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Description
Ramsar Treaty listed Thomsons Lake is a large seasonal freshwater lake on the Swan Coastal Plain which teems with waterfowl in winter and spring; particularly breeding Black Swan. A good suite of woodland birds is also present - Whistling Kite and Swamp Harrier are frequently seen.
Note that the lake usually completely dries by mid-summer.
The reserve is badly weeded on the Lake flats but the uplands hold splendid stands of mixed Banksia, Marri, Jarrah and paperbark woodlands.
Details
Access
Thomsons Lake Nature Reserve can be accessed via a number of gates in the perimeter vermin proof fence. Two of the most used carparks are shown on the map. The northern carpark (start of this walk) is located on Branch Circus which is arrived at from Beeliar Drive via Hammond Road. Press P on the map to access Google mapping.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds , LakeConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , WinterBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The suggested walk is just that; a suggestion. There are a number of gated accesses at this reserve and multiple walking options. See the Paul Aymes page for a detailed description of the site.
However the walk suggested here does end on parts of the Lake's shores allowing good views. Most parts of the loop walk and other walks have only difficult lakeside accesses through dense reeds and bush. Note that parts of the loop track can be muddy or flooded in wet winters.
From the Parks and Wildlife page - see link: "The reserve has been fenced to keep out vermin, which has allowed the Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) to increase in numbers here. You might also be lucky enough to see the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) or Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma).
The loop walking track is 5.7km long so allow about 2 hours. It is classed as moderately easy (Class 2). Care needs to be taken because tiger snakes are occasionally seen in the area. Please bring your own drinking water as there is none available at this site".
A telescope would be useful for scanning the open waters of the Lake. Rubber boots will be useful if intending to bird the lake margins.
Links
- Thomsons Lake is an eBird hotspot.
- Parks and Wildlife page.
- Paul Aymes' Thomsons Lake page.
- Thomsons Lake is part of Beeliar Regional Park.