Leicester Reserve

Leicester Reserve is a wetland edged reserve off Leicester Ramble in Eaton, near Bunbury, with natural trails running along the Collie River. It doubles as one of the shire's designated dog exercise areas, so a riverside birdwatching walk and a proper off lead run happen in the same visit.

Pepsi: swans on the wetland, dog on lead near the water and free running everywhere else.

The dog setup

The shire lists the stretch from Leicester Wetlands through to Watson Street Reserve as a dog exercise area without time restrictions, which is unusual flexibility for a wetland reserve. The freedom is bounded: dogs are banned from the possum sanctuary sections and other designated bushland pockets, and lead rules apply around the playground and barbecue areas. The boundaries are specific, so read the signage on site before unclipping. Carry a lead, keep effective control and pick up.

Worth knowing

This is wildlife country. Black swans and other waterbirds feed along the wetlands, and pelicans work the river. A dog with a strong prey drive needs a short leash near the water's edge, both for the birds' sake and because a swan can hold its own. Tracks are natural dirt and gravel, and the wetland edges turn muddy after rain with water levels moving through the year. There are no toilets or facilities at the reserve itself; the connected trail leads to Watson Reserve for parking, gazebos and public toilets.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is reached from Forrest Highway and Panizza Road, and the reserve is open around the clock. Parking is on street along Leicester Ramble and thins out near the entrance, so many visitors start at Watson Reserve and walk the connecting trail in instead. Bus stops around Eaton Drive and Treendale are a short walk away.

While you're out there

Early mornings and late afternoons combine quiet paths with the best light over the wetlands; weekends draw more families to the playground side. For a longer outing, walk the wetland trail through to Watson Reserve. Eaton Tavern is close by for a sit down afterwards, and on a Bunbury day trip Dome Cafe at Koombana Bay does outdoor tables by the water. More walks across Western Australia and around Eaton.