I had been on parental leave and this was my last weekday before heading back to work – there was a play date on at home so I was going to head out for some exploring.
In some of my research I had seen Piney Lakes had lots of Oblong Turtles and it was a place I had driven past many times wondering what it was like. In my reading up they also spoke about Quenda that can be found there.
I drove in from Leach Hwy – noting you can’t park inside on weekends.
As soon as I got out of the car I heard the unmistakable call of a Rainbow Bee-eater – they are a summer visitor and fly down from the North and PNG to breed in sandy tunnels, so lots of places in Perth play host to them.
There is an education centre which I suspect is the main function of the place. I headed past there seeing lots of honeyeaters and wattlebirds.
I walked through the sculpture garden to the walk around the wetland. Just as I entered the gate I saw a Quenda dash away but wasn’t able to grab a photo.
As I walked on the track the vegetation is quite close and you can hear lots of birds. I came across this awesome juvenile Bobtail lizard getting some sun on this warm day.
Just beyond I found a bigger Bobtail with one eye – must have been a violent encounter in the past, perhaps with a cat, dog or fox.
I hadn’t seen or heard any more Quenda for a while but then saw one dash into the bushes – they are pretty timid here. Flitting about on a nest box was this Striated Pardalote.
I also saw a skink dash away – I didn’t manage a shot. Looking at the reptile book at home I think it was an Odd-striped Ctenotus and they are pretty hard to identify without a really good shot or catching them.
I walked all the way around the vegetated lake and then went onto the boardwalk where I quickly spotted a Quenda – this time I was quieter and it was feeding during the day but under vegetation most of the time.
I spotted a couple more – if you were patient and quiet you could really watch their feeding behaviour.
I then spotted a bird which was zipping up and down tree trunks – I thought it might be a Varied Sittella but on examination it was a White-browed Scrubwren.
I had a nice view of a family of Splendid Fairywrens – also known as blue wrens – where the dominant male is an iridescent blue. It didn’t pose nicely for me! I also saw a nice Western Wattlebird.
I was so pleased seeing Quenda feeding in late afternoon – this has to become one of my spots to see them.
On leaving I saw another Western Wattlebird feeding on Banksia.
This is a really nice spot – I am sure there are more reptiles to be seen and also amphibians – but the Quenda during the day was the standout.
Piney Lakes Reserve FAQ
Can you see Quenda at Piney Lakes?
Yes – Piney Lakes Reserve in Winthrop is one of the best urban spots in Perth for Quenda (Southern Brown Bandicoot, Isoodon fusciventer). Unlike many locations where they are strictly nocturnal, Quenda at Piney Lakes can often be seen foraging during the day – particularly on the boardwalk around the wetland. Patience and quiet movement are the key. Dusk is also a reliable time.
Where exactly is Piney Lakes Reserve?
Piney Lakes Reserve is in Winthrop, in Perth’s southern suburbs, accessible from Leach Highway. There is a car park at the Environment Education Centre – note that parking inside is closed on weekends. The wetland boardwalk is the best area for Quenda and wildlife generally.
What other wildlife can you see at Piney Lakes?
Beyond Quenda, Piney Lakes is good for birds – honeyeaters, wattlebirds, Rainbow Bee-eaters (summer), Splendid Fairywrens, Striated Pardalotes and White-browed Scrubwrens are all possible. Oblong Turtles inhabit the wetland. Bobtail skinks are regularly seen in the warmer months. The reserve is a genuine urban wildlife hotspot worth regular visits through different seasons.
Is Piney Lakes good for families?
Yes – the flat boardwalk and sealed paths make it accessible for prams and young children. The Quenda are calm enough that patient families can get good views without specialist equipment. The Environment Education Centre is also worth a visit. It’s a great introduction to urban wildlife watching for kids.
How does Piney Lakes compare to other Perth Quenda spots?
Piney Lakes is one of a handful of good urban Quenda locations in Perth. Craigie Bushland in the northern suburbs has a predator-proof fenced area with reintroduced Quenda that are reliable after dark. Victoria Gardens in Claremont is another easy daytime spot. Piney Lakes is particularly good for daytime visits – a rarity for this normally nocturnal species.
Further Reading
- Quenda — full species guide and where to find them in WA
- Craigie Bushland — Quenda, possums and a bat
- Quenda at Victoria Gardens — urban bandicoots near the Perth CBD
- Where to See Wildlife in Western Australia — full location index
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