Things to Do in Perth, Lake Monger
Exercise, Relax and Observe Wildlife Close to Central Perth
© Rod Quin
Nov 25, 2008
Lake Monger in Wembley, just 5 km (3 mi) from the centre of Perth, is one of a string of lakes stretching 40 kilometres (25 mi) northward from central Perth in parallel with the coast line. Perth's wetlands were for tens of thousands of years an important source of food and the sites of ceremonial gatherings for Aboriginal people.
While some of these lakes have been reclaimed and now lie beneath railway lines, buildings and sporting fields, Lake Monger and others remain and offer opportunities for picnicking, walking, jogging, cycling and observing wildlife.
The total reserve area of Lake Monger is 113 hectares (279 acres), consisting of 43 hectares (106 acres) of parkland and 70 hectares (173 acres) of the lake itself. Called Gallup by the Aboriginal people, Lake Monger was named after John Henry Monger, an early European landholder, by British settlers.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries some of the original lake was reclaimed and the western and southern shores were developed into European style grassed parklands. The lake was used by local residents and visitors for boating, swimming and fishing, activities no longer permitted in line with Lake Monger’s current status as a wildlife reserve.
Over the past ten years Lake Monger has been subject to a rehabilitation plan designed to preserve and restore native plant and animal species, while retaining some of the significant introduced trees. Habitat refuges provide a haven for wildlife and a range of amenities welcome visitors. Viewing platforms over the lake with wildlife identification signs and nature trails allow vistors to experience the natural environment up close.
Location of Lake Monger
- Corner Lake Monger Drive and Gregory Street, Wembley.
Facilities at Lake Monger
- Shaded picnic areas with tables
- Children’s playground
- Free electric barbecues
- Toilets
- Walking and cycling: 3.5 km track; 30 mins on foot
- Dogs allowed on leash.
Lake Monger Fauna
- Birdlife: Thirty three species, including Black Swan, Australian Pelican,,Great Crested Grebe, Australian Grebe, Great Cormorant, Australian Shelduck, Purple Swamp Hen, Red Wattlebird, Singing Honeyeater.
- Animals: Western Long Necked Tortoise, Large Skink, Western Green Frog, Gold Bell Frog, Banjo Frog.
Lake Monger Flora
- Native: Sheaok, Red River Gum, Flooded Gum, Grevillea, Paperbark, Banksia, Bottlebrush, Wattle
- Exotic: Norfolk Island Pine, Phoenix Palm, Weeping Willow.
Eating and Drinking Near Lake Monger
Oxford Street, Leederville, a ten minute walk, offers a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants.
How to Get to Lake Monger
- Train: Leederville station, Joondalup line. Take the Oxford Street exit. Walk north on Oxford Street, turn left at Vincent Street, continue under the freeway overpass where Vincent Street becomes Lake Monger Drive.
- Bus: 401 from Wellington Street Bus station; alight at Northwood Street.
- Parking: Off Lake Monger Drive or Dodd Street.
