Herdsman Lake Regional Park

Welcome to Herdsman Lake Regional Park (Noogenboro) – a scenic nature escape just 15 minutes from the Perth CBD! 

This photograph shows three (3) cyclists riding their bikes along a brown dirt path. The path is lined with green grass and paperbark trees on either side. The trees create a thick foliage of green leaves above, with only streaks of the blue sky being visible.
Cyclists making their way around the lake. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Whadjuk people as the traditional owners of Herdsman Lake Regional Park.

This photo was taken on a brown wooden boardwalk. A brown wooden bird hide/shed structure is seen at the end of the boardwalk, which is surrounded by green grass and trees with thick brown trunks and green leaves. The river is seen in the distance, with the blue sky above.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
This photo was taken on a wooden boardwalk that is brown in colour. The boardwalk is surrounded by paperbark trees with flakey bark and green leaves. The sky can slightly be seen through the tree branches.
Photo credit: Trails WA. Photo by Harry Frochter.

Overview of Herdsman Lake Regional Park

Herdsman Lake Regional Park is the perfect place to walk, ride and relax amid the hustle and bustle of the city. And, the lush, green landscape makes for an enjoyable visit all year round! 

There are plenty of paths and trails to explore – some are hidden in pockets of paperbark forest, while others stretch all the way around the lake.  

Pay a visit to the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre on Saturdays between 9am and 2pm ($5 entry fee) to grab a coffee, see some native animal exhibits and find out what activities they’re running (nature walks, animal feeding and keeper talks, just to name a few).ย 

Entry to this park is free, and dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. 

Please note:ย Tiger snakes are regularly spotted at Herdsman Lake Regional Park. Read our Safety section for more information, or check out the Parks and Wildlife Guide to Dealing with Snakes.ย 

Nature Play Resources

Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources for Herdsman Lake Regional Park.ย 

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Family Resource Library

Activities & Information

With its proximity to Perth, the picturesque Herdsman Lake Regional Park has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.

This photo was taken at Herdsman Lake and shows the thin brown paperbark trees that grow on the edge of the lake. The trees are surrounded by green grass and shrubs, with the lake seen in the distance. The blue sky is seen through the trees, with the sun creating shadows on the grass.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

There are plenty of paths and trails to explore – some are hidden in pockets of paperbark forest, while others stretch all the way around the lake.  

While you adventure around the park, keep an eye out for the spectacular assortment of birds – there are over 100 species here! Visit at the right time of year and you’re likely to spot a long-necked turtle looking for somewhere to lay its eggs – see our Biodiversity section for more information! 

If you’d prefer to take it slow, set up a picnic at one of many spots beside the water or under the shady trees, and simply enjoy Herdsman’s tranquility.

Pay a visit to the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre on Saturdays between 9am and 2pm ($5 entry fee) to grab a coffee, see some native animal exhibits and find out what activities they’re running (nature walks, animal feeding and keeper talks, just to name a few).

This photo shows a dark wooden gazebo with a light green tin roof. Short wooden boardwalks branch out from three (3) corners of the gazebo. There is water from the river running up to the gazebo. The water is brown in colour and flows through green grass. Long green grass grows to the right of the gazebo, and tall trees surround the area which leads to the brown river. The blue sky can be seen through the tree foliage.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Kevin Smith.ย 
This is a close-up photograph of an American white ibis. The bird has long, thin legs with a white body. Its beak, or bill, is red in colour which matches the patch of red skin around the birds eye. The ibis stands in the water, which is glistening in the sun.
An ibis enjoying the water. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Radha Deepchand.
This is a close-up photo of a great crested grebe bird floating in the water. It has light brown wings and a white neck. The grebe has a white face with a small red eye, and a black line from the base of the bill to the eye. It has a black crown and mid-brown feathers that change to black as the feathers extend down to the birds neck.
A great crested grebe.ย  Photo credit: Trails WA.

The magnificent birdlife is one of the main attractions at Herdsman Lake Regional Park. Over 100 species have been spotted here, including migratory birds, bush birds, and waterbirds. 

