The shared use path around Lake Joondalup has some stunning lake views. Having frequently walked on the Joondalup side we decided to explore the Wanneroo side. Starting from the Rotary Park Opportunity Playspace we walked south one day and north the next day. Both walks, on flat paved pathways, were about an hour long return.
Setting off south from the playground we walked past the soccer and AFL fields at Scenic Park with it's small playground. The path then opened out with some great lake views across to Picnic Cove in Edgewater.
We came across some areas fenced off to protect the Rainbow Bee Eater habitat. We were curious looking at the sand but on reading the sign realised the bee-eaters burrow underground to nest, emerging to feed on bees on nearby flowers. We didn't see any Rainbow bee-eaters - only some galahs and corellas.
There was a dirt sidetrack which took us down to the water's edge for some spectacular views before looping back past a stagnant swamp area. Unfortunately we disturbed the waterbirds as we approached - if we had been more stealthy we could have captured some great closeups!
Continuing along the path we soon turned off Scenic Drive and passed a bush area and Poinciana Park before emerging at the small wetlands. We enjoyed the gloomy atmosphere. We walked up the stairs to look out over the lake from the lookout tower. Studmaster Park has a small playground. The shared use circuit path around Lake Joondalup continues from here to Ocean Reef Road.
Being curious about some nearby parks we diverted past some pavement art to Fourdon Park and then up the road to Germano Park where we found a kindness art tree and a tree trunk primed for a fairy door as well as a lovely playground.
From here we wandered past beautiful homes and gardens to James Spiers Park to enjoy the autumn colours.
After our detour we found ourselves back at Studmaster Park so retraced our steps this time enjoying views northwards up the lake. The tyre swing at Poinciana Park has fantastic water views!
We took another detour to look at Nyunda Park also known as Wanneroo Duck Pond. The water level was quite low but there were still ducks and other waterbirds around as well as some very noisy cockatoos roosting in the large trees.
Heading back to the main path along Scenic Drive we saw some birds on a wire and then our eagle eyes spotted a sign on the other side of the soccer oval so we went to investigate and found a Noongar season interpretive sign.
Knowing there are 6 seasons we set off to find the other 5 signs which are located in and around the Rotary Park Opportunity Playspace. We also enjoyed looking at the Rotary Wall.
The Opportunity Playspace is an all abilities playground with barbecue and picnic facilities, water fountains, toilets and a bike repair station.
The lakeside path from Rotary Park to Studmaster Park is around 3km each way and should take around 40 mins (80 minutes return). With our various side trips and detours to other parks we added an additional 4km so we took just over 2 hours from start to finish.
Another option on this side of the lake is to walk from Rotary Park to Wanneroo Pines, a 7km, 90 minute walk which can be broken into shorter sections. These walks together with sections on the western side make up the Lake Joondalup Circuit which, at 16km, is a great cycling loop.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.