Salt lakes of the Wheatbelt

 

The waterways and wetlands of the Wheatbelt have been shaped over millions of years by the climate and geology. The Wheatbelt landscape of today is very flat and the ancient river valleys (palaeochannels) have become filled with sediment. When significant rain falls, the salt lakes become a fully functioning aquatic systems with aquatic flora and fauna usually lying dormant as buried seeds and eggs awaiting the right conditions.

Unless the rainfall is very heavy many of the lakes are very saline (saltier than seawater) or dry for most of the year. Even in their dry state they offer stunning scenery and great photo opportunities. Salt lakes are wetlands which are fragile natural environments and are particularly susceptible to the physical impacts from off-road vehicles, motorcycles and quad bikes, these vehicles should NOT be driven on, or near the lake edge.

Beacon & Bencubbin

Lake Askew
Easily accessed along the Beacon – Bencubbin Road this lake offers magical photography opportunities especially taking in the night skies.

Lake McDermott  

Located 8km east of Bencubbin, the reserve is a combination of native bushland and saltwater lake system which is perfect for hiking and birdwatching.  The lake is used for skiing, kayaking and paddle boarding when good rainfall is received and water levels permit these activities. It is recommended to contact Shire of Mt Marshall to check water levels

Doodlakine

Baandee Lake

Located slightly east of Doodlakine along the Great Eastern Highway, Baandee is a popular ski lake in the area. The Inland Water Ski Club have created a pleasant picnic and BBQ area, with swimming and skiing possible for some months of the year.  The Shire of Kellerberrin has provided ablutions and shower facilities.

Dowerin

Dowerin Lakes
Located 8km south of Dowerin, originally an ephemeral fresh water lake system and site for the original town settlement in 1895.

Nambling Salt Lake
Located 6km west of Dowerin on the Goomalling-Merredin Road. This lake turns pink at certain times of the year and does not disappoint if anyone is looking for a pink lake experience closer to Perth.

Hyden

Lake Magic

Situated about one kilometre to the north of Wave Rock.  The water in the lake is clear but salty and the lake base is made of gypsum and is surrounded by beach sand around the perimeter.

Kondinin

Kondinin Lake

A large salt lake 5km west of Kondinin and after sufficient rain there is an abundance of water birds and ski and sail boat activities. A colourful information sign has recently been installed at the Lake which provides interesting information on its’ history, geology, flora and fauna.

Statues Lake

Forming part of the Kondinin Art Trail, view the eclectic statues ‘Waiting for Hay’ created by a local Kondinin farmer Kelly Browning, from star pickets depicting various farming poses – ‘clearing the land’ ‘waiting for rain’ ‘shearing the sheep’ and ‘inspecting the crop’.

Inspired by her love of swimming, Kelly has added a new addition called ‘Freestylin’.  Unofficially known as ‘Statues Lake’, the lake forms part of the wider Kondinin lake system.

You’ll find the sculptures located 10km west of Kondinin on the Corrigin-Kondinin Road.

Visitors wishing to view the sculptures may pull-up at the parking bay adjacent and view the sculptures from the roadside

Kulin

Jilakin Lake

20 kilometres east of Kulin on Holt Rock Road (follow the Tin Horse Highway), you will find a shady picnic spot at the base of Jilakin Rock. An easy climb to the top of the rock provides spectacular views of Jilakin Lake and the surrounding Wheatbelt. Wildflowers form a wonderful display during August to September. Jilakin Rock also boasts the most isolated known stand of Jarrah (150 kilometres from the main Jarrah belt), surviving on the water run off an quality soils at the base of the rock.

Lake Grace

Lake Grace North & Lake Grace South two interconnecting salt lakes are located 8km from the town site. These two lakes are so large that they are rarely able to fill completely. Water in the lakes can be blown from one side to the other by the wind. There is a picnic spot to the west of Lake Grace North and also a magnificent lookout which overlooks these two vast lakes.

Evelyn Lake

Lying 15km to the north of the Lake Grace town site, this lake features a lookout and overnight stopping area complete with a picnic table. Just a little further up the road when you turn east towards Pingaring is the Jam Patch. This section of bush features amazing wildflowers and wildlife. Wander down past the restored tennis club and picnic area to the salt lake system where in times of rain, water flows from Evelyn Lake past this beautiful section of preserved bushland

Lake King

Lake King

Surrounded by nature reserve, this lake presents a magnificent site as travellers approach the township of Lake King. The salt deposits on the lake make for a dazzling display as they sparkle in the sunshine. During spring the banks of this lake become thick with bright pink flowers

Narembeen

Wakeman’s Lake

Situated approx 13km east of the Narembeen townsite, this lake has undergone major work to harvest water back into the natural lake water is dependent upon seasonal rainfall).  During the summer months the lake is a hive of activity with ski boats and water pursuits popular with locals and visitors.  Kids playground, BBQ and toilet facilities are available.  This is a picturesque location, with abundant bird life.  Before entering the lake with boats, please contact Brendon or Anita Parsons +61 8 9061 8080 with boat insurance details.

Newdegate

Lake Bryde

Located 34km south west of Newdegate, in times of flood this lake is a wonderful skiing area. Canoeing and bush camping are also popular and the lake is a hot spot for birds and other wildlife.

Nungarin

Lake Brown

Lake Brown is accessible of the Lake Brown South road north east of Nungarin. Lake Brown is a salt lake and when full is used for water skiing.  Eaglestone Rock is on the north shore of Lake Brown.

Lake Campion

Located on Stock Road north east of Nungarin, Lake Campion is a salt lake which during the wildflower season is sprinkled with pink everlastings. White winged fairy wrens inhabit the sapphire margins of the lake. A BBQ area is also available by the lake on Chandler Nungarin Road.

Quairading

Pink Lake

Situated 11km east of Quairading, regarded locally as a natural phenomenon. Divided by the Bruce Rock – Quairading Road, at certain times of the year one side of the lake has a distinctive pink colour, whereas the other side remains blue.

Southern Cross

Lake Koorkoordine
Located 6km north of Southern Cross on the Bullfinch Road this lake is named after the Aboriginal words Koorkoor -’meat’ and dine – ‘place of’. It is here you will find Hunt’s Soak one of many of the remarkable daisy-chain of wells and soaks which provided the early prospectors with water until CY O’Connor built the water pipeline. Due to the water and wind erosion over the years some very interesting miniature caves, cliffs and bays await your discovery.

Wyalkatchem

Cowcowing Lake

Lies 26km to the north of Wyalkatchem on the Wyalkatchem Koorda Road. The lake gives it name to the Cowcowing siding and covers an area of 15,000 hectares.