Lake Joondalup
A serene natural escape offering an 18km circuit for walking and cycling, abundant wildlife, and picturesque lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos & wildlife
Lake Joondalup
Best Time
Best light for photos & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural escape offering an 18km circuit for walking and cycling, abundant wildlife, and picturesque lake views.
"A really lovely walk, I wish we'd have had time to go clear around the lake."
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
Essential for the 18km circuit. Trails are well-maintained.
☀️ Go for sunrise views
The lake is beautiful first thing in the morning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Joondalup Circuit
The entire lake perimeter
An 18km picturesque walk or cycle offering stunning lake views and abundant birdlife.
Wildlife Spotting
Various points around the lake
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, diverse water birds like ducks and black swans, and even long-neck turtles.
Lookout & Picnic Cove
Designated viewing areas
Perfect spots to take in panoramic lake views and enjoy a peaceful picnic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Wildlife & Serenity
Embrace the Outdoors: What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
Essential for the 18km circuit. Trails are well-maintained.
☀️ Go for sunrise views
The lake is beautiful first thing in the morning.
🐦 Feed birds sunflower seeds
Only feed native birds sunflower seeds.
🦟 Beware of mosquitoes
Can be an issue, especially after rain. Bring repellent.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
Essential for the 18km circuit. Trails are well-maintained.
☀️ Go for sunrise views
The lake is beautiful first thing in the morning.
🐦 Feed birds sunflower seeds
Only feed native birds sunflower seeds.
🦟 Beware of mosquitoes
Can be an issue, especially after rain. Bring repellent.
📸 Capture bird photos
Splendid Fairywrens are a common sight.
🚴♀️ Great for cycling
Smooth paths make for enjoyable cycling, even inlines.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lake Joondalup for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and excellent walking and cycling paths. It's considered a peaceful escape with opportunities for bird feeding and picnicking. Some note potential mosquito issues and dog restrictions on certain tracks.
"Beautiful lake in a beautiful place. There's a nice park nearby too."
Kaisar Karnik
"Gorgeous walking track. My dog wasn't allowed on the track so had to leave him in the car with mum. Glad he wasn't allowed as I saw some big roos."
Vivek Ramji
"A really lovely walk, I wish we'd have had time to go clear around the lake. The trails are well maintained and partly shaded, which makes it very pleasant. The viewing areas give great views of the water fowl. We saw ducks and black swans."
Michelle Mitton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Joondalup is accessible by car, with parking available at various points around the lake. Public transport options include buses that service the Joondalup area, with some routes offering stops near the lake.
Yes, there are several parking areas located around the lake, particularly near popular access points like Neil Hawkins Park and picnic spots.
Absolutely! The paths around Lake Joondalup are excellent for cycling, including inline skating.
The most popular way is to walk or cycle the Lake Joondalup Circuit, an approximately 18km loop.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for a day trip, offering walking, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lake Joondalup is a public park and there is no entry fee to access the walking trails or general park areas.
Lake Joondalup is generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Specific park facilities might have their own hours.
No booking is required for general visits. However, if you're interested in participating in the weekly Parkrun, you can register for free online.
Based on one visitor's experience, dogs may not be allowed on certain tracks, so it's advisable to check local signage or regulations.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas, including Picnic Cove, making it a great spot for a family outing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full circuit walk around Lake Joondalup is approximately 18 kilometers (about 11 miles).
You can spot kangaroos, various water birds like ducks and black swans, and long-neck turtles. +1
Yes, parts of the trails are shaded, making walks more pleasant, especially during warmer parts of the day.
It's a fantastic location for photography, especially in the early morning light, capturing wildlife and scenic lake views.
It's a free, weekly 5k run or walk held every Saturday at 8:00 AM at Neil Hawkins Park, open to all fitness levels.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't direct dining facilities within the park itself, the nearby Joondalup area offers numerous cafes and restaurants. Many visitors grab a coffee after the Parkrun.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended, with designated picnic spots available.
Pack your favorite picnic items, plenty of water, and perhaps some sunflower seeds if you plan to feed the birds.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings, especially around sunrise, offer the best light for capturing wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Wildlife like kangaroos and various bird species, as well as the serene lake views and surrounding greenery, are popular subjects.
Yes, the designated lookouts and picnic coves provide excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic shots of the lake.
Absolutely! Modern smartphone cameras are great for capturing the beauty of Lake Joondalup, with features like spatial scene effects enhancing your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider participating in the Lake Joondalup Parkrun on a Saturday morning for a fun, free family activity.
While dogs may have restrictions on certain tracks, the open spaces and wildlife viewing opportunities make it an engaging outing for kids of all ages. Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.🚶♀️ Walkers & Runners
The Parkrun event every Saturday is a great way to join a community of runners and track your progress.
Be prepared for the full circuit's length and consider breaking it up if needed. Remember to stay hydrated and be aware of potential mosquitoes, especially after rainfall. 🚴♂️ Cyclists & Skaters
Cyclists can enjoy the diverse landscapes as they pedal around the lake. It's a popular route for both casual riders and those training for longer distances. Remember to wear a helmet and be mindful of other users on the path.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lake Joondalup Circuit
Travelers often highlight the well-maintained nature of the paths, which are partly shaded, making the experience more comfortable. The circuit provides varied perspectives of the lake, from open water views to more secluded, vegetated sections. It's a popular spot for those looking to get their steps in or enjoy a longer bike ride.
For those interested in specific activities, the circuit is also part of the route for the Lake Joondalup Parkrun, a free weekly 5k event that attracts a community of fitness enthusiasts every Saturday morning.
The path is also suitable for inline skating, offering a smooth surface for gliding. Wildlife Encounters at Lake Joondalup
It's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding them. The lake itself is a vital habitat for a variety of water birds. Visitors can expect to see numerous species of ducks and the iconic black swans, which are a common sight on the water.
For birdwatchers, the area is a delight. The diverse vegetation supports a range of bird species, including the Splendid Fairywren, which can be a rewarding sight for photographers.
Recreational Activities and Community Events
For cycling enthusiasts, the paths are well-suited for road bikes and even inline skates, providing a smooth and scenic experience.
The area also features pump tracks nearby, such as the Lysander Park Pump Track, catering to mountain bikers and those looking for more dynamic cycling challenges. Lake Joondalup is also a popular spot for picnics, with designated areas like Picnic Cove offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
The surrounding Joondalup area is a vibrant hub with shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants, making it a comprehensive destination for a day out. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit