Rowles Lagoon

Aerial view of Rowles Lagoon

Rowles Lagoon is a semi permanent freshwater wetland in the Goldfields region. In the area where most wetlands are saline, a freshwater lake plays an important role for wildlife. It is home to 41 species of waterbirds, including rare Freckled duck. We were not so lucky to see it. In fact, even though there were plenty of waterbirds, all of them appeared to be Australian shelducks – male, female and ducklings. They were quite shy and I had to take pictures of them from a distance.

The lake can appear different depending on the weather and season. When we visited Rowles Lagoon, it looked pink with quite a lot of water in it. It was lovely to see it filled with water, as at times it can be dry.

A boy looking at Rowles Lagoon

Camping at Rowles Lagoon

There is a picnic, as well as a free campground near the lake. Swimming and water-based recreational activities can be enjoyed there when there is enough water. Facilities include toilet and picnic tables. There are no camping fees and campfires are allowed in season. We did not stay there but merely stopped to have a look on our way to Lake Ballard.

Picnic area at Rowles Lagoon

How to get there

Rowles Lagoon is 70km north of Coolgardie via Coolgardie-North unsealed Road. It is one of the designated stops along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail. 

Karalee Rock

Karalee Rock

Karalee Rock is a natural attraction in the Goldfields region. It is part of the Golden Pipe Heritage Trail. This is the route of the historic water pipeline from Perth to Kalgoorlie. The place is known for the historic Karalee Reservoir, which was an important water supply for steam trains. The dam and the well were constructed in the 19th century at the base of the rock to catch the water during storms and heavy rain.

Karalee Rock catchment area

Free camping at Karalee Rock

Nowadays, Karalee Rock is a popular picnic spot and a free camping area. There are plenty of shaded spaces, with picnic tables and fire rings. The toilet is there, but unfortunately, no longer working.

You can walk around the dam and over the rock. The places are very picturesque, especially during sunset and sunrise when the nature really shines.

It is also a place to view beautiful wildflowers. We camped at Karalee Rock on our way to Central Australia in July 2025. There were not many wildflowers but I was happy to find these cute Pterostylis setulosa Hairy-stemmed Snail orchids.

Other wildflowers I spotted were numerous drosera plants and Wurmbea tenella Eight Nancy.

(Wurmbea tenella Eight Nancy)

A team effort of drosera flowers to catch a meal :).

How to get there

Karalee Rock is located between Southern Cross and Coolgardie. It is 4km off the Great Eastern Hwy via dirt road.

And that’s us on a cold morning in July 2025.