lake clifton

Terrific thrombolites -in a tranquil setting. I had seen these on a travel programme and was thrilled to be able to see them in the "flesh". To me they were magic and amazing and their role in the creation of life was awe inspiring. Take pictures since others may no believe what you have seen. Also so interesting bird life around.

Thrombolites might not be the most spectacular life form but the temporal context makes them rather special. Despite all the hysteria of climate change and the impact of humans on the environment the thrombolites have survived and survived. A must see.

Have stayed at this caravan park several times now. They have clean amenities and a laundry is available. Cheap rates and nice grassed areas with lots of shady trees. Great bakery next door. This park is very well managed by Sandra and Ross who are very helpful. There are speed limits to be adhered to (as in every caravan park) and are put in place for a very good reason. Children stay in this park and their safety is paramount. We have been in this park when it has been full and also when it has been quiet. It is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away from the suburbs. Would have no hesitation in recommending Lake Clifton Caravan Park

Its not much of a detour from the Perth to Margaret River run, and a worthy stop to see the thrombolites.They don't do much, but we owe life on earth today to its ancestors. Much better than their cousins near Cervantes, and much closer to Perth than their cousins in Shark Bay.Also, the scenery is pretty and the Cape Bouvard Winery and Brewery next door looks a relaxing place to stop off with plenty of tables on a lawn shaded by big trees.

Great scenery and the thrombolites are astounding! These things are 2,000 years old and are descendants of the first life on earth. They are not only responsible for producing the oxygen that promoted early life but are also thought to be responsible for the formation of the iron ore riches that drive WA's economic boom.Try to time your visit with high tide on a calm day - the view is amazing and if you watch closely you can see oxygen rising from the stone like underwater structures.Yes! Signage is difficult to locate on the Old Coast Road. But I don't use addresses in the GPS now. I use Google Earth and take eastings and northings of the site and program these into the GPS - never miss!!

We went to Lake Clifton mainly to see the thrombolites. My GPS was unable to find the location and the small, inconspicuous sign boards on the old coast road, did not help much. However, when I finally managed to reach the thrombolites, I found it was worth the trip. Where in the world can we see the microbial organisms growing like rocks and stones. We went there on 26 Oct, 2013. Surprisingly, we were not troubled by insects or flies. When I took a short walk in the shrubs, I was able to see numerous spiders and their webs, May be they were having a good time catching and trapping all the flies. I did see a wide variety of butterflies and dragonflies.

Lake Clifton is an amazing area. The lake and wet land areas are just a beautiful sight and the Thrombolites are an interesting sight. I got a little fed up of the flies on the walk and wished I had some repellent but go prepared and I'm sure you'll love it.

If there's a heaven on earth, then Lake Clifton Thrombolites is the first contender! A must go! Just bear with the bugs & mosquitoes on the way in. But definitely worth it!

We were heading south of Perth and after a short stop at Centro Mandurah Shopping Centre, we decided to continue via Mandurah/Old Coast Road. Less than 30 minutes later we stumbled upon Lake Clifton and a sign that said 'Thrombolites'. With our curiosity piqued because we didn't know what Thrombolites are, we turned off at Mount John Road and headed towards the lake (about a 5 minute drive straight ahead). Just after the Cape Bouvard Winery and Brewery there's a small carpark to the right and a toilet block (non flushing). There you have the choice of a 5km round trip walk in the National Park or a 600m return trip along the purpose built boardwalk over the lake (the latter was our choice). The thrombolites are living rocks that sit in shallow water of Lake Clifton's eastern shoreline. The boardwalk was established to protect the Thrombolites and still allow people to view them. The boardwalk also makes it accessible for the mobility impaired and for parents with prams. There is also an opportunity to help Conservationalists and Researchers by taking photographs at particular points and sending them through via email. You can stay there as long as you but we were probably there all up 20 minutes. The walk through the National Park probably needs 1-2 hours. To return to the Highway you can head back up Mount John Road or turn right onto the Clifton Down Roads. We didn't stop at the Cape Bouvard Winery and Brewery so can't offer any review but from what could be seen from the roadside: there's ample parking and outdoor seating. No kids playground but a small amount of grassed area for a stretch or run around.

I had seen Professor Brian Cox talking about this place south of Perth on his programme on the ABC on Thursday night - I think it was called 'wonders of the universe' in which he describes Australia's different sized animals. He comes here to talk about one of the smallest, a bacteria that ultimately creates the Thrombolites. I went here for a drive on a day off from Perth, it is very easy to get to, just drive about 90km down the Kwinana Freeway, there is a sign to turn off to the right. There is a short boardwalk where you walk a short way out over the lake to look at the thrombolites. At the time I went they were underwater, but they looked kinda cool like that. There is a trail off to the right that goes for about 5km through some bushland and some plaques talking about the different species of animals. You walk though the bush, on top of some limestone and through a peppermint grove. Although it was a nice quiet walk for me, children would probably get bored quickly. There is a program going whereby you take photo at a set angle and send them into the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council to document the change taking place. the website is:http://www.peel-harvey.org.au/?page_id=1326I think it's a very cool idea, should be taken up by more conservation areas!There are some picnic benches there, 2 longdrop toilets. There is not convenience stores nearby, but the is the Cape Bouvard Winery and Brewery about 20metres down the road, but I didn't go here.

I went to a wedding held there and it was beautiful scenery and good staff, well organised. plenty of room outside and inside. food was delisious. It was vey relaxed. clean toilet area.

We did the thrombolites boardwalk and loved every minute. Excellent, informative sign postings everywhere and truly makes for amazing photos. Well worth a visit!

Lake Clifton Caravan Park, 135kms south of Perth, 35 kms south of Mandurah. This was situated on the main road, with the Forrest Hwy now taking all traffic, what a great little caravan park, shady, friendly and clean. Thrombolites are nearby, 20kms to Preston Beach, fishing, general store, café, restaurant..........cant beat it.

Good access, parking and timber walkway out over the stromatelites which are amazing.Surrounded by birdlife and other creatures.