Herdsman Lake
A serene wetland haven with scenic walking paths, abundant birdlife, and an engaging Discovery Centre for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird breeding season
Herdsman Lake
Best Time
Peak bird breeding season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene wetland haven with scenic walking paths, abundant birdlife, and an engaging Discovery Centre for all ages.
"This lake has beautiful view and peaceful environment. And we can find black-swans."
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop
The 8km loop around Herdsman Lake offers beautiful city and lake views. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
💰 Discovery Centre Value
Entry to the Discovery Centre is just $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Olive Seymour Boardwalk
Herdsman Lake Regional Park
Wander through paperbark forests and over water, spotting diverse birdlife, fish, and insects on this accessible loop trail.
Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre
Herdsman Lake
Meet native animals, watch feeding sessions, and engage in hands-on nature activities perfect for curious minds.
+1
Wetland Ecosystem Exploration
Herdsman Lake
Experience a rich ecosystem with diverse bird species, including black swans, and observe aquatic life through activities like net scooping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Birdwatching
Discovery Centre Value
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop
The 8km loop around Herdsman Lake offers beautiful city and lake views. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
💰 Discovery Centre Value
Entry to the Discovery Centre is just $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
🦢 Birdwatching Hotspot
Bring binoculars for incredible birdwatching opportunities, especially during breeding seasons.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no public toilets or drinking water fountains, so pack essentials.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop
The 8km loop around Herdsman Lake offers beautiful city and lake views. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
💰 Discovery Centre Value
Entry to the Discovery Centre is just $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
🦢 Birdwatching Hotspot
Bring binoculars for incredible birdwatching opportunities, especially during breeding seasons.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no public toilets or drinking water fountains, so pack essentials.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths
Well-behaved pets are welcome on leashes for walks around the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Herdsman Lake for its beautiful views, peaceful environment, and rich ecosystem, making it ideal for relaxing walks and birdwatching. The well-maintained trails and the affordable Discovery Centre are highlights, though the lack of public toilets and drinking water is a noted drawback.
"This lake has beautiful view and peaceful environment. And we can find black-swans. As we didn't have plan to come to this place, we thought that we experienced wonderful view."
Tetsuya Oda
"Good water reservoir with well-paved, maintained, and marked walking and biking trails.
The area is huge with lots of birds, plants, resting benches, viewpoints, outdoor picnic spots, and waterway ponds.
It's peaceful and relaxing to go for morning and evening walks. We can also take our pets for walking.
Children love the lake as they get see fishes, swans, pelicans, night heroines, and other beautiful birds.
The open space with good grass is good to sit down, relax, and chit-chat. However, there is no single public toilet. You need to bring your water as there is no drinking water."
Sherab Tenzin
"A little slushy to walk around right now (August 2025), but beautiful against the brilliant-blue winter sky."
Peter Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Herdsman Lake is accessible by car with good parking available. Public transport options are also available, though may require a walk from the nearest bus stop.
Yes, Herdsman Lake features well-paved and marked cycling trails, making it a great spot for a bike ride.
The Olive Seymour Boardwalk is a grade one, 500-meter loop trail suitable for wheelchair users with assistance.
There are good car parks available around Herdsman Lake, providing convenient access to the walking and cycling paths.
While the lake itself is prominent, the Discovery Centre is tucked away. Following signs for the Discovery Centre or using GPS is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre is very affordable at $5 per person. Children under 2 are often free.
Walking the trails around Herdsman Lake and enjoying the natural scenery is free. The Discovery Centre has a small entry fee.
The Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM.
For general visits, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website for special events or group bookings.
Herdsman Lake is a significant wetland environment and a regional park, managed to preserve its ecological value.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Herdsman Lake is a haven for birdlife, including black swans, pelicans, and various wading birds. You can also spot fish and insects.
Yes, there are outdoor picnic spots around Herdsman Lake, offering a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The main loop trail around Herdsman Lake is approximately 8 kilometers, offering a substantial walk or cycle.
With its diverse birdlife, scenic wetlands, and city views, Herdsman Lake is a great location for nature and landscape photography.
Yes, there are a couple of playgrounds located around the lake, making it a family-friendly destination.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are picnic spots, there are no dedicated restaurants or cafes directly at Herdsman Lake. The Herdsman Lake Tavern is nearby for dining.
Absolutely! Herdsman Lake is a perfect spot for a picnic, and bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged.
It's advisable to bring your own snacks as amenities are limited. The nearest shops would be a short drive away.
The Herdsman Lake Tavern is a notable nearby dining option, known for its steak sandwiches.
While picnic spots are available, dedicated BBQ facilities are not explicitly mentioned. It's best to confirm on-site or bring a portable setup if permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The Olive Seymour Boardwalk offers stunning shots of the wetlands and paperbark trees. The walking paths provide panoramic views of the lake and city skyline.
A telephoto lens is great for capturing distant birdlife, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for the expansive wetland landscapes.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Early mornings also provide calmer conditions and active wildlife.
Yes, photography of the native animals at the Discovery Centre is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the animals' well-being and any posted restrictions.
The mysterious lines or geoglyphs resembling Atacama desert patterns have been noted, offering a unique, albeit unexplained, photographic subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will love the native animal exhibits, feeding sessions, and hands-on nature crafts. +1 Beyond the centre, the lake has playgrounds and plenty of open space for running around. Remember to pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited. 🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
The well-maintained paths provide a scenic backdrop for your workout, with views of the lake and city. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle inclines, offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment. It's a popular spot for morning exercise, allowing you to enjoy the cooler temperatures and active wildlife. 🐦 Birdwatchers & Nature Lovers
Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for wildlife viewing. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wetlands: A Biodiversity Hotspot
The lake's environment is characterized by rushes and paperbark forests, creating unique habitats. The Olive Seymour Boardwalk provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to walk directly through these environments and observe aquatic life like fish and insects up close.
This makes it an excellent location for nature enthusiasts and those interested in ecological studies, as highlighted by science students' excursions. For those keen on understanding the lake's health, activities like water quality testing and invertebrate scooping offer hands-on learning opportunities.
The presence of these diverse species underscores the ecological significance of Herdsman Lake as a protected regional park. The Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre: An Educational Gem
+1 Visitors can witness feeding sessions and even have the chance to interact with some of the creatures, providing a memorable encounter with local wildlife. This centre is designed for learning through play, making it ideal for toddlers and young children who love to connect with nature.
Activities often include hands-on exploration, meeting small creatures, and participating in nature-based crafts. It's a fantastic option for days when the weather might not be ideal for outdoor activities, offering a warm and engaging indoor environment. The centre's focus on local fauna, from insects to reptiles like Bobby the Bobtail lizard, provides a comprehensive introduction to the region's biodiversity.
It’s a well-kept secret that offers significant value and a chance for children to develop an appreciation for the natural world. Walking and Cycling Trails: Scenic Routes for All
These paths are not only great for a brisk walk or cycle but also offer a peaceful environment for a leisurely stroll.
The trails are also suitable for pets on leashes, making it a great place to bring your furry companions. For those seeking a more accessible experience, the Olive Seymour Boardwalk is a grade one, 500-meter loop that is wheelchair-friendly with assistance.
This ensures that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Herdsman Lake. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit