Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes Ramsar Site, Protected wetlands in Perth metropolitan area, Australia.
Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes is a protected wetland reserve comprising two shallow lakes with fresh to brackish water covering around 750 hectares in the suburbs of Perth. The oval-shaped lakes are surrounded by wetland vegetation and open water that shifts with the seasons.
Aboriginal people hunted tortoises in this region before European settlement began around 1885 with agricultural land clearing. Protected status came later to prevent further destruction of these important wetlands.
The lakes hold meaning in Noongar tradition through stories of the Waugal, a water serpent that shaped these wetlands in ancient times. This spiritual dimension remains part of how local people understand and relate to the landscape today.
Designated observation points along the walking paths around the lakes provide good spots for watching waterbirds throughout the year. The site is accessible from suburban areas with several marked trails suitable for different fitness levels.
The lakes shift between fresh and brackish water depending on rainfall and seasons, creating rare habitats for specialized plants and animals. This natural variability makes them unusual for a suburban location and valuable for studying how wetlands adapt to change.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
