While human impacts have changed the landscape in some parts of Western Australia, population numbers of the iconic pink and grey galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) seem to be benefitting from the changes.

Once thought to be extinct, this wiry entangled shrub certainly lives up to its name—tangle wattle (Acacia volubilis)—with volubilis, meaning twining, in reference to the twisted, tangled and twining habit of the plant. Scientists are taking a closer look at the species that is only found in a small area in the Wheatbelt. 

At the northern end of Yellagonga Regional Park, overlooking Lake Joondalup, a new family-friendly urban mountain bike trail network weaves through the trees. It’s the jewel in the crown of this newly developed, family-friendly area. 

There’s more to Yanchep National Park than kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras. At Wangi Mia, Alex Gore and his son, Luca, joined Derek Nannup for a unique Aboriginal cultural experience to learn about Noongar culture in Western Australia’s south-west.

Scent detection dogs have proven to be useful in many fields—sniffing out illegal substances and smuggled animals at airports, helping rescuers search for survivors among the rubble of an earthquake, assisting with medical research in detecting certain cancers, and even helping commercial pest controllers to find bed bugs. Now, following successful trials, dogs will be used in WA and Australia as part of an innovative Saving Native Species Program to detect a ‘biological bulldozer’— Phytophthora cinnamomi. 

Everyone is welcome in the new South Coast Marine Park, which protects southern right whale nurseries, kelp forests, vulnerable seal and sea lion colonies, and precious reefs while maintaining opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing. 

It may be tiny, but the polyphagous shot-hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) is having a big impact on Perth’s urban tree canopy. First detected in a suburban backyard in East Fremantle, this wood-boring beetle has since infested more than 3700 trees. 

Nestled between the amazing Southern Ocean, the rich karri forests around Denmark and Pemberton, and the vibrant Golden Outback, ‘Mountain Country’ is one of Western Australia’s unique wilderness hotspots. Visitors can wander in the wild of Mountain Country through the rugged Stirling Range National Park, the ancient Porongurup National Park, and the vibrant surrounding towns in the Great Southern region of WA. 

With more than 40 species and an array of cultivars, the bottlebrushes are an iconic captivating plant with distinctive bottlebrush-shaped flowers. Bottlebrushes belong to the genus Callistemon, derived from two ancient Greek words; calli and stemon, which translates to beautiful stamens, referring to the soft, colourful, pollen-tipped filaments arranged in a cylindrical spike. 

Dwarfed by the towering tingle and karri trees, visitors to the Walpole Wilderness can’t help but feel the undeniable magic of the place. While the famous Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire have been drawing people to the area for decades, a new mountain biking and walking trail network will soon lure adventurers to experience the majesty of the ancient forest from a whole new perspective. 

Birds of prey, or raptors, have a unique place in Australian culture and mythology. They are a symbol of power, vision, speed and audacity, fascinating us from the ground as they soar high above, with their impressive wingspans and hunting accuracy. 

Porongurup National Park, is about 40 minutes’ drive from Albany on Western Australia’s south coast, and is home to the spectacular Porongurup Range. The granite peaks of the range rise and fall for 12 kilometres, reaching to 670 metres high and provide views of the Stirling Range and—on a clear day—the Southern Ocean. 

Feral cats top the list of the most destructive species in Australia, costing the economy a huge $18.5 billion over the last 60 years in damage and population control measures. In Western Australia, new technology and community-based action, backed by a nation-first strategy, are helping control feral cats to protect our precious wildlife and biodiversity.

Ultra marathon running has all the luster of athletic events with less pace-focused seriousness, and the bonus biophilic benefits of spending time in nature. Lauren Cabrera was one of hundreds of runners who took to the trails in and around the Margaret River region this year to participate in an 80-kilometre route from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup as part of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon event.

Visitors to the annual Karijini Experience enjoyed a diverse and inclusive program of high-quality arts and cultural experiences, while also forging a connection with the homeland of the Banjima people, amongst the awe-inspiring landscape of Karijini National Park. 

After settling in Western Australia with a well-developed appreciation of nature, Sue Harper was awestruck by the resident wildlife of Perth’s Swan and Canning rivers. Her love for the rivers’ resident dolphins and bird life led her to volunteer as a citizen scientist and develop impressive skills as a nature photographer. 

The forests of south-west Australia, known by the Noongar Traditional Owners as djarlimari, are rich in biodiversity but are facing serious threats from a changing climate. Scientists are looking into the development and application of adaptive management strategies that may help reduce the impact.

Participation in trail activities is at an all-time high, making it an ideal time to venture out and revel in nature. Popular regional towns Collie and Dwellingup have just been recognised as Western Australia’s premier Mountain Bike Trail Towns by Trails WA.