Thrombolites at Lake Clifton are among the few living examples of microbialites on the planet.
The park's lake system is a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Tuart trees in the park are some of the last remaining remnants of what was once an extensive forest along the Swan Coastal Plain.
The name Yalgorup is derived from the Noongar words 'yalgor' meaning lake or swamp and 'up' meaning place of.
The lake salinity levels fluctuate significantly based on groundwater inflow and evaporation rates.
Yalgorup National Park is a protected coastal reserve south of Mandurah, Western Australia, renowned for its system of ten interconnected saline lakes known as the Clifton-Preston Lakelands. It contains Lake Clifton, which features rare living thrombolites, microbialites formed by cyanobacteria that resemble some of the earliest life forms on Earth. The park encompasses 12,888 hectares of protected habitat, including tuart woodlands and coastal dunes. It is recognized as a Ramsar site of international importance due to its role as a habitat for migratory waterbirds. Visitors can access a dedicated boardwalk along Lake Clifton to observe the thrombolites without damaging the delicate structures. The park's diverse ecosystem supports western grey kangaroos, brushtail possums, and numerous bird species. The area is part of the traditional lands of the Pindjarup Noongar people.
The mid-point of the Lake Clifton thrombolite boardwalk at sunrise or sunset.
Use the wooden boardwalk at Lake Clifton to prevent trampling the sensitive thrombolites.
Bring insect repellent as the wetlands can attract significant mosquito populations during warmer months.
Pack binoculars for birdwatching, as the park is a major site for migratory waders.
Do not attempt to walk through the muddy lake edges, as they are fragile and pose a drowning risk in soft sediment.
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks to protect fragile microbialites; do not touch or enter the water near thrombolite colonies.
