Horse Swamp is a natural palusplain wetland* that comes to life in the winter months.
This Conservation category wetland has a high groundwater table that shows the surface expression of the Gnangara Water Mound. In particularly wet winters, the Swamp waters may overflow, forming a tributary of Bennett Brook.
The Werillyiup Trail skirts the edges of Horse Swamp, allowing spectacular panoramic views of the wetland and its associated birdlife.
Look for the rare, but exciting occurrence of seeing one of the Park’s many yakkan / long-necked turtles who reside in the area.
Above: Eurasian coots enjoy the protected southern edge of the wetland.
Water bird haven
During winter, the area is alive with water birds, including mated pairs of black swans who visit the Park each year to raise their cygnets. Nests are constructed upon the man-made islands, which provide much needed refuge from predators for these birds and their young.
Above L-R: Adult black swans on the shallow waters of Horse Swamp; a clutch of cygnets dive in.
Since external development has rerouted water flow back into the Park, through Horse Swamp, the length of time that the area is dry has decreased significantly.
This has has resulted in native fish and crustaceans being able to grow bigger, providing reliable food sources for omnivorous water birds. Watching a white-faced heron gobble down a native fish is welcome sight.
Post-colonial history
In the past, when horses in the Swan Valley region went missing, they were commonly found roaming in the lush pastures surrounding this wetland on the southern edge of what is now Whiteman Park. The area hence became known as ‘Horse Swamp’.
* A palusplain wetland is a flat, seasonally waterlogged area with still (or very slow moving) water.
Banner image:
A view of the winter-full Horse Swamp from the observation tower.