Wetlands Viewing Area

From within the Acacia Garden a short detour leads to the viewing platform in the northern Wetland where a large range of native wetland plant species may be observed. This wetland, and the one at the south end of the Gardens, are shallow swamps perched in the swales of the old sand dunes on which these Gardens are situated.

These wetlands support a succession of plants from the deepest water to the damp edge. In the deepest parts are tall clumps of Spike Rush (Eleocharis sphacelata), Lepironia articulata, and Sword Grass (Gahnia sieberiana), while in the shallower waters the Water Ribbons (Triglochin procerum) grows, whilst near the edge are thick masses of Gahnia clarkei. In the damp peaty sand above the normal water level are the ferns Blechnum indicum, and Gleichenia species and the large leafed Banksia robor, and the soft green masses of curley Baloskion tetraphyllum, (syn. Restio tetraphyllus).

Also around the wetland edges are Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) and the Broad-leafed Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquinervia), as well as the shrubby species Banksia spinulosa, Leptospermun juniperinum and Callistemon citrinus. The Swamp Mahogany trees which are an important food source for the local koala population.