About the Walking Trails

There are 3 marked walking trails within the wetlands, with a fourth trail (Linear Trail) exiting the park and heading into Mt Barker. You can wander around the wetlands or follow one of the marked walking trails. All hikes begin from the carpark and main entrance is opposite 383-397 Bald Hills Road.

The pathways around the wetlands are constructed to disabled access specifications. They are suitable for walking, prams, dog-walking, cycling, and for those with accessibility issues. Pathways are constructed from compacted dolomite to cater for the disabled. There is plenty of seating provided around the wetlands at approximately 300 metre intervals, to cater for the elderly and young. Please keep dogs on a lead.

There are also several bird-watching ‘hides’, and picnic area with barbecues, picnic tables, benches and shelters and toilet facilities.

Laratinga (Lartingga-parri) Wetland was named after the Peramangk meaning for Mount Barker Creek. The wetlands and mudflats are seasonally dryer and wetter.

A biodiversity assessment has revealed that four frog species are confirmed from Laratinga Reserve. Over 150 bird species have been recorded by local bird watchers, with up to 61 species present at any one time, some with State, Regional and International significance, such as the Latham Snipe. The vulnerable Blue-Billed Duck has bred at Laratinga in the past couple of years along with numerous Little Pied cormorants nesting on the one of the islands. The Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum are regulars at the site. The common long neck tortoise is also commonly seen sun bathing on logs, particularly in Basin 2.

 1. Chestnul Teal Trail, 15mins, 0.75km

A short loop of the eastern end of the wetlands. Begins near the main picnic area and toilets. Some maps mark this trail as yellow.

 2. Rosella Trail, 35mins, 2km

A loop of all the main wetlands. Walk clockwise or anticlockwise, beginning at the main picnic area and toilets.

 3. Sacred Ibis Trail, 45mins, 2.6km

A long loop of all of the wetlands system, including a loop of the main wetlands, and another loop of the smaller western wetland.

 4. Mount Barker Linear Trail, 7km

The shared walkway is from Laratinga Wetlands to Keith Stephenson Park in central Mt Barker, following the local creek line. There are also environment sign markers and cultural art pieces along the trail making it a pleasant afternoon or morning walk.

Visiting the Wetlands

The carpark and main entrance is opposite 383-397 Bald Hills Road. There is a central area near the main entrance with toilets, shelters and bbqs.