Water is a key element for the Park. The name Araluen reflects this as it is an aboriginal word from NSW that, according to the YAL was thought to mean place of running water, place of meeting waters or place of water lilies.
As the Orchards developed up higher along the natural catchment, the summer creek flow slowed to a trickle and stopped altogether. The current ABPF negotiated the riparian release water for the Canning River at a high point in the Park so that the creek now runs all year. It is under the condition that none of this water is used for watering the Park gardens or other use.
