Swan Estuary Marine Park, Perth, Western Australia.

Different species of waders arrive at varying times between August and November. Because other wetlands are too full of water at this time of the year, the Swan Estuary Marine Park (and the coast) are used as the first resting and feeding spots. The estuarine mudflats contain high concentrations of food which replenish the energy of the exhausted birds after their long flight south. Some of the birds will be sporting their breeding plumage when they arrive. Others will moult to their breeding glory in February. Most waders will have left the Perth region by late March.

The semi-enclosed waters of Alfred Cove hide mussels dating back 6000 years, as well as considerably younger, more juicy examples sought after by the 33 species of wading birds. The seagrass beds adjacent to the mudflats are a primary link in the food chain for the animals on which waders depend for food, as well as an important nursery area for fish and prawns.

Milyu is the Aboriginal name for samphire, and the main physical feature of the reserve is a small peninsula vegetated with sedges and samphire. Despite its proximity to the freeway, this area provides equally good feeding and resting areas for both the waders and other waterbirds.

The Swan Estuary Marine Park protects three biologically important areas of Perth’s beautiful Swan River. The Swan Estuary Marine Park encompasses Alfred Cove, 200 hectares adjacent to the suburbs of Attadale and Applecross; Pelican Point, a 45 hectare area in Crawley; and Milyu, 95 hectares adjacent to the Como foreshore and Kwinana Freeway.

These areas encompass mudflats, seagrass beds and intertidal vegetation such as sedges and saltmarsh, which provide many different habitats for a host of animals. The most important of these, due to their international significance, are the migratory wading birds. They come from as far afield as Asia, Mongolia and Siberia. About 33 of these species are protected under the Japan-Australia and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements. Most notable among these are the tiny red-necked stints. Although only 30-40 grams, these birds regularly fly thousands of kilometres from their breeding areas in Arctic Siberia to the warm mudflats of the Swan Estuary.

The transequatorial waders are fascinating birds. The ability to fly great distances and to navigate with such pinpoint accuracy has been the subject of much study and research, particularly in the northern hemisphere. It seems the urge to migrate is triggered by the changes in the length of daylight and it is further suggested that birds use the sun, stars and perhaps even the earth’s magnetic fields for navigation. However, the actual mechanisms remain unknown.

Marine parks…more than just fish

Information guide

Swan Estuary Marine Park

Marine parks… WA’s submerged

wonders

Recycle Please return unwanted brochures to distribution points

Enjoying the marine parkAll three localities within the Swan Estuary Marine Park lie within 20 minutes drive from the centre of Perth. Depending on which area you are visiting, you can drive to the nearest car park and walk to the foreshore. The most popular activities are walking and cycling along the scenic riverside. There are dual use paths (for the shared use of pedestrians and cyclists) along the river foreshore. Pelican Point is a popular location for windsurfing.

Birdwatching and nature appreciation is another important activity. Up to 10,000 waders visit these three areas every summer, coming from as far afield as Asia, Mongolia and Siberia. The birds move between the intertidal flats of the three areas of the marine park according to where feeding and roosting sites are available. Most birds are seen from August to the following March. Pelicans, ibis, egrets and other birds also reside in the estuary.

At Alfred Cove there are a number of vantage points for viewing more than 140 species of flying visitors and residents. At Pelican Point, excellent views of the mudflats can be obtained from an observation platform reached from Australia II Drive. At Milyu, the bird life can be seen from the beach or from the foreshore path. You can almost always see Australian pelicans here and black swans. There are also information panels on the Milyu foreshore.

The Swan Estuary Marine Park is zoned for General Use, which means that people are allowed to fish anywhere in the marine park as long as they comply with Fisheries Department rules and regulations such as bag limits. Prawning from the shore using drag nets is the most popular form of fishing in the marine park. If you intend to go prawning please respect the environment, especially the important remnant vegetation along the shore (there is very little of it left in the metropolitan area!). It is vital to take all your rubbish with you, as birds and marine animals can die after ingesting or becoming entangled in plastics or fishing line.

Windsurfing and kite surfing are highly disturbing to migratory waders and other shorebirds. To a small bird, for example, the shadow cast by a kite looks like a predator. Windsurfers and kite surfers should therefore avoid entering the waters surrounding Pelican Point, which are delineated by in-water markers.

