Yalgorup National Park (Lake Clifton)

Yalgorup National Park, located just south of Mandurah in Western Australia, spans 12,888 hectares and encompasses ten lakes that form an internationally recognized Ramsar wetland system. This park is a haven for migratory waterbirds and several threatened plant and animal species. A standout feature is the Lake Clifton Thrombolites—ancient, rock-like structures built by microorganisms that resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth. These thrombolites are among the few surviving communities of their kind in Western Australia. Visitors can explore the park via several walking trails, including the Lakeside Loop Trail, which offers views of the thrombolites, and the Heathlands Walk Trail, which traverses diverse vegetation types. For those wishing to extend their stay, the Martins Tank Campground provides a serene setting among peppermint woodlands and tuart forests. The park also offers picnic areas at Lake Hayward and the Heathlands Walk Trail Picnic Area, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a longer retreat. Please note that swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing are not permitted in the lakes to protect the fragile environment. Additionally, pets are not allowed in the park due to ongoing 1080 baiting programs aimed at reducing the impact of feral animals on native wildlife. Remember to take your rubbish with you, as bins are not provided within the park.