Banyowla Regional Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Banyowla Regional Park Western Australia
Old Barrington Quarry, near Ellis Brook Valley
Nearest town or city	City of Gosnells City of Armadale
Area	2,607 ha (6,440 acres)
Managing authorities	Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Website	Banyowla Regional Park

Banyowla Regional Park is a special conservation area. It used to be called Kelmscott-Martin Regional Park. This park is in the Perth Hills, about 20 kilometres south-east of Perth, Western Australia. You can find it within the areas of Gosnells and Armadale.

The park was renamed in 2008. It is now named after Banyowla, an important Noongar elder. He lived during the time when Europeans first settled in the area. Banyowla Regional Park is one of eleven regional parks in the Perth region. These parks are like green havens in the city. They help protect and bring back important cultural sites and natural places. They also let people enjoy nature in a way that doesn't harm the environment.

How Banyowla Park Was Created

The idea for public parks in Western Australia started a long time ago. In 1955, a report called the Stephenson-Hepburn Report suggested saving private land. This land would be for public use later on. This led to the creation of the Perth Metropolitan Region in 1963.

In 1983, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) found many areas. These areas were important for nature, scenery, and fun activities. The state government then decided who would look after these parks. In 1989, the Department of Conservation and Land Management took on this job.

A special group was set up in 1990 to create these regional parks. But it was not easy to get them started. The EPA reported in 1993 that there were problems.

In August 2008, something big happened. The Minister for the Environment, David Templeman, announced a change. Many regional parks and three national parks in the Perth Hills would get new names. These new names would be Aboriginal names. Kelmscott-Martin Regional Park became Banyowla Regional Park. Before 2008, these parks were part of a bigger park. It was called the Darling Range Regional Park. This larger park was formed in the 1990s.

Why the Park Has Its Name

The park is named after Banyowla, a significant Noongar elder. A part of the park, Ellis Brook Valley, is named after Captain Theophilus Tighe Ellis. He was a police superintendent. Both Banyowla and Captain Ellis were involved in a historical event in 1834. Captain Ellis later passed away from injuries he got during this event.

Places to Explore in the Park

Banyowla Regional Park has several main areas. Each area offers something different to see and do.

Image	Name	Suburb	Description	Co-ordinates
	Ellis Brook Valley	Martin	This valley is a popular spot for hiking. It has beautiful wildflowers and waterfalls.	32°03′58″S 116°02′26″E / 32.066216°S 116.040613°E / -32.066216; 116.040613 (Ellis Brook Valley)
	Hardinge Park	Orange Grove	A peaceful area within the park.	32°01′46″S 116°02′06″E / 32.029506°S 116.035115°E / -32.029506; 116.035115 (Hardinge Park)
	Hillside Farm	Martin	This area offers views of the surrounding landscape.	32°03′17″S 116°01′30″E / 32.054725°S 116.025108°E / -32.054725; 116.025108 (Hillside Farm)
	Lloyd Hughes Park	Kelmscott	Another part of the park for nature walks.	32°07′04″S 116°01′39″E / 32.117678°S 116.027393°E / -32.117678; 116.027393 (Lloyd Hughes Park)