Categories > Guides and Tips
A Stress-Melting Guide to Lake Leschenaultia
Life in Perth has its upsides, one of them being how easy it is to switch off from the grind.
For me, it’s the pockets of nature in and around the area that really help blow those cobwebs away. The 168-hectare Lake Leschenaultia is one destination that proves it perfectly.
It’s a proper escape for folks who love lazing off on a white sandy stretch and cruising around on a canoe.
Want to know more fun activities and spots in the area? We gathered them all in this guide!
Things to Know
Address: Chidlow
Contact Details: (08) 9290 6736
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8 am until an hour after sunset
- Sat to Sun – 8:30 am until an hour after sunset
Travel Time from the Perth CBD: 53 min (49.8 km) via National Highway 94
How to Get There
By Train and Bus: From the Perth CBD, you’ll reach Lake Leschenaultia by taking the Midland Line first. The train will take you to Midland Stn Platform 2.
At the station, you’ll find Bus Lines 328 and 320, both heading to Chidlow, specifically Elliott Rd before Mathieson Rd. From there, it’s a 7-minute ride.
By Car: At Lake Leschenaultia, you can park at the following: Lake Leschenaultia Car Park West, Lake Leschenaultia Car Park East, and Lake Leschenaultia Camp Site.
By Taxi: It’s possible to ride a taxi from the Perth CBD to Lake Leschenaultia. Using the fare guide below will help you budget smartly.
| Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Where to Stay
Lake Leschenaultia Camp Site
From lakeleschenaultia
Address: 2135 Rosedale Rd, Chidlow
Contact Details: +61 8 9290 6736
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Sat to Sun – 8 am to 5:30 pm
Trust me, the lake’s charm will tempt you to camp overnight, and that’s why you should ring up the Lake Leschenaultia Camp Site to reserve a spot!
Every site works fine for swags and tents, with a handful made for campervans and towed camping vehicles. Sites 1 to 22 are also all powered, but, unsurprisingly, that perk comes with an extra cost.
As for the general fees, they’re seasonally tiered, and each site typically runs from $21 to $50 for two campers. An extra adult or child will cost you $12.50 and $8, respectively, no matter the season, though kids under 2 can sleep without incurring extra fees.
Where to Eat
The FLACKYARD – Fine Dining Restaurant
From theflackyard
Address: Part of 2135 Rosedale Rd, Chidlow
Contact Details:+61 457 082 344
Operating Hours: Fri to Sun – 12 pm to 6 pm
Pricing: $$$
The FLACKYARD lived up to its fine dining tag. Their degustation feed was thoughtfully put together, featuring true Aussie ingredients shaped by the seasons.
During our visit, we tried the famed Bush Tucker Board, which has crisp fish skin and light pea fritters, and slow-cooked emu! The latter wasn’t heavy on the gaminess.
We also gave their non-alcoholic cocktails a shot. IMPOSTER was top of the pile, thanks to its lemony and cinnamon-y base, accented by saltbrush.
Standard Gauge
From thestandardgauge
Address: 570 Rosedale Rd, Chidlow
Operating Hours: Wed to Sat – 6 pm to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Led by Alan Wise, a Michelin Star chef, Standard Gauge is no standard degustation resto. Every season brings a new twist to their 7-course feed, though you can always expect lip-smacking plates with approachable ingredients.
For instance, the lamb and risotto we had were flavourful but not overpowering. The Italian dish impressed with its zingy and nutty-savoury notes, while the latter played up to its natural sweetness.
The cherry on top is the characterful, personal service and the fair prices. Alan and Lexie, his apprentice, even explained the backstory and thought process behind each offering!
The Chidlow Tavern
From experienceperthhills
Address: 4 Thomas St, Chidlow
Contact Details:+61 8 9572 4154
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat – 11 am to 12 am
- Sun – 10 am to 10 pm
Pricing: $
The past remains present at The Chidlow Tavern, once a railway station and currently a pit stop for wallet-friendly pub bites and drinks.
Menu-wise, expect rotating specials daily. Tuesdays especially draw a crowd with its $25 plate of chips, greens, and ribs.
Throngs rock up on Thursdays as well, which is affectionately called “the Parmi Night.” Meaty, plant-based, spicy, extra spicy, and other styles of parmi are dished out around this period, with pints to wash them down.
Things to Do
Cycle through the Lake Leschenaultia MTB Trails
From trailswa
Address:46WV+G3, Chidlow
If I were to describe the Lake Leschenaultia MTB Trails in two words, I’d say it’s scenic and laid-back. There are no hills to test your knees, and you won’t go home looking like barbecued lobster, as marri and wandoo trees shade the trails.
Speaking of trails, there are plenty here. Railway Run and Hula are my fam’s go-to; they’re mostly flat and easy underfoot, with nearly zero climbs or obstacles.
Those looking for a bit of action should hit Blue Panther or Snakes n Ladders, both relatively narrower and steeper. Logs, drop-offs (non-rollable) and rock gardens are also in the way, so maybe don’t go berserk on the pedal.
Paddle or canoe across the lake
From lakeleschenaultia
It’s no secret the lake attracts water babies, especially around the public holiday season. You see, it’s the perfect time for launching canoes or paddleboards (if you want to learn how to use the latter, check these out!). I recommend going between 10 am and 3 pm.
Both are also available for hire lakeside, as long as you’re at least 16 years old and a decent swimmer. Going this route will cost you $17 for 30 minutes and $27 for an hour.
You can save by bringing your own…if you don’t mind hauling a canoe or paddleboard from the car park.
Enjoy a dip and fire up a BBQ
From lakeleschenaultia
The lake’s floating pontoon and cool waters are ideal spots for beating Perth’s hotter months. You’ll even see the current temperature at the gate, so you can prepare yourself for the temperature drop.
Just keep in mind that you won’t find lifeguards here, just staff members. With that in mind, it’s best to follow the most important rules: no diving/jumping, stay overhead, and look out for each other.
If you’re skipping the water, consider firing up one of the free electric BBQs; just watch out for the local birds, as they’re known for nicking grub. The staff won’t stop you from sipping booze while grilling either, though it’s best not to overdo it.
Take a walk around the Lake Leschenaultia Short Loop
From lakeleschenaultia
Length: 2.9 km
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 42 mins
Elevation Gain: 56 m
Type: Circular
Personally, I think ambling through the Lake Leschenaultia Short Loop is the best way to enjoy the lake’s sights and tranquillity.
There’s only a single, short hill to get over. After that, it’s pretty level throughout.
The chance of encountering wild animals such as kangaroos and possums is pretty high as well! I’ll say the same thing for the native birdlife (not just the snack-stealers), with magpies, black ducks, lorikeets, commorants, fantails, and tree creepers as the regulars.
Wildflowers and native trees make it all the more pleasant. This is one of the best local spots to visit in spring (unless you have allergies or hate blossoms).
