History, nature and culture connect on Lake Gwelup Story Trail

The stories of Lake Gwelup have been celebrated in a permanent walking trail that shares the area’s rich history, culture and biodiversity.

The Lake Gwelup Story Trail was created in partnership with the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, the Nyoongar community, local cultural associations and wildlife groups.

It was officially launched by City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin at an event on Saturday, with a smoking ceremony performed by Wadjak Nyoongar Elder Len Yarran.

More than 200 people attended the event and took part in activities and walking tours to mark the opening of the 2.4km fully accessible trail – the City's first interpretive trail.

“The signs and public art that make up this story trail give fascinating insight into Lake Gwelup as a place where history, nature and culture connect,” Mayor Irwin said.

“The stories of the lake stretch back tens of thousands of years, from hunting and gathering in ancient times to market gardening by Chinese and European migrants.

“The Lake Gwelup Story Trail is a way we can preserve those stories and promote the cultural and environmental value of the wetlands.

“Everyone who played a part in this project should be proud of the result, including the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, who contributed $100,000 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.”

Situated on Mooro Country, Lake Gwelup is part of a seasonal chain of lakes that holds special significance for the Wadjak Nyoongar people, who would migrate from coastal areas to inland wetlands in winter and spring.

It was a place of important cultural practices, such as birthing and ceremonial dance, and more than 1,000 Aboriginal artefacts have been found in the area.

The Aboriginal history that forms a key element of the trail came from the Ngalang Maya Wangkiny knowledge holders' group.

Preston Culbong and Dulcie Donaldson contributed to the project on behalf of Ngalang Maya Wangkiny, with Mr Culbong also providing cultural knowledge behind the public art designs.

The public art, created by Nyoongar artists Emily Rose and David Jones in collaboration with design fabricator Jahne Ree, honours traditional knowledge, practices and connection to country.

The story trail also charts the area’s history after European settlement, from the initial subdivisions to the protection of Lake Gwelup as a Bush Forever conservation reserve in 2000.

In the 1870s, Chinese growers leased the swamplands around the lake and employed local Nyoongar people to work on their market gardens in exchange for produce.

European migrants moved into the area after World War I and established market gardens, before residential development took off in 1970.

Despite the dramatic urban transformation and the loss of many wetland areas across Perth, the lake and surrounding bushland remain.

The new story trail promotes the environmental importance of wetlands and the incredible diversity of local wildlife, from zamia palms to pobblebonk frogs.

These days, the lake is a popular destination for walkers and nature-lovers, featuring pedestrian pathways, a viewing platform – and now, the Lake Gwelup Story Trail.