Mount Eliza (Western Australia)

Geologically, Mount Eliza is part of the Spearwood Dunal system which were formed during the Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods around 40,000 years ago. This system is identifiable by its yellow brown sands over Tamala limestone.[6] Mount Eliza's soil is of the Karrakatta soil association, formed from calcareous beach sand containing 50-70% calcium carbonate. The leaching of this carbonate overtime has created the limestone bases which have been exposed as the Swan River has receded overtime. A drilling survey in 1971 found that both the escarpment and tableland area had a diverse nature of sand grain, depth and overall fertility. This diversity of sand sheets is explained by the operation of Aeolian deposition and erosion over extended periods of time.[7] Underlying sand loam sheets, with perched water tables are considered highly important for vegetation growth and subsequent stabilisation. The BGPA manages risk associated with geotechnical instability, and between 1995 and 2020 has made two geotechnical inspections with no major concerns.[8]

Low Banksia

Within Mount Eliza's tableland and escarpment area there are 326 species of local native plants growing, which represents close to 15% of the native flora in the Perth region. Within this, 3 major plant communities are supported; limestone health land, banksia woodland and low moist areas.[9]

Prior to European settlement, the bushland would have been dominated by tall Tuart (eucalyptus gomphocephala), Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and Marri (Corymbia calophylla) with Banksia species sub-dominating.[10] Today the bushland is dominated by Banksia species, and the original ecosystem of tall open forest of tuart-jarrah-marri is likely collapsing to be replaced by Banksia and low woodlands. This is a natural sequence, yet some say it has been accelerated by disturbance from settlement.[7]

Over 265 presumed species of macro fungi have been identified within the King parks bushland, and almost all of these species are considered to be indigenous to the area.[11]

Kings park has a wide variety of local birds and invertebrates, with over seventy bird species, twenty reptile species and hundreds of different invertebrates within the bushland of Mount Eliza.[12]

Brown HoneyEater

Kings Park and the Mt Eliza escarpment has been subject to various long-term studies on urban avifauna. A study in 1996 found that the Brown Honeyeater and Red Wattlebird were the two most abundant birds in the Mt Eliza escarpment.[13] In addition, the study found that there was a higher abundance of birds, specifically nectivores during the spring season, likely due to the flowering plants. Despite this increase, there was a relatively small amount of nectivores in the Mt Eliza escarpment compared to other regions studied. Furthermore, a study in 2013 found that the 3 most abundant species in the bushland surrounding Mt Eliza were the Brown Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater and Red Wattlebird.[14]

Invertebrates of significant conservation value such as the Scarp Snail and the trapdoor spider are confined to the Mt Eliza Escarpment of Kings park.[12][10]

Noongar people believe that the Waugal rose from Ga-Ra-Katta (Mt Eliza escarpment) and formed the Derbarl Yerrigan and the Djarlgarro Beelier (the Swan and Canning Rivers).[15] The Waugal is the major spirit for Noongar people and is a snake or rainbow serpent recognised as the giver of life. Gooninup, is a site of great Aboriginal significance at the foot of Mount Eliza as it is believed when the Waugal created the Swan River, Gooninup served as its resting place.[16]

In 1834, the sacred site Gooninup was set aside as a teaching camp for native tribes.[5] A different source proposes that due to escalating violence between the settlers and the Noongar people it was considered expedient to provide the land to local people. By mid-1830's the Mt Eliza Native Institution was providing supplies to around 50 Noongar people, however by 1838 most of the Noongar population had either died or moved away from the area. Shortly after this movement, legislation was put in place which forbade Aboriginal people to enter the city of Perth without written permission and was only repealed in 1954. Thus, restricting aboriginal access to Gooninup for over a century.[17]

Captain James Stirling, Commander of the HMS success inspected the Swan River in 1827 hoping to establish a future colony. Climbing the peak of Mt Eliza, it is said he commented that the surround country, meandering river and distant mountains are 'particularly grand'.

Noongar elder Yellegonga supposedly accepted the newcomers as Stirling founded the Colony of Western Australia at Perth on 1 June 1829.

In 1832, Surveyor General John Septimus Roe refused permission to cut timber on Mt Eliza and indicated it should be reserved for public purposes. However, first export from the colony was 5 tons of Jarrah logged from Mt Eliza in 1836.

In 1896, the upper levels of lots along the Mt Eliza scarp were resumed to Perth park, later named Kings Park.[5]

Lotterywest Federation Walkway path

A variety of Kings park tourist activities are interlinked with Mt Eliza such as, aboriginal cultural experiences, guided walks, walkways and overall sightseeing.

Since opening in 2003, the 52-meter elevated steel and glass bridge is one of Kings Park most notable tourist attractions. It is said that Mt Eliza performs a mediating role between the city and the bushland of Kings Park, the Federation walkway is intended to allow visitors to appreciate this distinction and appreciate the heritage of the landscape.[18] Local Noongar artwork is incorporated in the design of the walkway with metal drawings into the bridge and a tiered performance area at the end of the walkway named Beedawong.[19]

Beedawong meaning 'celebration' or 'meeting place' is a stone amphitheatre located on the tableland area of Mt Eliza, west of the federation walkway. The venue was constructed in 2003 to provide a place for ongoing Noongar cultural activities and visitor activities.[20]

Kings Park State War Memorial

The Western Australian War Memorial is situated at the peak of Mt Eliza and was unveiled on 24 November 1929 by the State Governor Sir William Campion. It can be described as a granite obelisk (cenotaph) surrounded by loggia in which the names of those who died in or out of service are inscribed.[21] In addition to the Cenotaph, the memorial precinct in Kings Park includes the court of contemplation, flame of remembrance and pool of reflection. The Cenotaph is said to include names of more than 7,000 members of service.

This memorial is said to be iconic as it receives more than 40,000 visitors each year during the Anzac Day Dawn Service.[22]

In 1895, 450 acres of land was excised from the public park land which was then titled 'public park Mt Eliza'. Construction of Mt Eliza reservoir for Perth's Water supply was then commenced on this land.[5] 1896 was a period of rapid population growth in Perth which resulted in a strain on the city's water supply. It is said that some households in Perth went without water for days since the path connecting to the Mount Eliza reservoir was too small.[23] This original reservoir was demolished in 1935 to make way for new reservoirs which remain a key component in Perth's water supply system. The first pond constructed in 1986 had capacity for 786,000 gallons, the 2nd with 2,413,000 gallons (1901), the 3rd with 10,153,000 gallons (1912) and the 4th with 13,600,000 gallons (1924). In 1934 ponds 1 and 2 were incorporated to provide 10,000,000 gallons of water.[24] Mt Eliza is a service reservoir which supports the greater functioning of the Victoria reservoir.