Discover shared paths for bike rides and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Gwelup Story Trail.
Bike paths
The following City of Stirling parks and reserves have shared paths where you can enjoy a bike ride.
- Lake Gwelup, Gwelup
- Dianella Regional Open Space
- Herdsman Lake Park
- Carine Regional Open Space
- Yokine Reserve
- West Coast Highway/West Coast Drive coastal path
- Jackadder Lake, Woodlands.
When riding, please remember that bicycles are treated as vehicles under law and are subject to the same road rules as cars. Please obey all traffic signals, and give way to pedestrians when using shared paths.
Cycling rules and tips
- Speed limits apply to cyclists! A 10 km/h speed limit applies to all vehicles travelling within City of Stirling parks (unless otherwise indicated by a sign). 10 km/h is about double walking speed
- Ride safely and courteously. When riding on shared paths, please be aware of pedestrians and other path users
- Give way to pedestrians at all times
- Keep left unless overtaking
- Ring your bell well in advance of reaching a pedestrian, to let them know you are behind them. Don't wait until you are close or you might startle them
- Be aware of roaming dogs.
Discover the Lake Gwelup Story Trail
The City of Stirling, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, is excited to announce the opening of a new interpretive trail at Lake Gwelup Regional Open Space.
The Lake Gwelup Story Trail offers a unique experience with insights into Nyoongar culture, local history, and the area’s rich biodiversity. As you walk along the trail, you'll encounter ground-based artworks created by local Nyoongar artists Emily Rose and David Jones, in collaboration with Jahne Rees. These artworks incorporate key symbols and elements significant to Lake Gwelup, weaving together a narrative that honors traditional knowledge, practices, and the connection to the land. This combination of the Story Trail and public art provides visitors with an enriching cultural and educational experience.
The Lake Gwelup Story Trail is 2.4 km long and is accessible and suitable for families and people with disabilities. Allow approximately 90 minutes to fully experience the Story Trail.
The Lake Gwelup Story Trail was created to connect the community with the many fascinating features and stories of Lake Gwelup. This trail was enriched by contributions from the local community and Wadjak Nyoongar people during community consultations. The trail begins at the trailhead, which was constructed in partnership with the Rotary Club of Karrinyup and the City of Stirling to celebrate Karrinyup Rotary’s 50th anniversary of community service.
The City of Stirling is located on land known as Mooro Country, which has been home to the Wadjak Nyoongar people for over 45,000 years. Mooro Country stretches from the Indian Ocean in the west to beyond the City’s eastern boundary, and from the Swan River south of the City of Stirling to Perth’s northern metropolitan border in Yanchep.
A seasonal migration trail for the Nyoongar people starts at the Swan River and follows a chain of lakes through to Yanchep. The Nyoongar community views this chain of lakes as ‘all the same water’ and embraces the concept of ‘one water, many lakes’. These wetlands, lakes, and rivers hold special significance for the Nyoongar people, with Aboriginal heritage sites registered at Lake Gwelup, Star Swamp, and Herdsman. They believe that respecting and caring for the land ensures it will look after you in return.
Lake Gwelup is more than just a lake; it is a place where history and nature intertwine. It has evolved from an important hunting and gathering site in ancient times to the farms and market gardens of the modern era, adapting alongside human civilization and its many challenges.
Today, Lake Gwelup is a regional open space that preserves 20 hectares of wetlands, 35 hectares of natural bush, and 20 hectares of parkland. It hosts extraordinary wetland ecology and biodiversity, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake features a viewing platform, story trail, and pedestrian paths for exploring the bushland and wetland environments.
