Working in or close to industrial Osborne Park? Get fit at Herdsman Lake, a wetland and wildlife sanctuary oasis in the heart of a busy business district.
Herdsman Lake Regional Park is a scenic wetland oasis 15 minutes drive from the Perth CBD that is situated right in the heart of industrial Osborne Park – a busy business district.
This wetland paradise is filled with shared exercise paths that encircle it, as well as offering visitors plenty of seats, a visitors centre and a children’s playground.
With an abundance of wildlife, great views of Perth city and it’s ability to block out noise from surrounding traffic – it truly is a tranquil oasis that is great for exercising and relaxation, especially for workers in the Osborne Park industrial area.
And yet, not many workers utilise it – some not knowing it exists, or others thinking it’s just not worth the extra effort.
But if you are in Osborne Park or working around Herdsman Lake – try and come down here on your lunch break. See why:
Cyclists, runner’s, bird watchers and walkers (not of the zombie kind) all frequent the paths regularly so take care. If you are walking around the entire perimeter of the lake – allow 2 hours as it’s about a distance of 7.7kmin circumference.
As you can see from the satellite photograph above, it’s a pretty decent sized park. Herdsman Lake is part of a chain of wetlands that once extended from north of Joondalup to south of Cockburn, meaning Herdsman Lake is one of the few remaining water bodies in the system, as most other wetlands have been drained and filled to make way for further development. Who knows the future of Herdsman Lake, but for now, we should definitely make the most of it while it’s here. Especially those who work within the area!
Even on gloomier days, it’s a great place to retreat into on your lunch break – so to re-gather your thoughts and return to work feeling refreshed and recharged.
Birdwatching is a popular activity here, as Herdsman Lake hosts many bird breeding habitats, as well as providing a summer refuge for high numbers of waterfowl.
There is over 100 species of birds that have been recorded here at the lake, some apparently have come from the other side of the world.
Such an abundance in birdlife in such an urban area is really rare – this is why I’m doing a blog about it!
Expect ducks, swans, baby birds, various other birds, even turtles and in hotter months; be aware of snakes. Also word of warning: don’t get too close to the ducks or swans or they may charge you! (and by charge I mean wiggle their bottoms and pretend to be scary but aren’t really, regardless – respect.)
Herdsman Lake has a diversity of landscapes within it; ranging from expansive views over open waters to dense wetland rushes, flooded gum woodlands and well-maintained open grass parklands.
Scenic views galore. You temporarily forget there’s a congested human civilization out there.
On my work break, this is what I like to do to. Get some vitamin D, contemplate life and re-energize!
Great views of Osborne Park. A juxtaposition between mother nature and wildlife; and continual urban sprawling….
As my colleague demonstrates; Herdsman Lake Park is great for exercise… and push ups!
Oh look, a statue! Better take a photo of it!
The children’s playground makes for a great family outing. If you’re shopping at Westfield Innalloo Shops, drop into Herdsman Lake Park afterwards – it’s only a very short drive away.
Mary Poppins would have loved to run and circle-dance through this well-maintained grass.
Lunch break is over. Just across that road is back to work we go.
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