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  1. Home
  2. Yalgorup National Park
  3. Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Lake Clifton Thrombolites

We recognise and acknowledge Pinjarup people as the traditional owners of Yalgorup National Park.

Follow the boardwalk to view the living rock-like structures known as thrombolites on the shoreline of Lake Clifton.

No dogs

No park entry fee

Lake Clifton Thrombolites
DBCA

About this place

The most striking things about the thrombolites are their limestone colour and rounded shape. The thrombolite-building micro-organisms are too small for the human eye to see and resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth.

The discovery of modern examples helped scientists to understand the significance of micro-organisms in the environment and unravel the long history of life on Earth.

Scientists know little about the thrombolites and why they form at Lake Clifton, but one theory is that they form because the lake is associated with upwellings of fresh groundwater that is high in calcium carbonate. The micro-organisms living in this environment are able to precipitate calcium carbonate from the waters as they photosynthesise, forming the mineralised structure that is the thrombolite.

Lake Clifton’s thrombolites are very fragile, so an observation walkway has been built for visitors to enjoy these incredible formations while protecting them from damage.  Do not leave cash or valuables in your car

Back to Yalgorup National Park

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!

Gallery

Image
Thrombolites along the eastern shoreline of Lake Clifton
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Path to the jetty at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Path from the parking area out to the jetty

Image
Lake Clifton shores
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Person walking on the Lake Clifton Thrombolites jetty
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Picnic area at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Picnic area at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Image
Lake afternoon at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Thrombolites in the shallows at Lake Clifton
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Thrombolites in the shallows

Image
Thrombolites in the shallows at Lake Clifton
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Lake Clifton Thrombolites viewing jetty
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Person walking on the Lake Clifton Thrombolites jetty
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Lake Clifton
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Lake Clifton in July. The thrombolites are less clearly visible when the water level is higher.

Image
Lake Clifton Thrombolites all under water in July
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Bronwyn Wells

Lake Clifton Thrombolites all under water in July

Facilities

Jetty

Picnic table

Shade shelter

Toilet

Activities

Bushwalking

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Lake Clifton Thrombolites.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Pinjarup people as the traditional owners of Yalgorup National Park.

Need to know

No dogs

No pets allowed

No park entry fee

Entry to Yalgorup National Park is free.

Toilets

Toilets are available.
  • Flushable
  • Wheelchair accessible

Park office / Contact

Mandurah Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9405 0750
martinstank@dbca.wa.gov.au

Location

Destination Perth
Perth Coast & Plain

Getting there

You can get to this site by: Two-wheel drive

Do not leave cash or valuables in your vehicle.

Trails

Lakeside Loop, Yalgorup NP, Mandurah

Lakeside Loop

5.0km
View this trail

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Connect with us

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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