Department ofEnvironment and Conservation

Our environment, our future

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Further informationDepartment of Environment and Conservation Swan Coastal District Office5 Dundebar RoadWanneroo WA 6065Phone (08) 9405 0700www.naturebase.net

Department of FisheriesHillarys District Office

WA Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories39 Northside DriveHillarys WA 6025Ph (08) 9203 0111Fax (08) 9203 0110A/H 0419 969 415

Fishwatch 1800 815 507www.fish.wa.gov.au

City of South PerthCivic Centre Cnr Sandgate Street and South Terrace South Perth WA 6151Phone (08) 9474 0777www.southperth.wa.gov.au

City of Melville10 Almondbury Road Booragoon WA 6154www.melvillecity.com.au

City of Subiaco241 Rokeby RoadSubiaco WA 6008Phone (08) 9237 9222www.subiaco.wa.gov.au

Different species of waders arrive at varying times between August and November. Because other wetlands are too full of water at this time of the year, the Swan Estuary Marine Park (and the coast) are used as the first resting and feeding spots. The estuarine mudflats contain high concentrations of food which replenish the energy of the exhausted birds after their long flight south. Some of the birds will be sporting their breeding plumage when they arrive. Others will moult to their breeding glory in February. Most waders will have left the Perth region by late March.

The semi-enclosed waters of Alfred Cove hide mussels dating back 6000 years, as well as considerably younger, more juicy examples sought after by the 33 species of wading birds. The seagrass beds adjacent to the mudflats are a primary link in the food chain for the animals on which waders depend for food, as well as an important nursery area for fish and prawns.

Milyu is the Aboriginal name for samphire, and the main physical feature of the reserve is a small peninsula vegetated with sedges and samphire. Despite its proximity to the freeway, this area provides equally good feeding and resting areas for both the waders and other waterbirds.

The Swan Estuary Marine Park protects three biologically important areas of Perth’s beautiful Swan River. The Swan Estuary Marine Park encompasses Alfred Cove, 200 hectares adjacent to the suburbs of Attadale and Applecross; Pelican Point, a 45 hectare area in Crawley; and Milyu, 95 hectares adjacent to the Como foreshore and Kwinana Freeway.

These areas encompass mudflats, seagrass beds and intertidal vegetation such as sedges and saltmarsh, which provide many different habitats for a host of animals. The most important of these, due to their international significance, are the migratory wading birds. They come from as far afield as Asia, Mongolia and Siberia. About 33 of these species are protected under the Japan-Australia and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements. Most notable among these are the tiny red-necked stints. Although only 30-40 grams, these birds regularly fly thousands of kilometres from their breeding areas in Arctic Siberia to the warm mudflats of the Swan Estuary.

The transequatorial waders are fascinating birds. The ability to fly great distances and to navigate with such pinpoint accuracy has been the subject of much study and research, particularly in the northern hemisphere. It seems the urge to migrate is triggered by the changes in the length of daylight and it is further suggested that birds use the sun, stars and perhaps even the earth’s magnetic fields for navigation. However, the actual mechanisms remain unknown.

Marine parks…more than just fish

Information guide


Marine parks… WA’s submerged

wonders

Recycle Please return unwanted brochures to distribution points

Enjoying the marine parkAll three localities within the Swan Estuary Marine Park lie within 20 minutes drive from the centre of Perth. Depending on which area you are visiting, you can drive to the nearest car park and walk to the foreshore. The most popular activities are walking and cycling along the scenic riverside. There are dual use paths (for the shared use of pedestrians and cyclists) along the river foreshore. Pelican Point is a popular location for windsurfing.

Birdwatching and nature appreciation is another important activity. Up to 10,000 waders visit these three areas every summer, coming from as far afield as Asia, Mongolia and Siberia. The birds move between the intertidal flats of the three areas of the marine park according to where feeding and roosting sites are available. Most birds are seen from August to the following March. Pelicans, ibis, egrets and other birds also reside in the estuary.

At Alfred Cove there are a number of vantage points for viewing more than 140 species of flying visitors and residents. At Pelican Point, excellent views of the mudflats can be obtained from an observation platform reached from Australia II Drive. At Milyu, the bird life can be seen from the beach or from the foreshore path. You can almost always see Australian pelicans here and black swans. There are also information panels on the Milyu foreshore.

