Lake Leschenaultia

Another picnic spot discovered by chance in the Perth Hills is Lake Leschenaultia, a manmade lake constructed in 1897 for the Western Australia Government Railway, to water Steam Engines at the Chidlow Well Station.

This was after our pony ride in the Perth Hills, and we had asked our guide where would be a nice place to lay a mat and have a picnic. Soon we were punching in the destination on the GPS and heading towards Lake Leschenaultia.

There is a small entrance fee to enter the park. $6 per car, but I’m not sure why but the booth wasn’t in operation when we were there. So it was free!

For all the road trips out of Perth, I made an effort to pack lunch, drinks and snacks so we could always find an excuse to detour and find a nice picnic spot. Again, this place was a winner.
We found a grassed area and laid out the mat and ate chicken coriander sandwiches (My Auntie Rosie’s famous recipe).

It was quiet, breezy, picturesque and the best part…there were ducks to feed

My bread at home was getting a bit old, so I brought it along hoping I’d come across some ducks or swans to feed. When we turned up at Lake Leschenaultia, there were probably 60 ducks in waiting for my loaf. All gone in 60 seconds.

Driving Directions
40km east of Perth at Lake Leschenaultia, Rosedale Rd, Chidlow.
Entrance is via Rosedale Road in Chidlow.
Approximately 1 hour from Perth via Great Eastern Hwy.

Further Information

• Barbecues
• Stokers Cafe is open Wednesday through Sunday and Public Holidays. It can seat up to 60 people and also provides a canoe hire.
• From December to April anglers can try their luck with the rainbow trout with which the lake has been stocked.
• Wildflowers and fresh growth bloom during September until October all over the 600 acres of Parkland.
• Tent camping and camper trailers only, no caravans permitted. Booking for a site is to be made prior to the date.
• Fires are permitted when conditions allow.
• No dogs.