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See prehistoric creatures & chase stars with this guide to Lake Clifton!
If there’s one spot we’ll never get sick of, it’s Lake Clifton in Yalgorup National Park. Maybe it’s the million-year-old wonders under the water; maybe it’s the seemingly infinite cosmos that unfolds above the lake—there are heaps of reasons.
We’re also hooked by the two kinds of adventure the lake offers. One dares us to conquer the wilderness, while the other is meant for stillness—for reconnecting with nature, loved ones, and ourselves.
Ah, just thinking about it is enough to mellow us out. After a trip with our guide below leading the way, you’ll see exactly why.
Things to Know
Map
Drive from Perth CBD: 1 hr and 9 mins (108 km)
How to Get There
By Bus/Train: To reach Lake Clifton by bus/train from Perth, take the Mandurah train line to Mandurah Station, then board the Pemberton bus line towards Augusta. Get off at the Transwa Bay Lake Clifton stop and either walk southeast or take a taxi to the lake.
By Car: You can drive to Lake Clifton, with plenty of parking available, mainly at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites Car Park.
By Taxi: Taxi fares in Perth vary by time. Use our guide below as a reference. These are the rates as of February 2025.
| Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Where to Eat
Lake Clifton Tavern and Motel
From footeelliot
Address: 3236 Old Coast Rd
Contact Details: +61 426 998 770
Pricing: $
Website
Lake Clifton Tavern and Motel gave us the true-blue country pub experience. Smack dab on Old Coast Road, we had cold ones with unobstructed golden-hour views.
The feed is classic pub fare done right, as evidenced by their iconic steak sandwich that didn’t last long at our table. This dish’s umami complemented the onions and beer-battered fries, plus the beef was easy to chew.
Meanwhile, our kids essentially inhaled their chicken nuggets. Our mini-critics loved how they were seasoned lightly without losing crispness.
The Little Wren Farm
From ormsby.ai.coach
Address: 42 Holmes Rd
Contact Details: +61 410 167 656
Pricing: $$
Facebook
The Little Wren is living proof that Lake Clifton isn’t just about roughing it in nature. This pocket-sized retreat pours a splash of sophistication, offering high teas and landscaped gardens that feel straight out of a dainty English painting.
Food-wise, their high tea spread heavily leans on classics. Think pillowy scones with jam and cream, delicate finger sandwiches, buttery macarons, and cupcakes that look almost too pretty to eat.
Of course, black and green teas are what fill in the glassware, with mimosas on offer in case you’re looking for fizz.
Just don’t forget to book ahead, as they only open by reservation!
Things to Do
See the prehistoric thrombolite reef
From cdavill
We made the trek to Lake Clifton for one reason—its mind-blowing thrombolites—and let’s just say, our leave credits didn’t go to waste. Right beneath the crystal-clear waters, we got an up-close look at the southern hemisphere’s biggest thrombolite reef.
Their age, around 570 million years old, made us feel we did some time-travelling, minus the DeLorean. What’s more, the thrombolites’ looks were as fascinating as their history, with limestone-esque colours and rounded shapes.
It was smart to hit the spot in January when the water levels were low. If your January is hectic, any time from then until May should still provide a good look at these wonders typical museums could only dream of.
Gaze at the Milky Way
From kk.photobh
Right where the thrombolites have been kicking back for millions of years, we found ourselves gazing at a spectacle just as timeless—the Milky Way in all its unfiltered glory.
With no buildings, streetlights, or human-made nonsense blocking the view, the horizon was out of this world, literally. Visiting on a moonless night made it so much better, too.
If fortune is smiling on you, you might just score a front-row seat to the Aurora Australis, too. It’s not an everyday thing, but your best bet is anytime between late February and late September—or after the Australian Bureau of Meteorology posts a forecast.
Look for the kangaroos, emus, and bungarras
From dean.bottle
Pets might be off the guest list at the lake, but trust us, the local wildlife more than makes up for it. For example, we saw a couple of emus out for a casual strut by the shores.
There were mobs of kangaroos too, which became more active as the sun faded. According to locals, they’re just as energetic at dawn.
One unfortunate part was we didn’t encounter bungarras, known to leg near the water’s edges. Maybe we’ll get luckier next time!
Bushwalk
From juliussuiluj
Elevation: 66 m
Classification: Grade 2
The thrombolites had us spellbound, but we couldn’t leave without tackling the 5.8-km Lake Clifton Walk Trail. Kicking off at Mount John Rd and looping back, this 1–2 hour stroll delivered bushland, birdlife, and waterside serenity.
Naturally, the ancient formations were the star attraction, but the feathery locals nearly stole the limelight. The banks were brimming with swallows, plovers, and black ducks.
We also wandered through paths lined with tuarts, paperbarks, and peppermints, their leafy canopies offering some shade. Perched on the trees were some black cockatoos, which were in a pretty ‘screechy’ mood.
