Kuljak Island is located within the Ascot Waters Estate and is a little island surrounded by the Swan River that used to be a waste tip but is now a thriving bushland and wetland with an abundance of native flora and birdlife to experience as you walk or ride the 2.6 kms around it. It’s pretty much located midway between the city and the airport. How lucky are we to have pieces of nature like this in the heart of our beautiful Perth city?!
The island is easily accessed by a vehicle access bridge onto the island. The first lower car park on the left right after the bridge is the best access to the outside trail of the island.
I recommend going clockwise around the island from the carpark as there is a nice garden you can walk through on the way back to the carpark at the other end as a nice contrast to all the natural beauty you’ll see along the way. There is a compacted pathway all the way around the edge of the island that is perfect for walking, riding a bike or for a jogger pram. Several picnic shelters are located across the island also, so there are plenty of locations to enjoy a packed lunch and take in the view. There are also a couple of sandy spots to launch your kayaks or standup paddle boards close to the carpark.
The view varies as you make your way around the island from the boat pen at the Ascot Marina to views of the Belmont and Maylands Foreshore, native bushland and wildflowers and colourful wetlands.
The track around the island is well compacted. There could be some muddy and washed out parts during heavy rains however.
The elevated view over the wetland area on the west side of the island is just stunning.
On the east side of the island is a walk bridge that takes you back to the Ascot mainland and there is a beautiful garden with water feature that’s worth a look on your way back to the main carpark.
At the end of bridge, turn right and wander down the shared pathway to the jetty. You can admire the beautiful homes along the rivers edge here as you make your way along the shared path to the jetty.
The jetty features some seating that looks towards the island and there are a couple of plaques with information on the local bird life. It’s a nice spot to stop and watch the bird life. Kuljak means ‘Black Swan’ and while I didn’t see any black swans there were plenty of pelicans, ducks and water birds putting on a display.
It’s just a short walk along the jetty that takes you to Freshwater Park where there is a water feature and beautiful garden to wander.
From Freshwater Park it’s just a short walk back to the main vehicle bridge to the lower car park.
There are several walk trails that intersect the island’s outer trail, as well as a grassed area and concrete path around the grassed area in the middle of the island. You can see the top of the Perth city buildings from here. Dogs are required to remain on a lead in this area and there is a second car park here also that’s only a short walk to the lower carpark and outside trail, if the lower car park is full.
If you want to grab a coffee before, after or during your walk. Kilns Cafe is just short drive away or a short walk from Freshwater Park. It’s open daily and is open early until mid afternoon. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, with a water bowl for your dog available.
Kuljak Island Ascot is the perfect place for an inner city suburban nature walk, bike ride or standup paddleboard. The island is clean, safe and was popular with dog walkers and families during my visit. I loved the contrast between the wetlands and bushland and the fancy homes and pristine man-made gardens.
Click here for larger trail map
Start: Kuljak Island lower carpark
Distance: ~2.6km
Time: ~1 hour
Toilets: None
Cafe Nearby: Kilns Cafe – a short walk from Freshwater Park or just a short drive away. Open Daily.
Dogs: Permitted on a lead on the island.
Map: See trail map above or open Google map here
Note: there is no fishing allowed on the island or bridges and you are not permitted to fly drones on the island either.
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Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.