CHURCHLANDS BUSHLAND
Churchlands Bushland is one of the largest remaining areas of remnant urban bushland in Perth's western suburbs. It is located between Empire Avenue, Pearson Street, Newman College, and the Churchlands Green estate in Perth, Western Australia.
Although the area has never been formally recognised as a public bushland reserve, it has become a well-loved natural space featuring mature Tuart, Marri, and Jarrah trees, ancient Zamia Palms, native wildlife and informal walking trails. It provides valuable habitat for birds, contributes to Perth's urban canopy and forms part of an important ecological link between Bold Park, Herdsman Lake, and surrounding reserves.
The bushland also has a fascinating history. It forms part of the historic Stephenson Highway reservation first proposed in Perth's 1955 Stephenson-Hepburn Plan and was home to the former WA Police Horse Stables between 1953 and 1976.
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Precise boundaries of the Churchlands Bushland in 2026.
Unlike many areas of urban bushland across Perth, Churchlands Bushland was never intentionally set aside as a nature reserve. Instead, it remained largely untouched because it formed part of the long-standing Stephenson Highway road reservation first proposed in 1955.
As surrounding suburbs, schools and sporting facilities were developed over the following decades, the bushland remained largely untouched, allowing significant areas of native vegetation to persist.
In recent years, the bushland has become the focus of growing community interest through local advocacy, bushland clean-up events and discussions about its long-term future. While the land remains under review by State Government agencies, many local residents hope it will ultimately receive permanent protection and appropriate environmental management.
An informal walking track through Churchlands Bushland, May 2026.
The Save Churchlands Bushland community group was established in June 2024 to raise awareness of the environmental, historical and community significance of the Churchlands Bushland. Since its formation, the group has undertaken historical research, community engagement, media advocacy, bushland clean-up events, meetings with local and State Government representatives, and public submissions relating to the future of the reserve.
The group's long-term vision is to see the bushland protected, appropriately managed and recognised for its environmental, historical and community value, while encouraging local residents to become involved in caring for this unique natural area.
Community cleanup of the Churchlands Bushland, July 2026.
After decades of planning uncertainty, Churchlands Bushland is entering an important chapter in its history. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is currently undertaking an environmental assessment of the reserve before providing recommendations to the Western Australian Planning Commission regarding its future planning status.
The outcome of the current review will help shape the next chapter in the history of Churchlands Bushland. Whatever the final decision, many local residents hope the area will continue to be valued as an important natural and historical asset within Perth's western suburbs.
A young Red Wattle Bird in Churchlands Bushland, 2024.