Stories that weave through the dunes
A series of family-friendly trails, the Alkimos Beach Interpretive Signage Trails have been designed to help the community understand and care for this special place.
Alkimos Beach is located on Whadjuk Noongar land, traditionally a place of transition for the Whadjuk people between Mooro Country to the south and Waylo’s Country to the north. Now, with many people from diverse backgrounds moving into the area, Alkimos remains a place of welcoming, transition and sharing.
In this same spirit of sharing, the walkable and rideable trails aim to inform and inspire. Connecting a series of informational signs, the trails provide interesting facts about the region’s Noongar history, recent history, sustainability and flora and fauna.
The self-guided trails are perfect for a family outing, so slap on a hat and sunscreen, and head to the Alkimos Beach Sales & Information Centre to pick up a copy of the Interpretive Signage Trail map, or download it here.
Family Loop – 2km (approx. 25min)
The Family Loop takes in some of the favourite playgrounds at Alkimos Beach. Starting at Bryde Park, make your way to Bristlebird Park where the kids can enjoy the swings, slide and climbing areas, while you can relax at the shady picnic and barbecue areas.
Next, head up to the Providence Park lookout where you will catch views of the Indian Ocean and learn about sustainability measures at Alkimos Beach. Following the loop south, pass through Leatherback Oval, popular with local sporting teams and dog walkers, and the location of the Bike Safety Course where kids can learn the road rules on a special track.
Finally, you will visit Graceful Park, with another selection of imaginative play equipment and picnic areas. Here, you can listen to a selection of eight audio stories relating to different cultural and environmental layers of Alkimos Beach, including a Welcome to Country from local Noongar leaders.
Park to Ocean – 2km (approx. 25min one-way)
The Park to Ocean trail will guide you through the more established Alkimos Beach neighbourhoods with stops in various parks along the way. Like the Family Loop, it is a great trail for the whole family to venture out on bikes and scooters, or to enjoy on foot.
From Bristlebird Park follow the road south to Pectoral Park lookout. Once you’ve enjoyed the view from the lookout, head west, passing Leatherback Oval and the Fitness Park (head up to Sunset Peak for another spectacular view, or stop for some exercise on the outdoor gym!).
You’ll then pass through the community’s newest green space, Pangolin Park, with its timber climbing and play equipment, shady picnic areas and established trees, before heading toward the beach for a cooling swim.
The Beach Loop – 1.7km (approx. 35min)
The Beach Loop is a moderately challenging coastal walking trail starting at the Alkimos Surf Life Saving Club. From here, stay on the trail as it climbs the dune to the Alkimos Beach look out, where you can take in the stunning vista across the beach to the wreck of the ill-fated SS Alkimos, which is submerged in the waters to the north. There are also stunning views of the community to the east.
Next, head down to the shoreline and follow the beach south before heading back through the undulating dunes along the south beach access path to the Alkimos Beach Surf Life Saving car park.
To learn more about the traditional stories of Alkimos, download a copy of the book Alkimos, Land by the Ocean. This book of stories was developed in collaboration with local Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners and is provided to all new residents in the Alkimos Beach community.
Together, we hope to share the stories of Alkimos Beach and keep alive the history of this ancient land in a new age.