Waterbirds like banded stilts, little black cormorants and purple swamphens are often seen around the wetlands. You’re also likely to see great crested grebes, black swans and grey teal ducks paddling across the lakes. 

Some birds travel huge distances to land here at Herdsman Lake Regional Park! The sharp-tailed sandpiper, common greenbank and wood sandpiper come from far corners of the globe to enjoy the warm spring and summer weather. 

The singing honeyeater, chestnut-breasted mannikin, little grassbird, welcome swallow and weebill are just some of the bush birds that flit about the trees. 

Long-necked turtles are commonly sighted here, especially from September to January, when they’re out and about making nests and laying eggs. But, don’t be fooled by their cute appearance and calm demeanour – they sit at the top of the food chain at Herdsman Lake. They’ll eat anything from insects and fish, to frogs and small birds! 

If you happen to spot a turtle, please refrain from handling or disturbing them as it perfectly normal to see them moving around wetlands during nesting season.

We suggest taking time before your visit to read through this safety information.  

Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a great place for walking. Before you head out in nature, visit the Explore Parks WA website for tips on bushwalking safety. 

Herdsman Lake Regional Park has a high population of tiger snakes. In spring and summer, reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes: 

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas.  
  • Walk in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks.  
  • When bushwalking, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles.  
  • Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking, and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth. 
  • Check out the Parks and Wildlife Guide to Dealing with Snakes. 
This photograph was taken at Herdsman Lake and shows large paperbark trees growing in a brown body of water. The trees have thick, rough trunks and branches. Other trees and plants grow above the water. The sun is shining on the water which creates reflections and shadows.
Explore the beautiful paperbark trees. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Radha Deepchand.

Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a rare haven for wildlife in the centre of Perth. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect it: 

  • Ensure you leave no food or rubbish behind (use the bins provided or take it with you). 
  • Only walk on designated paths and trails. 
  • Do not feed wildlife. 
  • Do not disturb or displace plants and animals. 

For more information, visit the Explore Parks WA website. 

Turtles

You may see a long-necked turtle wandering around the park. Please refrain from handling or disturbing them as it perfectly normal to see them moving around wetlands during nesting season. 

Learn more about turtles and their behaviour at Herdsman Lake on the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre Website.ย 

This is a close-up photograph of a long-necked turtle basking on a log that is floating in water. The turtle is dark brown in colour and has a hard, oval shell. The reflection of the turtle can also been seen in the water.
Long-necked turtle basking on a log.

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about Herdsman Lake Regional Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Herdsman Lake Regional Park.ย 

  • This is a close-up photograph of a long-necked turtle basking on a log that is floating in water. The turtle is dark brown in colour and has a hard, oval shell. The reflection of the turtle can also been seen in the water.
  • This photo was taken on a brown wooden boardwalk. A brown wooden bird hide/shed structure is seen at the end of the boardwalk, which is surrounded by green grass and trees with thick brown trunks and green leaves. The river is seen in the distance, with the blue sky above.
  • This photograph shows an adult pacific black duck swimming away from the camera with eight (8) baby ducks swimming behind. The ducks are mostly brown in colour, and float along the brown coloured water.
  • This photo was taken on a wooden boardwalk that is brown in colour. The boardwalk is surrounded by paperbark trees with flakey bark and green leaves. The sky can slightly be seen through the tree branches.
  • This is a close-up photograph of an American white ibis. The bird has long, thin legs with a white body. Its beak, or bill, is red in colour which matches the patch of red skin around the birds eye. The ibis stands in the water, which is glistening in the sun.
  • This photo shows a dirt pathway leading into the thick bush. Trees surround the path with brown trunks and branches with green leaves. Green grass is seen on the left of the pathway. The sky above is seen through the tree branches and foliage.
  • This photo was taken at Herdsman Lake and shows the thin brown paperbark trees that grow on the edge of the lake. The trees are surrounded by green grass and shrubs, with the lake seen in the distance. The blue sky is seen through the trees, with the sun creating shadows on the grass.
  • This is a photograph of a long-necked turtle taken from above. The turtle is seen walking along the grass. It is dark brown in colour and has a hard, oval shell. The top of its shell is wet and is glistening in the sun.