The Big Swamp is a large urban wetland (31 ha) located within the south west city of Bunbury.It is located on Prince Philip Drive in South Bunbury. The Big Swamp is adjacent to a fabulous children's playground, and the Bunbury Wildlife Park and Cafe.
It is surrounded by the Big Swamp Walk, an easy, 2km bitumen and boardwalk trail. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists, prams, wheelchairs and dogs on leash. There are toilets, seating and car parking. Although the Big Swamp wetland has a long history of human disturbance, it provides important habitat and refuge for many native species including the Long-necked (or Snake-necked) Turtle. It is on the register of wetlands covered by the Environmental Protection (Swan Coastal Lakes) Policy 1992 in the 'Resource Enhancement' category. This applies to wetlands 'which may have been partially modified but still support substantial ecological attributes and functions.' (Wetlands mapping - Swan Coastal Plain at www.dpaw.wa.gov.au) It is therefore recognised as a regionally significant conservation and recreation area under the Greater Bunbury Region Scheme. Big Swamp is a vital asset to the environment of the greater Bunbury Area. The wetland is popular for bird enthusiasts and there are a number of lookouts. It is visited by over 80 species of birds, and is a permanent home to waterbirds such as the Purple Swamphen. Typical of urban wetlands there are many management issues and Friends of Big Swamp, together with the City of Bunbury play an active role in seeking to address these. |
The Big Swamp is a vital asset to the environment and health of the greater Bunbury area." 
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History and Cultural Connections
The area was originally an aboriginal hunting ground. The indigenous custodians of the area are the Wardandi Clan. A beautiful, locally produced mosiac artwork at Big Swamp today celebrates the early history of the area and is introduced by the statement Yoo walkool doyintj - doyintj. Ngarlak Kany Boodjera, meaning Coming together, we are one with the Land.
Following western settlement, the area was used for stock grazing, and the swamp was subsequently cleared for market gardening. Later the area was a landfill site. In the early 1960s, Bunbury's growth in housing and population put a greater demand on the already historic problem of water supply, drainage and sewerage. Inadequate drainage and near annual flooding created a mosquito problem. Barely adequate sewerage created the fear of an outbreak of disease.
To help solve these problems, the Bunbury Council decided to undertake an expensive and extensive drainage programme, creating an ornamental lake or wetland, hence the Big Swamp was created. The wetland area once extended from Beach Road in the north to Constitution St in the south. The vegetation seen today was established by The City of Bunbury and hard working volunteers, the Friends of the Big Swamp.
In 1995, Big Swamp was modified again to enhance its value as habitat and make some parts more accessible to the community. Some areas were dredged to provide deeper water and islands were created and planted. The perimeter path and board walks were built.
Some historical photographs are included here, which highlight how very much has been achieved in the creation of the thriving natural habitat at Big Swamp we enjoy today. The work of the City of Bunbury, Friends of Big Swamp and many volunteer hours have transformed the area into a leafy and beautiful place that is an important habitat and a recreation area greatly enjoyed by the local community.
Following western settlement, the area was used for stock grazing, and the swamp was subsequently cleared for market gardening. Later the area was a landfill site. In the early 1960s, Bunbury's growth in housing and population put a greater demand on the already historic problem of water supply, drainage and sewerage. Inadequate drainage and near annual flooding created a mosquito problem. Barely adequate sewerage created the fear of an outbreak of disease.
To help solve these problems, the Bunbury Council decided to undertake an expensive and extensive drainage programme, creating an ornamental lake or wetland, hence the Big Swamp was created. The wetland area once extended from Beach Road in the north to Constitution St in the south. The vegetation seen today was established by The City of Bunbury and hard working volunteers, the Friends of the Big Swamp.
In 1995, Big Swamp was modified again to enhance its value as habitat and make some parts more accessible to the community. Some areas were dredged to provide deeper water and islands were created and planted. The perimeter path and board walks were built.
Some historical photographs are included here, which highlight how very much has been achieved in the creation of the thriving natural habitat at Big Swamp we enjoy today. The work of the City of Bunbury, Friends of Big Swamp and many volunteer hours have transformed the area into a leafy and beautiful place that is an important habitat and a recreation area greatly enjoyed by the local community.
