Island Point Reserve
Mandurah
Directions - Island Point Reserve is located about half an hour from the centre of Mandurah along the Peel-Harvey Estuary. From the centre of Mandurah, cross the Mandurah Estuary Bridge and continue along Old Coast Road for 30km until you reach the turn-off for Southern Estuary Road. Take another left onto Island Point Road and drive to the end, where you will find a car park. The trail head is located next to the toilet block, a short walk west of the tip of Island Point.
The Walk - The list of trails in the Perth area that I haven't visited for the website is starting to grow a little thin, so when it's time to explore a new one, I like to do it properly. With a visit down to see the family in Funbury, before a trip out to the Kingdom, I decided to make a day of it, and visit a couple of spots along the Peel-Harvey Estuary along the way. My first walk of the day was an enjoyable stroll around the Creery Wetlands at Mariners Cove, with plenty of bird life there to keep me well entertained.
The second stop on the journey down to Funbury was a bit further south along Old Coast Road, at Island Point Reserve. I used to love this drive along Old Coast Road, after you get past the endless traffic lights, back before Forrest Highway cut the journey time significantly. I still take it occasionally if I have the time, as the sweeping roads and forested sections are much more enjoyable than the sleep inducing route along Forrest Highway. Arriving at the car park at Island Point, things looked promising from the start, with a healthy smattering of Peppermint trees all around, and the still blue water of the estuary surrounding the point. I had done a bit of research and knew there were two walk trails in the reserve, a short loop and a longer loop. Driving in, I was a bit worried, as it looked like the trail was just the road you drive in on (more on this later). Grabbing my camera, I decided this was the only thing I needed, as it was a cool day in early winter, and it was only a short walk.
My first point of call was to wander down to the beach on the southern side of the point to admire the bird life congregated on the small island just off the beach. A safe haven for bird life, there were Pelicans, Caspian Terns, Great Egrets and Little Pied Cormorants all sharing the space. After that lovely introduction, I decided to find the trail, and did so when I came across the trail head near the toilet block. With a path located, I was relatively confident I could follow this along the edge of the estuary, before looping back to the start. Entering the Peppermint Woodland, these trees are one of my favourites, as it reminds me of holidays in the South West, and just the smell of them I associate with some of the best time in my life. It doesn't take long before you reach another smaller car park, where you get another cool spot to stare out over the estuary. The trail continues up the hill a little, with this area looking like it received an upgrade recently, with new fences and a boot cleaning station (please use).
Entering more lovely Peppermint Woodland, the new gravel track takes you to an intersection, where you turn left and eventually join a trail that looks a bit more natural. While the flora around the new area is a bit lacking, I did spot a flowering Holly-Leaved Banksia, and there were a lot of birds flitting around the place. Now walking back towards the estuary, you get glimpses of the water through the white skeletal trees lining the edge of the water. Don't be too worried through here about getting close to the water, as you soon see a little boardwalk in the distance, that you will reach the intersection for eventually. Starting to see more Tuart trees as you walk along, it was around here I spotted a graceful Osprey perched up on a dead branch. Armed with my new 18-300mm lens that I bought at the start of the year, my birding photos are now a bit better with the extra zoomage, and I can keep my distance, so as not to spook them. Reaching the four-way intersection, the shorter Possum Loop Trail goes off to the right, while the boardwalk is to the left.
Keen to check out the boardwalk, I turned left and left the embrace of the forest, reaching the open space leading to a little wooden seating area. Just off to your left, about halfway down this track, is an artificial nesting site, and it might have been the same one, but an Osprey had landed in to check on its little ones. Being high up, I couldn't see the chicks, but it's nice to know they have a place to nest. Walking slowly towards the end of the boardwalk, I could see a few species of birds using the seating area to rest, so tried to get close before they flew away. Having a little party were an Australian Shelduck, Great Egret and a Little Egret, before one of them saw me and they all scattered. Feeling a little unwelcome, I strolled over to the seating area, where you get some amazing views overlooking the estuary, and across to the foothills of the Darling Range. Staying here for a while, I scanned the nearby wetlands for any sign of bird life and spotted a Pied Stilt foraging in the shallows, along with a Little Pied Cormorant sitting on a branch.
Deciding to move on, I back-tracked to the main intersection, and took a left turn to continue along the path that forms the longer loop. Entering the Tuart and Peppermint Woodlands once again, this was a relaxing meander, accompanied by the rustle of the leaves, and the vibrant bird song. Being early winter, there would not be a lot of wildflowers out, if any, so I could concentrate on enjoying the walk, watching out for birds, and not furiously scanning the undergrowth for familiar shapes and colours. That's not to say there wasn't anything in bloom, because I did find a Tree Hovea, Yellow Buttercup and a Stinkwood on this visit. About halfway from the intersection to the road, there is a giant Moodja or WA Christmas Tree, that I'll be interested to see in full flower later in the year. Snaking around the woodland, I spotted something to my left, and way off in the distance, through the tree line, was a Whistling Kite, sitting there menacingly, perhaps deciding if I was a big enough meal for it. It decided not to attack me, so I continued on, eventually reaching the gate where the trail meets Southern Estuary Road.
Having reached this point, I realised that the loop section back was just a walk on the edge of this road, where you'd have cars zooming by at 80kmph. Saying a big no thank you to that experience, I decided that returning to the start via the way I came in was the better trail experience. I was 100% correct, as I've since driven that road, and given you are on the wrong side of the fence, you're not going to see much of interest. Walking back to the start, I saw a few different birds including a Yellow-rumped Thornbill and a Splendid Fairywren, validating my decision. Taking more photos of the birds hanging out on the island near the start, this was a thoroughly enjoyable trail experience that is now a staple of any trip down south. Since that first visit in June, I've visited again in August and September, each time parking on Southern Estuary Road and just walking the Woodland section searching for wildflowers, orchids and fungi. This botanically rich area has produced the goods, including the rare Island Point Spider Orchid, which only grows near the estuary. If you are going orchid observing, stick to the path, don't trample anything, and always use the boot cleaning stations.
Final Thoughts - I didn't have the highest of hopes before visiting Island Point Reserve based on what I had seen online, but as I've discovered over the years, and was the main drive behind setting up the website, you have to get out there and see for yourself.
Having developed a love for wildflowers, orchids and birding over the last few years, this place ticks a lot of boxes for an enjoyable experience. Just the bird life alone is enough to warrant a visit, but come August, September and October, the area comes alive with colour.
One tip I can pass on, the mosquitoes are super friendly around here, so wear clothing that covers you, or move quickly after taking a photo.
As I mentioned before, this is a special place, and if you are planning a visit, please be respectful and stick to the trail. There will be plenty to see, and it will then be protected for future generations.
Get out there and experience it!
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