Point Walter

Point Walter is a point in the Swan River, Western Australia. It is located on the southern shore and forms the western end of Melville Water. Point Walter is located in the suburb of Bicton, approximately 12 kilometres south from the Perth Central Business District and 7 kilometres North East of Fremantle, and is on the opposite side of the river to the suburbs of Mosman Park, Peppermint Grove, and Dalkeith. It is popularly used for kitesurfing, windsurfing, fishing, passive recreation, swimming, diving courses and picnicking. The location is notable for the large sandbar which extends into the River.

Point Walter was named in honour of Sir James Stirling's favourite older brother, Walter Stirling in 1827 during his survey of suitable spots for settlement along the Swan River. The land was then acquired by the settlers Lionel Lukin and Alfred Waylen. After acquiring the land, Waylen developed it by building a villa which later burnt down, and in 1831 his land was extended 700 more acres to include part of the suburb to which he is the namesake, Alfred Cove. At this time the land was being used by the general public for crabbing, camping, swimming and picnicking who got to the area solely by boat, as this was the only means of access, so a jetty was subsequently built. At this time Point Walter was very popular, and to deal with ferries and yachting parties two tearooms and a timber bathing house were constructed as well as a tavern known as 'The Halfway House' due to its location between Perth and Fremantle. By 1915, a tram way had been constructed between Canning Road and Point Walter, and later a limestone road was constructed allowing access by horse drawn carriages. In 1895 or 1907 the State Government purchased the land, declaring it a Class A reserve, with several years later in 1912 the Melville Roads Board appointed to manage it. The reserve's official opening occurred on the 30th of November 1914.

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