Lake Cooloongup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Cooloongup |
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Lake Cooloongup seen from Mandurah Road
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 Lake Cooloongup
Location in Australia
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| Location | Cooloongup, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 32°17′44″S 115°47′27″E / 32.29556°S 115.79083°E |
| Type | Saline |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Designation | Rockingham Lakes Regional Park |
| Surface area | 370 ha (910 acres) |
| Average depth | 3.5 m (11 ft) |
Lake Cooloongup, also known as White Lake, is a shallow salt lake in Cooloongup. This area is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. The lake is part of the Rockingham Lakes Regional Park. In the local Noongar language, the name Cooloongup means "place of children".
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About Lake Cooloongup
Lake Cooloongup is located in a special natural area. To its east, you'll find Mandurah Road. The suburb of Cooloongup is to its west. South of the lake, the natural reserve stretches towards Safety Bay Road. Another lake, Lake Walyungup, is located further south.
Changing Water Levels and Saltiness
Scientists believe Lake Cooloongup is drying out. This is happening because there has been less rain. The water levels in the lake can change a lot. They can be as shallow as 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) or as deep as 3.5 meters (11.5 feet).
Both Lake Cooloongup and nearby Lake Walyungup are becoming saltier. Lake Walyungup is even saltier than Lake Cooloongup. Lake Cooloongup has groundwater that flows out towards the sea. However, Lake Walyungup is a closed system. Its water only leaves through evapotranspiration, which is when water turns into vapor and goes into the air.
Natural Features Around the Lake
Both lakes have small wetland areas on their western sides. These wetlands are made up of sand dunes. The eastern side of the lakes is formed by a limestone ridge.
Cultural Importance of the Lakes
The lakes are very important to the local Noongar people. They believe this is where the Sea Waugal laid her eggs. The name Walyungup means "place where Nyungars talk" in the Noongar language. This suggests that Lake Cooloongup was a place for children, while Lake Walyungup was for adults.
Past Use of the Area
During the time around World War II, parts of the Rockingham Lakes Regional Park were used for military training. This included Lake Cooloongup and Lake Walyungup. Because of this, some areas might have old military items.
Plants and Animals of Lake Cooloongup
Lake Cooloongup is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Volunteers have found many new plant species here.
Amazing Plants
Some of the special plants found at Lake Cooloongup include:
- Billardiera heterophylla
- Hakea varia
- Hakea trifurcata
- Ptilotus drummondii
- Pimelea calcicola
- Lobelia tenuior
- Viminaria juncea
- Arthropodium strictum
Wildlife in the Area
The large trees around the lake provide homes for animals. These trees include tuart, marri, and jarrah trees.
- You might spot western grey kangaroos hopping around.
- Western brush wallabys also live in this area.
- In the water, small freshwater crayfish have been seen.
Images for kids
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A warning sign at Lake Walyungup about old military items
