Cool Off in CALMING WATERS
THE BUNGEO REGION IS PEPPERED WITH PICTURESQUE LAKES AND SWIMMING SPOTS TO DISCOVER. THEY'RE HAVENS FOR EXCITING WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES AND LAID-BACK OASIS’ OFFERING TIME AWAY FROM LIFE’S DISTRACTIONS. By CLAIRE TYRELL
Collie’s Lake District While dipping your toes into the cool water or enjoying a picnic at Lake Kepwari’s edge, as you look around at this stunning sanctuary, it's astonishing to think the area was once home to an open cut coal mine. The lake, 10km south-east of Collie, was transformed into an aquatic reserve in 2020 after extensive state government investment into the area, as part of Collie’s shift from a coal mining town to a recreation hotspot. Kepwari means ‘playing in water’ in the local language of the Wiilman people, a clan of the Southwest Noongar Nation. Complete with picnic areas, a dual lane boat ramp, toilets, barbecue shelters, and campgrounds, the lake is an ideal place for a day or weekend of activities. At 2km long and 1km wide, there is ample space on the lake to enjoy boating, water-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming or just cooling off. Fishing is allowed in in the lake, but anglers are advised to check with the Department of Fisheries for the seasons. There are at least 20 camp sites at the lake, with plans underway to develop an additional 20. As the lake opened in December 2020, Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said it was 48
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FOUND | Issue 08
an impressive new drawcard for Collie for both visitors and locals to enjoy. “Here in Collie, we’ve known for a long time about the appeal of spending time outdoors around the lakes and camping under the stars, and now the rest of the state is catching on,” he said. “I’m excited to see Lake Kepwari become one of the many jewels in Collie’s crown of outdoors destinations.”
Collie’s transfers, tours and hire company TraaVerse can be a good starting point for those wishing to have a fun workout on the water. Rent a SUP or kayak and have them deliver you and your gear directly to the water. Or rent roof racks and go your own way. Visit traaverse.com.au Getting to Lake Kepwari is easy. It takes just over 10 minutes to drive from Collie or about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Perth. The tourist attraction is one of many stunning lakes in the area, which can be explored over a weekend or for as long as you can manage to stay. It's essential to book to camp at Lake Kepwari, and for most of the other lakes in the region with camping. Book at parks. dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/lake-kepwari Logue Brook Part of Lake Brockman, Logue Brook Dam is a popular camping spot or an ideal day trip destination. About a 90-minute drive from Perth, get your adreneline pumping in this designated water-skiing area. Or take it easy with some fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking while you soak up the fresh air natural scenery all around. The activities don't end there. Check out the epic mountain-biking tracks that surround the lake, take a hike along one of visitbunburygeographe.com.au
