Mount Eliza (Western Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Eliza |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 103 m (338 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Native name | Error {{native name}}: an IETF language tag as parameter {{{1}}} is required (help) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Perth Western Australia |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Pleistocene ~ 40,000 years |
| Mountain type | Hill |
Mount Eliza is a special hill that looks over the city of Perth, Western Australia. It is part of the famous Kings Park. The local Noongar people have their own names for it: Kaarta Gar-up and Mooro Katta.
Millions of people visit Mount Eliza every year because it's part of Kings Park. They come for big events like the Anzac Day Memorial service and the Australia Day fireworks. People also love to explore its unique plants and animals, learn about its history, and see its important landmarks.
Contents
Naming Mount Eliza
The Noongar people, who are the traditional owners of this land, call the top of Mount Eliza Mooro Katta and Kaarta Gar-up. The area at the bottom of the hill, to the south, is known as Gooninup. This place is very important for Noongar ceremonies and stories.
In 1827, a British officer named James Stirling explored the Swan River. He is said to have named the hill "Mount Eliza" after the wife of the New South Wales Governor at the time. Later, in 1901, Perth Park was renamed 'The Kings Park' to honor the new King Edward VII.
Exploring Mount Eliza's Geography
How Mount Eliza Was Formed
Mount Eliza is part of a system of sand dunes called the Spearwood Dunal system. These dunes were created about 40,000 years ago during very cold and warm periods in Earth's history. The soil on Mount Eliza is mostly yellow-brown sand over a type of rock called Tamala limestone. This limestone formed over time as calcium carbonate from ancient beach sand was washed away. The land here has different types of sand and soil, which helps many different plants grow.
Amazing Plants of Mount Eliza
Mount Eliza is home to 326 different types of native plants! This is almost 15% of all the native plants found in the Perth area. You can find three main plant groups here:
- Plants that grow in limestone areas.
- Woodlands with many Banksia trees.
- Plants that like low, moist areas.
Before European settlers arrived, the bushland was full of tall Tuart, Jarrah, and Marri trees. Now, you'll see more Banksia trees. This change is natural, but some people think human activity has made it happen faster. Scientists have also found over 265 types of fungi in Kings Park, and most of them are native to this area.
Wonderful Animals of Mount Eliza
Kings Park, including Mount Eliza, is a great place for animals. It has over 70 types of birds, 20 types of reptiles, and hundreds of different insects and other small creatures.
Studies have shown that the Brown Honeyeater and Red Wattlebird are two of the most common birds on Mount Eliza. More birds, especially those that eat nectar, visit in spring when many plants are flowering. Some special invertebrates, like the Scarp Snail and a type of trapdoor spider, live only on the Mount Eliza escarpment.
Mount Eliza's Rich History
Aboriginal History and Dreamtime Stories
The Waugal and Creation
The Noongar people have a special story about the Waugal, a powerful spirit often seen as a rainbow serpent. They believe the Waugal rose from Ga-Ra-Katta (the Mount Eliza escarpment) and created the Derbarl Yerrigan and the Djarlgarro Beelier (which are the Swan River and the Canning River). The Waugal is very important to Noongar people as the giver of life. Gooninup, at the foot of Mount Eliza, is believed to be where the Waugal rested after creating the Swan River.
Early Interactions with Settlers
In 1834, the sacred site of Gooninup was set aside as a teaching camp for Aboriginal tribes. However, as more settlers arrived, there were difficult times. By the late 1830s, many Noongar people had left the area. Later, a law was made that stopped Aboriginal people from entering Perth without special permission. This law was not removed until 1954, which meant Aboriginal people could not easily visit Gooninup for over a hundred years.
European Settlement (1827–1900)
When Captain James Stirling explored the Swan River in 1827, he was very impressed by the view from Mount Eliza. He thought the area was "particularly grand." In 1829, Stirling officially started the Colony of Western Australia in Perth.
In 1832, the Surveyor General, John Septimus Roe, decided that Mount Eliza should be kept for public use and not for cutting timber. However, in 1836, some Jarrah timber from Mount Eliza was the first export from the new colony. In 1896, parts of Mount Eliza were added to Perth Park, which later became Kings Park.
How Mount Eliza Is Used Today
Fun for Tourists
.jpg)
Mount Eliza is a popular spot for visitors to Kings Park. People can learn about Aboriginal culture, go on guided walks, explore special walkways, and enjoy amazing views.
LotteryWest Federation Walkway
Opened in 2003, this walkway is a 52-meter long bridge made of steel and glass. It's one of Kings Park's most famous attractions. The walkway helps visitors see how the city and the bushland of Kings Park meet. It also helps people appreciate the history of the area. The walkway includes Noongar artwork and leads to a performance area called Beedawong.
Beedawong
Beedawong means 'celebration' or 'meeting place'. It's a stone amphitheater on top of Mount Eliza, near the Federation Walkway. It was built in 2003 as a place for Noongar cultural events and other visitor activities.
Important Memorials
,_Kings_Park,_State_War_Memorial_--_2019_--_0433.jpg)
The Western Australian War Memorial is located at the top of Mount Eliza. It was opened in 1929. The main part of the memorial is a tall granite pillar, surrounded by walls where the names of over 7,000 service members are written. The memorial area also includes a court, a flame of remembrance, and a pool. More than 40,000 people visit this memorial each year for the Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Water Supply for Perth
In 1895, a large area of land on Mount Eliza was set aside to build a reservoir for Perth's water supply. As Perth's population grew quickly in the late 1800s, there was a big demand for water. The original reservoir was replaced in 1935 by new ones that are still an important part of Perth's water system today. These reservoirs help store and supply water to the city.
