You don’t have to travel far in Western Australia to find an Irish connection! The Darling Scarp lies to the east of Perth. It was originally named the General Darling Range in 1827 in honour of General Ralph Darling who was Governor of New South Wales. Ralph Darling (1772 – 1858) was born in Ireland, the eldest son of Sergeant Christopher Darling and has had several geographic features named after him. (For detailed biography of this remarkable and controversial man see here.)
Serpentine National Park is a recreational area set in the foothills of the Darling Scarp, that centres around a river of the same name. The upper reaches of the river flow into Serpentine Reservoir on the Darling Plateau, which is retained by a 55 metre high dam, with a crest of 424 metres. This is one of the sources of drinking water for the metropolitan area of Perth
Water from the Serpentine Reservoir is released into the Serpentine Pipehead catchment some 5 kilometers downstream.The Pipehead Dam is 15 metres high and 142 metres across. From here, the water is piped away to the water mains.
The river then flows off the Scarp at Serpentine Falls as it makes its way to the sea. Being mid-summer the Falls were not as dramatic as in winter when fuelled by rains. At their base is a deep, natural pool that has been hewn out of the rock by the force of the river
The area is heavily forested , most commonly by Eucalyptus marginata that has the Aboriginal name of Jarrah, a dark wood that resembles Mahogany. There are wonderful amenities in the very scenic park ranging from picnic sites complete with gas barbecues, cycle trails, bushwalks, campsites. and there is a very nice café at the top of the dam, with the original name of the Cafe on the Dam!
The area is beloved of birdwatchers and just from my table, I snapped these!
Just 40 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the city, Serpentine National Park is well worth a visit!
References
Biography of Ralph Darling at Australian \dictionary of \biography
Governor Ralph darling’s Iron Collar by Marcus Clarke
A SILVER VOICE FROM IRELAND 
Governor Darling has many things named after him – the Darling River, Darling Downs etc. I had always thought he was one of the “better” Governors – at least that was the impression I was given at school. I do thank those inquires that were held at different times – they can be interesting reading. Reading one was how I confirmed my suspicion that my two convicts were brothers and what some of their life was like when they lived under Major Druitt. He was in NSW from 1817.
Thanks also for the link to ADB – I had forgotten most of my school history about Governor Darling – I didn’t realise he was in Mauritius either – I have a family history connection to Mauritius at that time. Your history lessons are much more interesting than the ones from my school days. 🙂
Angela, did you know Jarrah is only found in WA? This looks like a lovely place for a picnic and I loved the parrot – I have not seen them those colours here. It looks like it was a lovely day.
Thank you Lyn. Darling seems to have been a bit of a character – I must get a biography and read up on him. I had not realized that jarrah is unique to WA – thanks for that gem!
It is indeed a green and beautiful oasis here – so much sand and bush around Perth, its nice to see real green and lots of water! Thanks so much for dropping in!
I lived in Perth for 18 months. Even though we traveled around I never went to this spot. It is beautiful. Wow, great photos. I would love to return one day.
Hi Tric. I too have missed out on it on several trips. Well worth a look when you get back! Thanks for dropping by and thanks for your comment! Much appreciated.
Great post, SV, how right you are about Irish connections!
Thank you SB…we are a ubiquitous lot !
Hi SV, your use of the word ‘ubiquitous’ makes me smile as my father used to pronouce it YOU – BE – QUITE -US . Often wonder if that’s a Clare thing or not. Can’t stop laughing as I think of how we used to tease him about it!