The Beeliar Wetland Chain represents an exceptional freshwater hydrological system extending north-to-south across the interdunal swales of the Spearwood Dune system south of the Derbarl Yerrigan.[1] Comprising North Lake (*Coolbellup*), Bibra Lake (*Walliabup*), South Lake, Yangebup Lake, and Kogolup Lake, these permanent water bodies functioned as the biological heartland of the Beeliar clan.[2]
1. Perennial Freshwater Refugia & Protein Harvesting
Surrounded by thick stands of *Melaleuca raphiophylla* (freshwater paperbark) and *Typha domingensis* (bulrush / *yanget*), the Beeliar wetlands supported immense aggregations of black swans (*maali*), ducks, freshwater tortoises (*booyi*), and gilgies (*Cherax quinquecarinatus*).[3]
Custodians harvested edible starchy rhizomes from *yanget*, roasting them in ash ovens to produce nutritious cakes that sustained multi-clan gatherings throughout the summer months.[4]
2. Waugal Creation Tracks & Sacred Resistance
Bibbullmun customary law holds that each lake in the chain was formed as the Waugal rested during its subterranean passage toward the ocean.[5] In the modern era, the wetlands became the site of fierce decolonial defense against freeway incursions (the Roe 8 campaign), vindicating unbroken custodial responsibilities under customary law.[6]