The Swan Estuary Marine Park is zoned for General Use, which means that people are allowed to fish anywhere in the marine park as long as they comply with Fisheries Department rules and regulations such as bag limits. Prawning from the shore using drag nets is the most popular form of fishing in the marine park. If you intend to go prawning please respect the environment, especially the important remnant vegetation along the shore (there is very little of it left in the metropolitan area!). It is vital to take all your rubbish with you, as birds and marine animals can die after ingesting or becoming entangled in plastics or fishing line.

Windsurfing and kite surfing are highly disturbing to migratory waders and other shorebirds. To a small bird, for example, the shadow cast by a kite looks like a predator. Windsurfers and kite surfers should therefore avoid entering the waters surrounding Pelican Point, which are delineated by in-water markers.



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Further informationDepartment of Environment and Conservation Swan Coastal District Office5 Dundebar RoadWanneroo WA 6065Phone (08) 9405 0700www.naturebase.net

Department of FisheriesHillarys District Office

WA Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories39 Northside DriveHillarys WA 6025Ph (08) 9203 0111Fax (08) 9203 0110A/H 0419 969 415

Fishwatch 1800 815 507www.fish.wa.gov.au

City of South PerthCivic Centre Cnr Sandgate Street and South Terrace South Perth WA 6151Phone (08) 9474 0777www.southperth.wa.gov.au

City of Melville10 Almondbury Road Booragoon WA 6154www.melvillecity.com.au

City of Subiaco241 Rokeby RoadSubiaco WA 6008Phone (08) 9237 9222www.subiaco.wa.gov.au

The coordinates shown on this brochure are referenced to the Geocentric Datum of Australia (1994) and will differ by approximately 200 metres from the same points shown on charts referenced to the Australian Geodetic Datum 1984 (AGD84).

This map is for illustration purposes and not for navigation.

T HACKET DR

GNILRITS

YWH

KW

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NA

FWY

LEACH HWY

ALBANY

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MITCHELL

FWY

GNINNAC

YWH

INDIAN

OCEAN

Fremantle

Perth

River

LEACH

YWH

Pt Dundas

PtWaylen

Pt Walter

Lucky Bay

Melville Water

Canning River

Pelican PtMilyu

Alfred Cove

Pelican Pt

Swan

Sealed road

Nature reserve

Recreation


Legend

0 1 2 3 4

kilometres

Inset 1

Pelican Point

0 200 400

metres

HACKETT

RD

undo ary eB xtends to L.W.M.

Inset 2

Pt Currie(Pelican Pt)

Matilda Bay

Matilda Bay Reserve MBSC Jetty

349030'

1306

45'

031 59 25" 0115 49'47"

'

031 590115 49'40"

'39"

031 590115 49'11"

'32"

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SwanRiver

Swan EstuaryMarine Park

Point WalterSwan River

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Boundary extends to H.W.M.

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Alfred Cove

0 ' 5177099 30'

032 00'56" 0115 47'58" Lucky Bay


Inset 3

Milyu0 200 400

metres

Swan River


0200 .00'

29 07 30'

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Boundary extends to H.W

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T HACKET DR

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FWY

LEACH HWY

ALBANY

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MITCHELL

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GNINNAC

YWH

INDIAN

OCEAN

Fremantle

Perth

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LEACH

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Pt Dundas

PtWaylen

Pt Walter

Lucky Bay

Melville Water

Canning River

Pelican PtMilyu

Alfred Cove

Pelican Pt

Swan

Sealed road

Nature reserve

Recreation


Legend

0 1 2 3 4

kilometres

Inset 1

Pelican Point

0 200 400

metres

HACKETT

RD


Inset 2


Matilda Bay


349030'

1306

45'

031 59 25" 0115 49'47"

'

031 590115 49'40"

'39"

031 590115 49'11"

'32"

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SwanRiver



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PointWaylen


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Alfred Cove

0 ' 5177099 30'

032 00'56" 0115 47'58" Lucky Bay


Inset 3

Milyu0 200 400

metres

Swan River


0200 .00'

29 07 30'

'00024


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T HACKET DR

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GNINNAC

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Fremantle

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LEACH

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Pt Dundas

PtWaylen

Pt Walter

Lucky Bay

Melville Water

Canning River

Pelican PtMilyu

Alfred Cove

Pelican Pt

Swan

Sealed road

Nature reserve

Recreation


Legend

0 1 2 3 4

kilometres

Inset 1

Pelican Point

0 200 400

metres

HACKETT

RD


Inset 2


Matilda Bay


349030'

1306

45'

031 59 25" 0115 49'47"

'

031 590115 49'40"

'39"

031 590115 49'11"

'32"

.M.W.H

SwanRiver



ELLIVLE

M

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BD

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YELKNUD

EVA

NO

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PointWaylen


Inset 1

0 500 1000

metres

Alfred Cove

0 ' 5177099 30'

032 00'56" 0115 47'58" Lucky Bay


Inset 3

Milyu0 200 400

metres

Swan River


0200 .00'

29 07 30'

'00024


.M.

