The Spectacles Wetlands

The Spectacles Wetlands is 60 hectares of natural bush and wetland and is the most southern of the chain of freshwater lakes on the Swan coastal Plain, known as the Beeliar Regional Park.

The Spectacles is so named because it comprises of two wetlands joined by a waterway giving it the appearance of a pair of spectacles. It is co-managed by the Department of environment and conservation and Alcoa of Australia.

The two walking tracks in the area consist of a 5 kilometre lake walk through Paper Bark, Flooded Gum, Bracken Fern and Tea-Tree and a 3 kilometre walk through Banksia, Sheoak and Grass Trees.

In September and October of each year the wooded areas abound with native wildflowers including kangaroo Paw, Donkey and Spider Orchids, native Wisteria and the Kwinana emblem the Pixie Mop.

The Nyoongar People

The Spectacles Wetlands area is a significant site for Aboriginal people. The wetlands is a part of the Wajuk peoples traditional land and is known as the Beeliar territory and area of tribal elder Midgegooroo. The area is part of the greater Nyoongar language group that encompasses the southwest of Australia.

Midgegooroo and his people were transitional and, like their ancestors, moved within the Beeliar territory according to the particular season.

The Spectacles Wetlands is part of the major and ancient trade route that follows the freshwater lakes linking the Aboriginal peoples of the Murray and Swan rivers. The area has cultural significance as a ceremonial, camping and food gathering site.

Kwinana has a rich Aboriginal heritage and is the second largest indigenous community in the Perth metropolitan area.