Lake Leschenaultia - Chidlow
- Out and About
- Jul 23, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Situated between Toodyay Road and the Great Eastern Highway at Chidlow, Lake Leschenaultia is a large man made former railway dam in the Perth Hills. The lake is ideal for swimming and paddling and the mountain bike and walk trails are centred around the café and playground area. In Spring and Summer visitors flock to Lake Lesch, as it is affectionately known. White sandy beaches and calm water make it ideal for children of all ages to swim or paddle in safety. Older kids will love the challenge of jumping off the pontoon!
We walked around the lake on the Heron Trail which is a flat and gentle 3km on wide compacted pathways. In some parts you have the option of diverting to a narrow track closer to the water’s edge for a bit of exploring. The Heron Trail loops around the lake and surprises you as it takes you past the old Train Station.
The Kangaroo Trail is a 2km loop trail that diverts from the Heron Trail but we didn't see any trail markers for either the Heron or Kangaroo Trails. It doesn't really matter as the distances are short and there are many offshoot trails but it is always nice to know you are on the right track!
These trails are shared with bikes so do be careful. Luckily on both occasions we visited we didn't see any bikes on these trails but it was a weekday and very quiet.
The Heron Trail shares with the 3.5km Cockatoo Trail along the northern shore of the lake. The Cockatoo Trail is well marked along this section although we didn't notice any markers to show where it diverges from the Heron Trail but we weren't looking for them.
Most of the Mountain Bike Trail network is on the northern side of the lake and this area also has parking, toilets and picnic shelters. There are tracks to suit all levels and there is also a small pump track.
There is a 2km walk/cycle path into the nearby town of Chidlow. Chidlow also features on the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail and is about 9km from Mt Helena - probably better to cycle than walk unless you park cars either end.
Canoes and stand up paddle boards are available for hire over the warmer months - click on link for details.
There are plenty of barbecues and picnic benches or picnic spots scattered along the foreshore, ample parking, toilets and an outdoor shower. There is a cafe on site but it is currently closed pending new tenants. Entry to Lake Leschenaultia is free and gates open weekdays at 8.30am and weekends at 8am. Gates close half an hour after sunset - for more details click on link. The Lake will be closed on Extreme Risk Fire days. Sorry no pets allowed.
Lake Leschenaultia also offers 23 powered and unpowered camp sites for tents and camper trailers. For current fees and booking refer to this link.
If you are there for the wildflowers then Spring is the best time to visit when wildflowers are at their peak, including of course the blue Leschenaultia.
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I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.