Lake Leschenaultia
A former railway reservoir transformed into a picturesque recreational lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, camping, and picnics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Lake Leschenaultia
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former railway reservoir transformed into a picturesque recreational lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, camping, and picnics.
"Perfect spot for a family day out with swimming, kayaking, and beautiful natural views."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots make it easy to access the lake for day trips. :car:
🛶 Kayak Rentals Onsite
Rent kayaks for 30 or 60-minute sessions to explore the lake. :kayak:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swimming & Refreshing Dips
Main swimming area
Dive into calm, clear waters perfect for a refreshing escape on hot days. A barrier ensures a safe zone for swimmers.

Kayaking & Canoeing Adventures
Lake surface
Explore the tranquil bushland surroundings by kayak or canoe. Rentals are available for hourly sessions.

Picnic & BBQ Spots
Designated picnic areas
Enjoy a leisurely picnic or BBQ amidst beautiful natural scenery. Plenty of parking and grass areas make it ideal for gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Best Time for Water Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots make it easy to access the lake for day trips.
:car:🛶 Kayak Rentals Onsite
Rent kayaks for 30 or 60-minute sessions to explore the lake.
:kayak:Lake Leschenaultia
🏊♀️ Safe Swimming Barrier
A designated barrier keeps swimmers safe from boats and kayakers.
:swimmer:🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
BBQ facilities and picnic spots are plentiful, perfect for a family day out.
:picnic_table:Freshwater swimming holes
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots make it easy to access the lake for day trips.
:car:🛶 Kayak Rentals Onsite
Rent kayaks for 30 or 60-minute sessions to explore the lake.
:kayak:🏊♀️ Safe Swimming Barrier
A designated barrier keeps swimmers safe from boats and kayakers.
:swimmer:🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
BBQ facilities and picnic spots are plentiful, perfect for a family day out.
:picnic_table:🚶♀️ Scenic Walking Paths
Enjoy leisurely walks around the lake with beautiful natural views.
:hiking_boot:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Leschenaultia as a beautiful, tidy, and quiet spot perfect for family days out and camping. The calm waters, BBQ facilities, and scenic walking paths are major highlights, making it a highly recommended destination for relaxation and recreation. Some note the water can be quite cold, especially outside of summer.
"Great for families, went onto a Sunday/long weekend and still got a spot by 10:30am. Good spot with BBQs available."
Tori Barber
"Beautiful, tidy and a quiet place to go and enjoy camping or even a day visit . Nice paths to go for a walk. Good spot for kids to have a swim."
ANJANI KANIPAKAM
"Perfect spot for a family day out. We did picnic, Bbq and enjoyed our swimming too. Continued with a fun time Kayaking. Beautiful natural views all around, we will be back for more!"
Elisabeth Bernadette
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Leschenaultia is about an hour's drive east of Perth. Take the Great Eastern Highway and then follow signs towards Chidlow. There's ample parking available once you arrive.
Public transport options are limited. While buses may service the general area, driving is the most convenient way to reach Lake Leschenaultia.
The lake offers plenty of parking spaces, making it easy for day visitors and campers to find a spot, even on busier days.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Perth, offering swimming, kayaking, picnics, and walks.
Yes, you can bring your own non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy on the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Lake Leschenaultia is generally free for day visitors. However, camping fees apply if you plan to stay overnight.
The park is typically open from dawn till dusk for day visitors. Camping facilities have specific check-in and check-out times.
Yes, booking your campsite in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and school holidays, as spots are limited and popular.
Kayak rentals are available for 30-minute or 1-hour sessions, priced at approximately $16 and $26 respectively.
There is a designated barrier for swimmers, ensuring a safe area for swimming away from watercraft.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, have picnics, use the BBQs, go for walks, and camp overnight.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for families. Kids love swimming in the safe, shallow areas and playing on the grass.
Yes, there are BBQ facilities available in designated picnic areas, perfect for a family gathering or a relaxed meal.
There are nice paths around the lake suitable for leisurely walks, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding bushland.
You can swim in winter, but be prepared for very cold water! It's definitely refreshing, as some visitors have noted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants directly on-site. It's best to bring your own food and drinks for picnics and BBQs.
Packing a picnic or using the BBQ facilities is the most popular option. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, especially for longer stays.
The nearest town with shops and cafes is Chidlow, which is a short drive away. It's advisable to stock up before you arrive.
Generally, there are no restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. Please ensure you take all your rubbish with you.
Yes, there are BBQ facilities available in the picnic areas, making it a great spot for a cookout.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself, especially at sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful reflections. The surrounding bushland and picnic areas also provide scenic backdrops.
While drone photography might be possible, always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors. The natural scenery is quite photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
The dam wall, the jetty areas, and the general expanse of the lake with its tree-lined shores are popular photo subjects.
Yes, the area is home to various bird species and other wildlife, offering opportunities for nature photography. Remember to keep a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will also love the opportunity to try kayaking or simply enjoy the open space for running around. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, ensuring a fun-filled day out for everyone. Don't forget to pack swimsuits, towels, and plenty of snacks!
🏕️ Campers
Campers benefit from the convenience of being right by the lake, allowing for easy access to swimming and kayaking. The campsites offer a peaceful retreat, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the quiet of nature after a day of activities. Ensure you are prepared with all necessary camping gear and food supplies.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Picnickers
With numerous picnic tables and BBQ facilities scattered throughout the park, you can easily plan a delightful outdoor meal. Pack your favorite foods, a blanket, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by beautiful scenery. The accessibility and peaceful ambiance make it a favorite for day visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Lake Leschenaultia
Campers have access to amenities that enhance the stay, including BBQs and picnic areas. This allows for enjoyable outdoor cooking and dining experiences under the stars. The proximity to the lake means you can easily transition from camping to swimming or kayaking activities. Remember to pack all your essentials, as facilities are generally limited to what's provided at the campsite and day-use areas.
When camping, it's important to be aware of the park's rules and regulations to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. This includes respecting quiet hours and ensuring you leave your campsite clean. The opportunity to wake up by the lake and enjoy the tranquility before the day-trippers arrive is a significant perk of camping here.
Water Activities: Swimming & Kayaking
For those who prefer to explore the lake from a different perspective, kayak and canoe rentals are readily available. You can rent equipment for 30-minute or 1-hour sessions, offering ample time to paddle around the serene bushland surroundings. This is a highly recommended activity for experiencing the natural beauty of the area up close. Visitors also bring their own non-motorized watercraft, adding to the lively atmosphere on the water.
While the water is most inviting for swimming in summer, some adventurous souls do take a dip even in winter. Be warned, though, as the water can be quite 'freezing' and 'refreshing' during the cooler months! Regardless of the season, the water activities at Lake Leschenaultia provide a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors.
Hiking and Walking Trails
While there aren't extensive, challenging hiking trails, the network of walks provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the peaceful environment. These walks are perfect for a pre-picnic stroll or a post-swim wander. They allow you to appreciate the tranquility of the former railway reservoir turned recreational haven.
For those interested in more specific trail information, such as for mountain biking, it's worth noting that while walking is popular, dedicated MTB trails might be limited or require further local inquiry. However, for a relaxed walk with scenic views, the existing paths are more than adequate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit