DESCRIPTION
The wetland areas near Perth were once an important rescource for the Aboriginal people as they provided both food and
were spiritually significant.
With the coming of Europens, much of what was once extensive wetlands have been bulldozed, filled in and used for housing.
Bibra Lake is one of the few remaining wetland habitats south of the Swan River and as such
remains a hugely significant site for waterbirds and other animal species.
Augustus Gregory was the first European to
report the existance of the lake in May 1842.
Benedict von Bibra bought land near the lake in 1843 and it is his name that became associated with the area rather than the original Aboriginal name.
Initially known as Bibra's Lake, the current name was officially adopted in 1967.
By 1898 the area around the lake had already been assigned recreation status and the Fremantle Road Board resisted all attempts to develop it
for other purposes.
It became a popular picninc site and tea rooms were eventually errected.
During the Second World War a camp was constructed for the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) but was removed soon after the end of hostilities.
Bibra Lake forms part of the larger Beeliar Regional Park that extends south towards Rockingham.
There is an extensive walk trail system around the lake with facilities for birdwatchers. Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they remin on a leash and
are not allowed to disturb the wildlife. Dogs are not permitted within the fenced off section of the Bibra Lake Regional Playground.
Facilities available include seats, tables, shelters, BBQs, toilets, bins and childrens playgrounds.
Nearby attractions include the well known Adventure World complex.
Care should be taken when visiting Bibra Lake during the warmer months as there is a population of snakes living by the lake and they
are commonly seen sunning themselves on patheways.
Water levels in the lage can fluctuate greatly and winter rains can see the level rise six or seven feet. During the
long dry summer, much of the lake bed becomes explsoed and dry.
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OTHER INFORMATION
ACTIVITIES
Walking, Cycling, Bird watching, Picnicing.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
City of Cockburn
PHOTOS
Hover over pics in gallery to enlarge.
