1 Adult
0 Children

YOUR GUIDE TO SPRING IN MANDURAH BY GUEST BLOGGER & ZOOLOGIST, SARAH WAY

2019-09-05

To celebrate the arrival of spring in Mandurah and the Peel Region, The Sebel Mandurah invited local Zoologist and Ways to Nature tour guide, Sarah Way, to write a guest blog.

Read on for spring inspiration for your next Mandurah getaway!

YOUR GUIDE TO SPRING IN MANDURAH
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and about to explore Mandurah’s beautiful natural environment.

Mandurah is well known for its lovely beaches and waterways but often visitors limit their experience to a walk along the foreshore in town or simply cast a wistful glance at the estuary vistas as they cross our two bridges. There is so much more to explore and so many reasons to extend your stay!

Wetlands and reserves are tucked away like hidden gems just waiting to be discovered – right in the heart of Mandurah. And the jewel in the crown is the Peel-Harvey estuary, where Mandurah showcases the three big W’s: wetlands, wildlife and wildflowers.

WETLANDS

The Peel-Harvey estuary is part of the larger Peel-Yalgorup System, a wetland of international significance recognised under the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands. It is the most diverse estuarine complex in Australia’s south west, and you can get up close and personal with its fascinating habitats at three unique Mandurah reserves.

The largest, Len Howard Conservation Park – named after a prominent local conservationist - features the 3km Erskine Trail leading you along the estuary shoreline, through samphire saltmarshes and paperbark groves on winding boardwalks and paths.

The Creery Wetland Reserve further showcases remarkable saltmarsh vegetation as well as wetland pannes and beautiful Swamp Sheoak woodland. At Samphire Cove Nature Reserve you can experience a beautiful protected wetland cove and remnant Flooded Gum woodland complimenting impressive views across the Port Mandurah marina to the town centre.

WILDLIFE

A resident Bottlenose Dolphin population call the Peel-Harvey estuary home and it’s a great thrill to spot them from on or off the water.

But if you prefer wildlife spotting of the feathered variety, Mandurah’s wetland reserves provide habitat to over 75 species of waterbirds and international migratory waders (during October-April).

All three reserves have bird hides and viewing platforms to view everything from spoonbills to sandpipers and pelicans to plovers!

Not to forget our furred friends, either – you may be lucky to observe western grey kangaroos at Creery Wetland Reserve. A truly magnificent sight is an eastern osprey – Yoondoordo, the Noongar guardian of the estuary - diving for fish at Creery Wetland Reserve, or breeding at the nesting platform at Len Howard Conservation Park.

WILDFLOWERS

Although we don’t have the vast plains of wildflowers that grace other areas of the state, wildflowers of the Swan Coastal Plain are delightful and definitely worth seeking out.

Walk the Joseph and Dulcie Nannup trail in spring along the Serpentine River in Greenfields, and you can enjoy many wild blooms including orchids, goodenia, hibbertia, acacia, hakea and WA’s impressive floral emblem, the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw.

Pink Fairies – of the orchid kind- can also be seen decorating the woodland floor with a carpet of pink at Samphire Cove Nature Reserve.

So take the path less travelled this spring, stay a while longer and explore Mandurah’s natural heritage of wetlands, wildlife and wildflowers!

________________________

ABOUT WAYS TO NATURE & SARAH WAY

Ways To Nature is a small local ecotourism business based in Mandurah, offering guided nature walks exploring the beautiful wetlands and reserves of the Bindjareb (Peel) region in south west WA.  Ways To Nature was created by zoologist, Sarah Way, who is passionate about engaging and connecting people with Australia’s unique biodiversity and inspiring a sense of wonder through unique experiences with nature. Learn more or book a tour.

ABOUT THE SEBEL MANDURAH

Overlooking the stunningly picturesque waters of Mandjar Bay with panoramic views and surrounded by beaches, lakes and inlets, The Sebel Mandurah is a tranquil waterfront oasis and the perfect spot for exploring the spectacular coastal city of Mandurah. The hotel is situated on the vibrant Mandurah Boardwalk – a waterfront entertainment precinct with alfresco restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, cruises and cinemas – and is close to many of the cities top attractions and activities. Learn more or book your stay.

Contact Information

Phone: +61 (0)8 9512 8300
Email: H8767@accor.com

The Sebel Mandurah - Hiking