Feature National Park: Yalgorup National Park

Yalgorup National Park (Photo: Parks & Wildlife)

Yalgorup National Park is best known for the microscopic fresh water communities that reside in Lake Clifton and form thrombolites, which can be viewed from a boardwalk. This is one of few places in WA where these communities survive. It was announced this year that this iconic and internationally recognised RAMSAR wetland will be expanded to include an additional 1,001 hectares of land.

The expansion of Yalgorup National Park is significant. The park protects a wetland system that has achieved international recognition as an important area for migratory water birds. It also supports several threatened plant and animal species. Lake Clifton and Lake Preston are home to a large variety of bird-life. There are nature walks at Lake Preston and Martins Tank Lake Campground (which incorporates the Lake Pollard Bird Hide). Both walks can be strolled at a leisurely pace before indulging in a well-earned barbecue or picnic.

Yalgorup National Park (Photo: Jacki Baxter)

Yalgorup is situated 20 km south of Mandurah along the Old Coast Road and extends to Myalup Beach Rd in the south. Yalgorup National Park stretches from just south of Mandurah to north of Myalup. Covering an area of 12,888 hectares, the park includes ten magnificent lakes and reserves that together make up the largest national park on the Swan Coastal Plain.

Spring and autumn are particularly good times to explore Yalgorup National Park. Martins Tank Campground has gas barbecue facilities and picnic tables. Many park visitors stay at nearby Preston Beach, just outside the park’s boundaries.

For more information click here: http://www.visitpeel.com.au/yalgorup-national-park-walk-bike