The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Herdsman Lake Regional Park

Herdsman Lake is a shallow urban lake, part of an important wetland system known for its peaceful, calm open water and surrounding reed beds. It attracts over 100 species of waterbirds, including migratory and breeding birds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The lake is ecologically important on the Swan Coastal Plain, supporting wildlife and preserving a rare natural habitat near the city.

This walking path that is a beautiful, mostly flat, easy route that loops around the lake, weaving through wetlands, open parklands, and boardwalk sections. It’s ideal for walking, jogging, or birdwatching, with plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the wildlife. There are interpretive signs along the way that highlight the park’s ecology and Noongar heritage.

Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a vibrant urban wetland oasis with open water, seasonal marshes, and surrounding parklands. It’s a haven for over 100 waterbird species and features walking and cycling trails, boardwalks, picnic spots, and a wildlife centre. This area is culturally significant to the Noongar people (who call it Ngurgenboro) and is an important conservation and recreational space in the heart of Perth’s metropolitan area.

This shared path loops around the lake within Jackadder Reserve, following the water’s edge through open parkland and sections of reed-lined shoreline. The track is mostly paved, with some compacted sections, making it accessible for walking and cycling. Expect open exposure with limited shade in parts. Birdlife is active around the lake, and visibility across the water remains consistent throughout the loop.

Located in Woodlands, Jackadder Reserve centres around a wetland lake bordered by open grass, scattered trees, and reed beds. The reserve attracts a range of birdlife, with calm water views across the lake and open space for picnics and short walks. It’s a well-maintained suburban park rather than a bush setting, with a mix of natural and landscaped areas. Conditions can change near the water’s edge, particularly after rain when sections become soft underfoot.

Yoorn Walk is a lovely bush track that links Camel Lake Heritage Trail with the longer Zamia Trail. The path winds through banksia woodland typical of Perth’s coastal bushland, passing through dense native vegetation and sandy soil. It’s a quiet connection between the park’s walking routes, offering an up-close look at the diverse plant life of the Swan Coastal Plain.

Camel Lake Heritage Trail is a relatively short interpretive walking track that loops around the former Camel Lake wetland area. It's a beautiful path that winds through banksia and tuart woodland, with signs explaining the natural environment and early history of the landscape. It’s an easy walk that focuses on the diverse plant life typical of Perth’s coastal bushland.

A short spur off of the main Zamia Trail will take you out to this viewpoint over the gardens to the sea. It's not much extra effort and definitely worth the detour.