Matilda Bay Reserve - Department of Environment and Conservation

1. OVERVIEWMatilda Bay Reserve is a thin strip of land between Hackett Drive and the Swan River's low watermark (Map 1). The Reserve extends from Mounts Bay Road just north of Cygnet Hall, south to thewindsurfing ramp past Pelican Point. It is gazetted for Recreation.The Reserve, like national parks, marine parks, nature reserves and marine nature reserves in WesternAustralia, is vested in the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority and managed by theDepartment of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). Matilda Bay Reserve is an 'A' classreserve covering 20.6 ha. An 'A' class reserve is one which requires the consent of both Houses ofParliament for any changes to occur in either purpose or boundaries. Most of the Reserve is locatedwithin the City of Subiaco with a small part at the northern end in the City of Perth (Map 2).During weekdays, the Reserve is mainly used by people from the University of Western Australia. Onweekends and on weekday evenings, especially in summer, visitors are mainly family and socialgroups as well as those going to the yacht clubs..A number of leases occur on the Reserve. These include three sailing clubs, two rowing clubs, thePelican Point Sea Scouts, a kiosk and a restaurant. The Reserve contains two CALM offices andprovides for car parking for users as well as CALM staff. Over the years students have increasinglyused the Reserve for parking. A well used bicycle path/footpath traverses the Reserve, and a boatramp is available for public use.The Reserve is managed by CALM and has a full-time maintenance worker.Matilda Bay Reserve's values include -• a parkland setting and scenic qualities that have attracted visitors from the Perth 9 metropolitanarea, the country, interstate and overseas for nearly a century; and• picnicking, walking, swimming and boating opportunities.A specific characteristic of Matilda Bay Reserve is that it provides a link between the University ofWestern Australia and the Swan River. Together, with the yacht clubs, they form an harmoniouslandscape and visual resource.2