Parks and properties
The Department manages two important parks and other significant areas of regional open space in Perth and regional areas, to preserve the natural environment for the enjoyment of the community.
Located in the foothills of Perth with its deeply shaded valleys, Araluen Botanic Park in Roleystone has been part of the Perth landscape since 1929. It was created by J.J Simons who established it as a holiday camp for the Young Australia League. 'Araluen' is an Eastern States Aboriginal word meaning 'singing waters', 'running waters' or 'place of lilies'.
Much loved in recent times for its tulip displays, terraced gardens and winding pathways, Araluen was purchased by the State Government in 1990. Since then, the Park has continued to be expanded, its heritage buildings restored and the park drought-proofed to develop a world class botanic park.
See the Araluen Botanic Park web site.
Whiteman Park
Located in the Swan Valley in the upper reaches of the Swan River, Whiteman Park covers more than 3700 hectares, eight times the size of Kings Park. Nearly half of this is designated as a conservation reserve.
The Park takes its name from Mr Lew Whiteman (1903-1994), a prominent local identity an enthusiastic and eclectic collector. His family settled in Guildford from England in the late 19 th century and in the 1940s, Lew acquired land around what is now known as Mussel Pool.
The State Government bought this and other land in the 1970s to form Whiteman Park.
Today, Whiteman Park is home to the historic Whiteman Collection, a tractor and motor museum, a restored and operating passenger train and tram network, spectacular playgrounds, a network of bike and walk paths, international-standard sporting facilities and picnic areas.
The Caversham Wildlife Park, Perth's premier native animal park, has recently been relocated next to the Whiteman Park village.
See the Whiteman Park website and Caversham wildlife park site.
Regional parks
To preserve important reserves of bushland and regional recreation facilities, the Department purchases land to be kept as regional parks.
Land at Herdsman Lake, Canning River, Yellagonga, Beeliar, Jandakot, Rockingham, Darling Range and Woodmans Point has been protected in this way which will ultimately be managed by the relevant local governments and the Conservation Commission.
Buying and selling land to safeguard our future
The Department is involved in buying land that is needed for important initiatives such as freeway extensions, railways and protection of urban bushland, river foreshores and wetlands.
Conversely, land that is no longer required for public purposes is sold and the funds used to purchase other land to meet the requirements of a growing population and protect our lifestyle that is the envy by many around the world.
See also Bush Forever
