Waroona Dam: Is it worth visiting Lake Navarino from Perth?
Lake Navarino, a reservoir caused by Waroona Dam, is a pleasant but inessential stop in the Peel Region between Mandurah and Bunbury in Western Australia.
As with every country in the world, Australia has a fair few spots that are a pleasant enough escape for locals, but really aren’t worth the detour for overseas visitors. The trick is working out which ones have some merit if you’re spending a lot of time in the area.
From Perth, for example, Rottnest Island is unequivocally worth visiting. Penguin Island near Rockingham has a lot going for it. New Norcia works if you’re into Spanish-looking monastic towns. And Serpentine Falls looks pretty enough to justify tackling the walking trails in the Serpentine National Park.
Lake Navarino and Waroona Dam
There are some spots popular with locals that are hard to justify visiting unless you happen to be passing, however. Lake Navarino, a man-made lake caused by the construction of Waroona Dam, is one of these.
Waroona Dam is around 10km east of the small town of Waroona, in the Peel region of Western Australia between Mandurah and the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. It’s not too much of an inland detour if you’re driving from Perth to Margaret River via Mandurah, or Perth to Bunbury via Pinjarra.
And, if you’ve got plenty of time to complete that drive, Lake Navarino is possibly worth a look. It’s certainly attractive. Lake Navarino is surrounded by abundant jarrah forest, and is a good spot for enjoying wildflowers in the spring.
Fishing in Lake Navarino
Locals tend to come to Waroona Dam for fishing – although a licence is required to catch the perch, marron and trout in Lake Navarino – or waterskiing. Overseas visitors are more likely to enjoy the bushwalking in the vicinity of the Waroona Dam. The neighbouring Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup has more options, however.
If you’re massively into hanging out near reservoirs, then it’s possible to stay at the Lake Navarino Holiday Park. A range of accommodation, including camping, glamping, cabins, cottages and motel units, is available.
More Australia Travel Questions
Where can I see Australia Travel Questions in the media?
Is Premier Bus cheaper than Greyhound?
Why is schooner size different in South Australia?
What is the longest river in Australia?