The City of Melville manages 18km of foreshore on the Southern banks of the Swan and Canning Rivers and stretches from Petra Street Bicton in the West to Bateman Park Brentwood in the East. The area ranges from narrow grassed areas to substantial conservation reserves.

The foreshore has many values, both biological and for the community, these include;

• Conservation - Areas for native plants that provide animal habitat.
• Passive recreation - Bird watching, picnicking.
• Active recreation - Boating, dog walking, fishing, prawning, walking and cycling.

Conservation reserves along the foreshore include;

• Alfred Cove
• Applecross foreshore
• Attadale foreshore
• Blackwall Reach
• Bull Creek

These reserves provide habitat and feeding grounds for a large number of water birds including the Black Swan. Some of these birds are migratory flying from the northern hemisphere and northern Australia to nest or feed.

Because of development and the impact from various urban factors, these foreshore areas differ in condition from excellent to poor. The major problems facing the City along the foreshore are weeds, erosion and litter.

The installation of baffles and the planting of sedges and other native plants are combating erosion. Weed control is an ongoing process that is carried out by City staff and volunteer community groups. Litter can be controlled with the help of all community members.