Ellis Brook Valley Reserve

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its association with Noongar elder, Banyowla, and Captain Theophilus Tighe Ellis, member of the colonial police force. The park has aesthetic value for its qualities of undisturbed natural bushland in good condition.

Physical Description

The reserve is located just a few kilometres east of Gosnells. Access is via Rushton Rd, Martin. It is a large area of 258 hectares comprising natural bushland straddling the Darling Scarp. The scenery is dramatic with rugged ridges each side of the valley. The 'Sixty Foot Falls' (waterfall) plunges from the top of the scarp after winter rains. Ellis Brook Valley is a rich breeding site and home for many native and visiting birds, including cockatoos, parrots, pardalotes, splendid and wedge-tailed eagles. It is also home to kangaroos, possums, bats and other native wildlife. The spring time wildflowers are diverse and spectacular. Within the reserve there are a variety of walks ranging from walks on easy, surfaced, paths to more challenging hikes on rough trails. There are parking areas at Honeyeater Hollow and Waterfall Gully. Composting toilets, barbecue facilities and parking are provided at the site.

History

Ellis Brook Valley is part of the Banyowla Regional Park. The name Banyowla recognises a Noongar elder at the time of colonial settlement. The history of Banyowla’s people is linked with the name of Captain Theophilus Tighe Ellis, recognised by the naming of Ellis Brook, which runs through the Valley. Ellis, the Superintendent of Mounted Police, died from injuries sustained in the infamous Pinjarra Massacre of 1834, in which Banyowla’s people were involved. Ellis Brook Valley is renowned for the richness of its flora and fauna with 550 species of flowering plant, 116 species of birds, 9 species of frogs, and 8 species of native animals. The reserve was created in 1986 in part a response to the lobbying of local group 'Friends of Ellis Brook Valley' which had been formed in 1982. This group continues to provide advice and promote the reserve with the City of Gosnells and a key function of the group is the maintenance of a herbarium in conjunction with the State Herbarium. The City manages the Valley in partnership with the Friends of Ellis Brook Valley (Inc.), who have also assisted in the sensitive planning for the Valley's development as a nature-based tourism venue. The City of Gosnells has established walk trails in the reserve to enable visitors to enjoy the native vegetation and view 'Sixty Foot Falls' and the former 'Barrington Quarry'. There are four walk trails of varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from the 'Easy Walk Trail', which provides wheelchair access to the bushland, to the more difficult 'Sixty Foot Falls Circuit', which takes in sweeping views across Perth from the top of the waterfall.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity High degree Authenticity High degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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