Tag: Yalgorup National Park

Lake Clifton

Thrombolites at Lake Clifton

Thrombolites

Lake Clifton in Yalgorup National Park is quite a popular attraction. First, it is home to thrombolites – living organisms that are believed to be one of the earliest life forms on earth. These micro-organisms form calcium rich structures that over the years become thrombolites. Thrombolies are only found in a few places in the world and the ones at Lake Clifton are the largest in the southern hemisphere. They are around 2000 years old.

Thrombolites look quite impressive due to their interesting rounded shape. Visiting this place with children can be fun. You can play a game with them, suggesting to say what object each of the thrombolite can resemble. We had mostly pancakes, pies and meatballs (you could guess, that someone was hungry 😊).

What else is there at Lake Clifton?

Thrombolites during sunset at Lake Clifton

Lake Clifton is a photographer’s delight. The best time to take nice scenery pictures is during the sunset when you see changing colours from the sky across the water and down to the thrombolites.

Sunset at Lake Clifton

There is also a pleasant and easy 5km Lakeside loop walk, running parallel to Lake Cliffton. The vegetation there is quite thick on the sides of the track and in season you can spot some pretty wildflowers.

Microtis media Common Mignonette orchid at Lake Clifton

Microtis media Common Mignonette orchid (above).

There are picnic facilities, bbq and toilets near the carpark. There is no entry fee to Yalgorup National Park. Unfortunately, you cannot bring dogs there. If you would like to camp near Lake Clifton, we recommend staying at Martins Tank campground. It is a great bush camp and it is only half an hour drive south.

Martins Tank campground

Location and facilities

Martins Tank campground is located within Yalgorup National Park in the Peel region. It is 5km inland from Preston Beach. The campground has an unusual layout. Rather than being in a circle, it is spread long.

Map of Martins Tank campground
Morning sun shining onto ute in Martins Tank campground

The sites vary considerably. Sites designated for tents look nice and secluded, however, they require a short walk from the parking area. Caravan sites, on the other hand, are more exposed, closer to the main track and smaller in size, but you can reverse in. So, we opted for a caravan site, as it was more convenient for us when taking things in and out of the vehicle. Each site has an individual bench and tables (except for group sites), which is very useful. There are 3 drop toilet blocks in the campground and one shared communal firepit and camp kitchen. Although if you are in a caravan site on the opposite side from the entrance, it’s a long walk. However, if you are close by, you can use all the amenities without taking your own kitchen. There is even a charging station for your devices.

Facilities at Martins Tank campground
Charging station at Martins Tank campground

Overall, it is a pleasant bush camp, nestled in the forest with a short walk to Martin’s Lake. Unfortunately, you can’t swim or launch a boat in the lake, likewise in all other lakes in the Yalgorup National Park but the beach is not far away. Lake is quite beautiful though, especially in the morning and during sunset.

Morning sun at Martin Lake
Aerial view of Martin Lake near Martins Tank campground
Lake at Martins Tank campground

Activities

Martins Tank campground is conveniently located in the heart of the Peel region. If you are into hiking and nature appreciation, you can explore the lakes of Yalgorup National Park and also visit Island Point Reserve on the shore of the Harvey Estuary. For beach lovers, Preston Beach, 5km away, offers excellent 4WD opportunities but also has a 2WD access. And if you are seeking a bit of entertainment, Mandurah is a vibrant city with a lot to offer and is less than an hour drive.

If you are happy just to stay in the campground and relax, there are nice and easy walks around with the wildflowers in season.

Pink Fairy Orchid Caladenia latifolia (above top left), Stylidium schoenoides Cow Kicks Triggerplant (above bottom left).

Costs and additional info

Dogs are not allowed as it is part of the national park. The cost to camp is $15 per person per night ($5 per child) but the entry to national park is free. It’s quite a popular camp with a friendly volunteer camp host on site (during school holidays). Bookings are essential and can be done via Parkstay. Martins Tank is 1,5 drive south from Perth and half an hour drive from famous Thrombolites of Lake Clifton.