This year we will explore the water bodies, rivers and coasts around the Perth Metropolitan area. This has been chosen due to the uncertainties around COVID. Our branches will lead a walk in their backyard from Monday 16 to Friday 20 May so there is an opportunity for most of our members to attend.

Where: Guilderton – coast and Moore River estuary. The mouth of the Moore River was originally known as Gabbadah, an Aboriginal term meaning “mouthful of water”, until its gazetting as a town in 1951, though the name Moore River remained in use for many years. The river mouth regularly opens and closes depending on the seasons, and alternates between a closed lagoon and a tidal estuary. The name Guiderton is after the Dutch Guilders presumably from the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon), Dutch trading shipwrecked on a reef north of the river-mouth near Ledge Point in 1656, which carried thousands of guilders worth of silver coins.

Optional Boat Tour with Moore River Cruises following the walk. On his Discovery Cruise Phil explains the history, natural dunes, forests, fish and wildlife, but needs a minimum of 6 adults, the maximum is 24. Very reasonable cost of $25 per head ($15 for kids) for a 1½-hour cruise about 4-5km upstream and return. Please indicate on your RSVP if you would be interested in this.

Bring morning tea and lunch and suitable clothing for walking and boat cruising.

Starts at 9 am from the Carpark off Gordon Street near the Yoodook Karla Kada Staircase Lookout.