrots. Bird hides and viewing platforms are thoughtfully placed, providing great opportunities to observe without disturbing the wildlife. The park is also home to the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre, which is a wonderful educational stop for kids and adults alike. There are picnic areas, shady spots, and a small nature playground near the centre, which makes it great for family outings. Despite being so close to the city, Herdsman Lake Regional Park feels peaceful and somewhat untouched. It’s best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the birds are most active. Bring water, insect repellent, and your camera—you’ll want to capture the serenity.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
If your kids like spotting birds - swans, herons, pelicans, parrots - this is a genuine gem, with a flat 7.7km loop that's easy going for little legs, bikes, or prams, plus a small nature playground and Discovery Centre near the middle.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →134 Google reviews
Foige Mohammed Jahir
“Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a tranquil oasis tucked within suburban Perth, offering a surprising amount of wildlife and natural beauty. The park features a mix of wetlands, open lake views, and bushland walking trails, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, and families. The 7.7 km loop around the lake is flat and well-maintained, ideal for walking, running, or cycling. Along the way, you’ll spot a wide range of bird species, from black swans and herons to pelicans and parrots. Bird hides and viewing platforms are thoughtfully placed, providing great opportunities to observe without disturbing the wildlife. The park is also home to the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre, which is a wonderful educational stop for kids and adults alike. There are picnic areas, shady spots, and a small nature playground near the centre, which makes it great for family outings. Despite being so close to the city, Herdsman Lake Regional Park feels peaceful and somewhat untouched. It’s best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the birds are most active. Bring water, insect repellent, and your camera—you’ll want to capture the serenity.”
Anton Bee
“herdsman…you are truly the gem of the Perth metro area. A haven for birds of all species. A birder like me just lives and laughs and loves to lose herself amongst your winding paths and in those structurally-strong bird hides. No tawny frogmouths unfortunately but I won’t blame that on you, old herdsman. You’ve been a friend to many and an escape for others. Cheers to you old friend, I’ll be back Ps leave a like if you enjoy my bird photos, I thought they were pretty good considering I don’t have a camera the size of my forearm.”
Sonam Jamtsho
“Wonderful place to visit, have a nice environment with various birds if you are into bird watching.”
Sherab Tenzin
“I love this place - so much full of nature and wildlife, especially some beautiful migratory birds. When the sun is down or not up, and when the temperature is lower, the place is good for a peaceful and relaxing walk. Though water isn't clean and clear in some parts, they look beautifully natural. I wish there were a few public toilets and drinking water.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The birds are the whole point here, and even reluctant walkers get pulled in spotting swans, herons, pelicans and parrots around the flat 7.7km loop. It's easy going for little legs, bikes or prams, with a small nature playground and Discovery Centre near the middle to break up the walk. Worth knowing before you go: no toilets and no drinking water, so pack your own and plan accordingly.
