Yalgorup National Park

Yalgorup National Park is the largest national park on the Swan Coastal Plain extending just south of Mandurah to Myalup. The world-recognised RAMSAR wetland includes ten magnificent lakes, with Lake Preston and Lake Josephine situated within the Harvey Region.

Yalgorup (Yalgor is the aboriginal meaning for swamp or lake) was set aside as a National Park in 1968, with Lakes Pollard, Martins Tank, Yalgorup, Hayward, Newnham Clifton and Preston, added in 1971.

The lakes that characterise the park lie in the depressions between a series of coastal dunes. Reflecting this underlying structure and run parallel to the coast.

LAKE PRESTON

Lake Preston stretches more than 30kms and is home to an impressive array of birdlife, including the rare Hooded Plover. Take a scenic drive along Lake Preston Road, stopping at the Myalup Day Use area to soak in the serenity or birdwatch. Alternatively, take the 2km walk trail from Mylaup.

Lake Preston is an area of Aboriginal significance and is said to be formed by the Wagyl as she went in search of her children.

Fun Fact: Lake Preston is 9 times more saline than the ocean. Prior to National Park status, at the end of summer when the water in Lake Preston receded enough, salt was raked, bagged and boxed, and used for salt licks for cattle.

1. Lake Preston Walk Trail

This easy out-and-back stroll along the lakeshore passes through a fringing thicket of swamp paperbark. You may see a number of kangaroos that inhabit the area.

The car park for the trail can be located about 10km along Preston Beach Road, just as you enter the township.  Preston Beach Road can be accessed from the Forrest Highway.

Time: 45 minutes.
Length: 2kms return.
Surface: Limestone and sand. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.
Difficulty: Easy. Suits the majority of fitness and experience levels. Bush Walk: Grade 1 - No bushwalking experience required.

LAKE JOSEPHINE

Within the Mylaup townsite, Lake Josephine is a small, picturesque lake that puts on an impressive display of pink in winter when the Red Samphire blooms.

No motorised activities are allowed on Lake Preston or Josephine.

Once you've visited Yalgorup, continue your nature adventure through the nearby 100 Acre Wood Walk Trails.