The Swan Valley region boasts some of the very best animals and wildlife parks and experiences that Western Australia has to offer. From national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reptile parks to picturesque picnic spots, nature trails and wildflower drives, the Swan Valley offers plenty of opportunities for an amazing face-to-face encounter with nature.
Wildlife Encounters
There’s something so special about watching faces light up at the joy of an encounter with nature. The Swan Valley offers several ways for you and your friends and family to experience the wonder of petting animals and learning about wildlife.
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Caversham Wildlife Park is particularly popular. This premier native wildlife park features over 2,000 animals and birds and provides the opportunity to ride a camel, hold a wombat and even feed a kangaroo and view sheep and horse demonstrations.
- You can also get up close and personal with nature at the Birds of Prey Centre in Whiteman Park. This fascinating exhibit allows you to see eagles, falcons, kites and owls as they swoop and soar.
- The Maze in Bullsbrook is much more than a 2,500 square metre timber maze. Kids can meet the koalas, kangaroos and emus and take a walk through the native bird aviary.
- Kids can indulge their love of animals at one of the farm stay accommodation options. They may find themselves milking a cow or collecting eggs – a real treat for children.
- A visit to the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm provides children with the opportunity to experience the joy of getting up close and personal with delightful farm animals in an outdoor country atmosphere. You can also book overnight accommodation here.
- Get intimate with some scaly friends at the Western Australian Reptile Park, where you can stroke the snakes and learn about different reptiles and other native Australian animals.
Contact the Swan Valley Visitor Centre for more details about animal and wildlife parks and experiences in the Swan Valley.
Wildflowers
Get set for a breathtaking drive through Gidgegannup or Woorolloo, some of Western Australia's top wildflower spots situated just minutes from Perth and the Swan Valley.
The area boasts two scenic drives which are particularly beautiful in winter and spring, when the landscape comes alive with wildflowers.
Peak viewing season for wildflowers is from August to November, commencing with the flowering of the yellow wattles and hibbertia and the distinctive rich blue Leschenaultia.
For more information about these scenic wildflower drives, visit the Gidgegannup website.
Nature Trails
Noble Falls Walk Trail
This lovely walk along the Wooroloo Brook is attractive at all times of the year. The wildflowers are in bloom in the spring and the waterfall is stunning in winter.
The walk adjoins a reserve, which is home to many birds and other wildlife. It begins from the Noble Falls picnic and parking area off Toodyay Road. Download the Noble Falls Walk Trail pdf (4MB).
FR Berry Reserve
FR Berry reserve in Gidgegannup provides valuable habitat for a wonderful variety of Western Australian fauna. Animals and wildlife known to frequent the reserve include the honey possum, mardo, Gould’s monitor, bobtail, western green tree frog, weebill, splendid fairy wren and the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo. Download the FR Berry Reserve Walk Trail pdf (1MB).
Paruna Walk Trail
Paruna sanctuary is located in the Avon Valley, approximately an hour east of Perth near Gidgegannup. Featuring 2,000 hectares of pristine bushland, the sanctuary is home to jarrah, wandoo and powderbark forests as well as heathland and riparian habitat.
There are a number of excellent walk trails at Paruna that vary in length. For more information and bookings, visit the Paruna Sanctuary website.