KW

INA

NA

FWY



T HACKET DR

GNILRITS

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FWY

LEACH HWY

ALBANY

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MITCHELL

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INDIAN

OCEAN

Fremantle

Perth

River

LEACH

YWH

Pt Dundas

PtWaylen

Pt Walter

Lucky Bay

Melville Water

Canning River

Pelican PtMilyu

Alfred Cove

Pelican Pt

Swan

Sealed road

Nature reserve

Recreation


Legend

0 1 2 3 4

kilometres

Inset 1

Pelican Point

0 200 400

metres

HACKETT

RD


Inset 2


Matilda Bay


349030'

1306

45'

031 59 25" 0115 49'47"

'

031 590115 49'40"

'39"

031 590115 49'11"

'32"

.M.W.H

SwanRiver



ELLIVLE

M

H

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BD

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EVA

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PointWaylen


Inset 1

0 500 1000

metres

Alfred Cove

0 ' 5177099 30'

032 00'56" 0115 47'58" Lucky Bay


Inset 3

Milyu0 200 400

metres

Swan River


0200 .00'

29 07 30'

'00024


.M.

KW

INA

NA

FWY

Caring for the marine environment• ThemudflatsandfringingvegetationoftheSwanEstuary

Marine Park are extremely important for several species of waterbirds, including migratory waders that have flown from as far away as Siberia. Please don’t bring dogs into these special areas. Dogs can disturb wildlife and the scent of a dog can linger and result in native birdlife flying off.

Windsurfing and kite surfing are highly disturbing to •migratory waders and other shorebirds. To a small bird, for example, the shadow cast by a kite looks like a predator. Windsurfers and kite surfers should therefore avoid entering the waters surrounding Pelican Point, which are delineated by in-water markers.

• Fishforthefuture.Observesize,bagandpossessionlimits.See ‘Recreational Fishing Guide: West Coast Region’, available from the Department of Fisheries.

• TheSwanRiveronceboastedmagnificentwetlandvegetationsuch as paperbarks but very little of it remains. The fringing vegetation in Alfred Cove Nature Reserve, Milyu Nature Reserve and Pelican Point Nature Reserve is very fragile and provides important wildlife habitat. Please stay on paths.

• Disposeoflitterthoughtfully,especiallyplasticsand fishing line.

• YoucanjoinbushlandrehabilitationgroupssuchasFriendsof Attadale Foreshore (http://www.sercul.org.au/foattadale.html) to help care for these precious areas. Contact the nearest local authority to find out more information.

Protecting WA’s marine areasWestern Australia’s marine areas are globally significant. Western Australia’s coastal waters are considered to be among the least disturbed in the world.

The Western Australian coast boasts a big area of biogeographic overlap, between the tropical north (north of Ningaloo Marine Park) and the temperate south (east of Cape Leeuwin), where tropical and temperate species co-exist. The Indian Ocean is also the only ocean in the world that has an eastern boundary current (the Leeuwin Current) that transports warm waters from the equator to the southern coast of a continent.

Our coastal waters are valued by Western Australians. The wide range of environmental, cultural, commercial and recreational values they offer generate employment and revenue and provide people with a source of pleasure and recreation.

The Western Australian government is committed to conserving our marine environment and the sustainable use of our natural resources. A major component of the State Government’s marine conservation and management strategy is the establishment of a statewide system of marine parks and reserves. Approximately 1,538,294 hectares of State waters are currently included in marine parks and reserves. This equates to 12.2 per cent of State waters, of which 2.5 per cent is in sanctuary (‘no take’) areas.

The conservation and sustainable use of Western Australia’s marine environment is everyone’s responsibility. By working together to reduce human impacts on the marine environment we can pass it on to future generations in similar condition to what it is in today.

Swan Estuary Marine Park, Perth, Western Australia.

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