Bibra Lake (Western Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bibra Lake |
|
---|---|
![]() Bibra Lake, seen from the western shore
|
|
Location | Perth, Western Australia |
Coordinates | 32°05′37″S 115°49′33″E / 32.09361°S 115.82583°E |
Type | Freshwater |
Basin countries | Australia |
Designation | Beeliar Regional Park |
Bibra Lake (also known as Walliabup in the Noongar language) is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the suburb of Bibra Lake. This suburb is found south of the main city area of Perth, which is the capital city of Western Australia. The lake and its surrounding suburb are part of the City of Cockburn, a local government area.
Bibra Lake is an important natural spot. It is surrounded by major roads and a railway line. To the north, you'll find the Roe Highway reservation. Stock Road is to the west, the Kwinana Freeway is to the east, and a freight rail line runs to the south.
Bibra Lake is special because it's one of a series of lakes that make up the Beeliar Regional Park. It's the fourth lake in this chain, if you count from north to south. The area around the lake is designed for people to enjoy nature. There's a cycle way (a path for bikes) that goes all around the lake. This path also gives you access to special spots called bird hides, where you can quietly watch birds without disturbing them. To help keep the area pleasant for visitors, Bibra Lake even has two electric insect traps. These traps are designed to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area.
Contents
What is Bibra Lake?
Bibra Lake is a natural body of freshwater. It's like a big, calm pool of water that isn't salty. Lakes like Bibra Lake are very important for the environment. They provide homes for many different kinds of plants and animals. They also help to keep the local climate balanced.
Where is Bibra Lake located?
Bibra Lake is in Western Australia, near the city of Perth. It's part of a suburb that shares its name, Bibra Lake. This area is south of Perth's busy city center. Being close to a big city makes Bibra Lake a valuable green space for people to visit and enjoy.
How big is Bibra Lake?
While the exact size can change a bit depending on rainfall, Bibra Lake is a significant part of the local landscape. It's surrounded by important transport routes. These include the Roe Highway to the north, Stock Road to the west, and the Kwinana Freeway to the east. A freight rail line also runs along its southern edge. These boundaries show how the lake is nestled within a developed area, yet still provides a natural escape.
Bibra Lake and Beeliar Regional Park
Bibra Lake is a key part of the Beeliar Regional Park. This park is a large area of natural bushland and wetlands. It's designed to protect important ecosystems and provide places for people to enjoy nature.
What is a regional park?
A regional park is a special area that protects nature while also allowing people to visit. These parks often include lakes, wetlands, and bushland. They are important for keeping plants and animals safe. They also offer places for activities like walking, cycling, and bird watching. Beeliar Regional Park helps to protect the unique environment of the Perth area.
Why is this park important?
Beeliar Regional Park, including Bibra Lake, is important for several reasons:
- Nature Protection: It protects many native plants and animals. This includes birds, reptiles, and insects that rely on the lake and its surroundings.
- Recreation: It gives people a place to relax and be active outdoors. The cycleway around Bibra Lake is a great example of this.
- Education: It's a living classroom where people can learn about nature and the environment.
- Cultural Significance: For the Noongar people, the traditional owners of the land, places like Bibra Lake (Walliabup) have deep cultural and spiritual meaning.
Activities and Features at Bibra Lake
Bibra Lake offers several features that make it a great place for visitors. These features help people enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Cycling and walking
One of the most popular features is the cycle way that goes around the entire lake. This path is perfect for:
- Riding bikes with friends or family.
- Going for a run or a jog.
- Taking a peaceful walk and enjoying the scenery.
The path makes it easy for everyone to explore the lake's edges.
Bird watching
Along the cycle way, you'll find special spots called bird hides. These are small, hidden shelters. They allow you to watch birds without being seen by them. This means you can observe many different types of birds in their natural habitat. It's a quiet and exciting way to connect with nature.
Mosquito control
To make visits more comfortable, Bibra Lake has two electric insect traps. These traps help to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. This means you can enjoy your time outdoors with fewer bug bites. It's a way to balance human enjoyment with protecting the natural environment.
Protecting Bibra Lake
Lakes like Bibra Lake are precious natural resources. It's important for everyone to help protect them.
How can we help?
- Keep it clean: Always take your rubbish with you. Don't litter in or around the lake.
- Respect wildlife: Don't disturb the animals or plants. Keep a safe distance from birds and other creatures.
- Stay on paths: Stick to the designated cycle ways and walking paths. This helps protect the delicate plants and soil.
- Learn more: Understanding why places like Bibra Lake are important helps us appreciate and protect them even more.
By following these simple rules, we can ensure Bibra Lake remains a beautiful and healthy place for both nature and people for many years to come.