Bayswater: History, Wetland and Trails

Bayswater combines historic local connections with opportunities for walking, experiencing nature and cycling. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bayswater, the kind of stay you’re seeking can be a useful first filter: are you mainly interested in local history, a wetland, or trails and recreational activities? Historic sites, a loop trail, and park and cycling facilities each offer a different focus.

Historic Sites and Houses

The 17 signs along the Bayswater Heritage Trail point to historic sites on King William Street, Whatley Crescent, Murray Street and Hamilton Street. The trail draws attention to several historic points of interest, rather than just a single building. If you’d like to get to know Bayswater through its local history, the signs offer a thematic introduction; the street names help locate the information.

One example is Ellis House. Construction began in 1912; the house originally served as the local dairy for the Ellis family, who immigrated from Britain in 1911. The two dates refer to different events: 1911 marks the family’s immigration, while 1912 marks the start of construction. This distinction helps separate the family’s history from the building’s history. The City of Bayswater restored Ellis House in 1995.

Halliday House adds another aspect of local heritage. The Bayswater Historical Society converted the house into a heritage centre and museum. Ellis House thus represents its former use as a local dairy and the history of the Ellis family, while Halliday House represents its conversion into a heritage centre and museum.

Wetland and Recreation

A walking trail loops around the wetland at Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary and is a popular place for a stroll. The sanctuary also has an accessible area where people can experience the wetland. These two features have different focuses: the loop trail and the accessible area for experiencing the wetland. When planning your visit, you can consider which of these aspects matters more to you.

The Bayswater BMX and Mountain Bike Facility offers a different kind of experience. It includes a pump track and a mountain bike practice area. Unlike the walking trail by the wetland, it focuses on cycling and practice.

Town Centre, Riverside and Getting There

Bayswater’s town centre is a lively urban main street with a distinctive local character. It is one kilometre from the banks of the Swan River. Riverside Gardens is on the river in Bayswater and has barbecue facilities and public toilets. If you’d like to include a park with these facilities in your outdoor plans, Riverside Gardens is a specific option to consider.

Cyclists and pedestrians can reach Bayswater via the Perth-Midland Principal Shared Path, a protected cycling path along the railway line. The path is also suitable for prams, scooters, roller skates and wheelchairs. Bayswater is also served by the Midland and Airport railway lines, which run between Perth City and Midland. So, both the shared path for cyclists and pedestrians and the two railway lines are options to consider when planning how to get there.

Discover more destinations: South Guildford, Kings Park, Oombulgurri, Mount Barker, Pinjarra, Binningup, Mullaloo, Kelmscott

For the full travel overview: Western Australia.