Preston Beach: Trails, Birdwatching and Local Art

Preston Beach brings together waterside trails, birdwatching and local art. At Lake Preston, the Lake Preston Trail follows the shore to a viewing platform right by the water. From the platform on the trail, you can watch waterbirds that visit the area. The Heathlands Walk Trail offers a different experience: its gentle climb leads to a limestone ridge and a lookout over Lake Preston; from there, it passes through a tree tunnel to the water’s edge. The trailheads are located on Preston Beach Road. Check local conditions on the Lake Preston Trail before setting out.

Comparing trails and landscapes

The Lake Pollard Walk Trail adds a different kind of vegetation to the selection: the route passes through stands of tuart, peppermint and grass trees. This trail therefore puts vegetation at the forefront as a distinctive feature of the landscape.

The trails offer a clear choice: Lake Preston is defined by its shore and waterbirds, the Heathlands Walk Trail by its climb to the lookout and tree tunnel, and the Lake Pollard Walk Trail by the plants described above. You can choose based on the natural feature that interests you most.

Nature watching across the wider travel region

Nature watching is also a focus across the wider travel region. Yalgorup National Park and the surrounding lakes attract native wildlife and birdlife. The area has bird hides and viewing platforms, a boardwalk and several walking trails. This regional perspective extends beyond the individual trails at Preston Beach: alongside the lakes and vegetation found in specific places, the wider natural area includes lakes, wildlife and other places to observe nature.

Art and history in Preston Beach

Art takes different forms in Preston Beach. At the entrance to town, a series of carved Bush Poles by Merle and Tony Davis welcomes visitors; it is part of the Heritage Bush Poles project. A mural at the Preston Beach Community Centre by Melski McVee and the local community depicts the region’s native flora and fauna. Across the wider travel region, the Heritage Bush Poles are spread throughout Waroona, Hamel, Preston Beach and Lake Navarino Holiday Park. The carvings depict local industries and wildlife, including trout, marrons, mining tools and red-tailed black cockatoos. The works connect a specific sense of place with a region-wide art project: the mural features native plants and animals, while the Bush Poles also depict local industries.

Preston Beach’s history includes major fishing competitions that the town hosted in the past. This look back adds Preston Beach’s former role as an event venue to its nature and art themes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bremer Bay, Middle Island, Northcliffe, Narrikup, Yanchep, Warmun, Rosa Glen, Meadow Springs

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.