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History of the Lake

Over the period 1897-8, the area now known as Lake Leschenaultia was built as a railway reservoir to supply water for the steam locomotives stopping on the Eastern Railway at Chidlow's Well Station.

At a cost of £8,803, the Public Works Department cleared a creek bed north-west of the townsite and constructed an earth embankment to form a 118 million gallon (536,000 cubic metre) reservoir.

Two overhead storage tanks at the railway station were supplied by mains from a lakeside steam powered pump, with a full time attendant, who lived in a cottage at the reservoir. As need arose, other railway centres, such as Midland, used tankers to access the water at Chidlow.

By 1907, the reservoir's stock of Redfin Perch had become popular with anglers. Initially, 600 pine trees were planted because it was believed they improved the water quality. However, clearing in the catchment area increased the water's salinity and by 1930 (or earlier), it was considered unsuitable for railway use.

The Greenmount Road Board acquired the lake in c. 1933, and except for the period 1941-1947, when the reservoir was resumed for possible wartime use, began to develop it as a picnic and resort area.

The name "Lake Leschenaultia" was one used locally because the colour of the lake was said to resemble the blue Leschenaultia flower. Throughout the 1950's, the entrance tickets and references in the Mundaring Road Board minutes named the lake as 'Lake Leschenault'. The correct spelling, with "ia" on the end, was restored in 1960.

The brick tea room/kiosk building, with ranger's house/office behind, were built in the late 1950s, early 60s. Other than two timber jetties (now removed) jutting out into the lake, the brick building is one of the few built structures that interrupted the landscape. The kiosk was designed with little sympathetic acknowledgement of its surroundings and is typical of its period of construction.  The tea rooms operated from the lake and sold sweets, cool drinks and local orchard produce.

In the past few decades the development of grassed areas with laterite stone retaining walls, picnic tables and shelters are located between the kiosk and lake's edge to the east. Otherwise, the edges of the lake have been left very much in their original naturally landscaped form with large trees coming down close to the water’s edge providing extensive shaded areas.

The earth dam wall is integrated into a walk trail around the edge of the lake and otherwise, there are few indications of the site's railway heritage.

About the Lake

Lake Leschenaultia is a 168 hectare bushland well-known for its canoeing, swimming, cycling and barbeque facilities.

The Lake is the perfect spot for a family outing with cool shaded areas, lawns, white sand beaches and playground equipment.

Shelters and lawn areas can be hired for exclusive use. 

Important note: Dogs and pets are not permitted at Lake Leschenaultia, unless approved in writing by the Shire or are a registered Assistance Dog. An authorisation card must be carried when entering the park.

Prohibited at the Lake

To help everyone have an enjoyable experience and to keep the lake safe and clean, the following are prohibited at the lake: 

• Dogs (except where they are approved in writing by the Shire or are registered Assistance Dogs (an authorisation card must be carried when entering the park)
• All other pets (ie cats, horses/ponies, etc)
• Motorised boats or model boats
• Sailing boats
• Confetti, funny string, or water balloons
• Glass bottles on the sand or in the water
• Off-road motorbikes or vehicles
• Tent/shade pegs on lawn areas (to avoid breaking reticulation lines)
• All motorised aircraft (including drones, which can only be used with prior approval of the Shire). Please email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au to request permission
• Fishing.

Reflections Coffee & Kiosk

Reflections Coffee & Kiosk is currently open on weekends and public holidays (excluding Christmas Day).

The summer weekend and public holiday opening hours are 8.30am to 2.30pm.

Canoe and Stand Up Paddle Board Hire (seasonal operation)

Canoe and stand up paddle board hire is now open for the summer season.

Opening hours are 10am to 3pm on weekends and public holidays (except Christmas Day).

Canoe and stand up paddle board hire will close for the off-season on Monday 10 April and will re-open on Saturday 23 September 2023.

All-terrain wheelchair for hire

An all-terrain wheelchair is available for use within the park. This wheelchair provides greater access for some people with mobility constraints for scenic tours along the gravel tracks surrounding Lake Leschenaultia. For people under 50kgs, and those not requiring a five point harness it is also suitable for beach access. 

The chair is free to hire and can be booked for up to three hours at a time. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to ensure it is available and ready.

Visitors wishing to hire the wheelchair should email allterrainchair@mundaring.wa.gov.au providing the date and time they would like to use the wheelchair. Please note: "Conditions of Use and User Agreement" must be signed before use.

The Lake's all-terrain wheelchair is designed to go where standard wheel chairs can’t and is made from titanium strengthened PVC to comfortably carry 120kg. It features four large 49cm Wheeleez™ balloon tires, a light frame, pull up armrests and folding footrest.

The design of the lake’s all-terrain wheelchair may not be able to accommodate the needs of every person with mobility issues.  It is important for each prospective user and or carer to assess its suitability before use.  Please note a lifting mechanism to access the wheelchair is not available.

All terrain wheelchair’s specifications:

• Floor to handle height - 94cm
• Seat to Foot Rest - 46cm
• Chair Back Rest Width - 48cm
• Chair Back Rest Height - 45cm
• Seat Width - 45cm
• Seat Length - 45cm
• Capacity - up to 150kg

The all-terrain wheelchair includes:

• 3 Safety Restraints (Chest, Waist, and Legs
• Anti-Roll Braking
• Pull Up Arm Rests
• Folding Foot Rest
• Quick Dry UV Treated Detachable Velcro Dacron Seat
• WeatherBreaker® Canopy

The all-terrain wheelchair was fully funded through the “All-terrain Wheelchair Access for National Parks and Beaches Grant” from the Government of Western Australia - Department of Communities.

Camping

Camping is open all year round.

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Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre

Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre can answer most enquiries relating to Lake Leschenaultia. They also make group campsite bookings and reserve shelters and lawn areas. Call them on (08) 9290 6736 or visit them at 7225 Great Eastern Highway during the following times:

• Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm
• Sunday and most public holidays* from 10am to 2.30pm

*Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday.