Located just a short drive from Waroona town centre, Drakesbrook Weir, also known as Lake Moyanup, is a beautiful, low‑key spot for a family day out. Surrounded by rolling green hills and grazing cattle, the calm water and wide grassed foreshore make it ideal for swimming, paddling, picnics and long lazy lunches in nature.
The weir was originally constructed in the early 1930s as an irrigation weir for local farms, and has since been upgraded into a family‑friendly recreation area with modern facilities including toilets, barbecues, shelters and improved swimming access. Today it’s popular with both locals and day‑trippers who want the “swimming hole” experience without driving as far as Black Diamond Lake or dealing with motorboats and jet skis.
The water at Drakesbrook Weir is generally calm and inviting, perfect for confident swimmers, kids learning to swim and adults who just want to float around on a lilo. Gentle shorelines have been created with real beach sand in several areas, which is brilliant for toddlers and younger children who are happier paddling and digging than heading into deeper water. The depth does vary a lot though, in some spots you can wade out quite a way and still only be knee‑deep, while in others it shelves off quickly. There are also rocks and the odd submerged boulder underfoot, so it’s worth walking in carefully and keeping an eye on where kids are jumping.
A big drawcard for families is the floating pontoon moored just off the main swimming area. It’s hugely popular with older children and teens who love swimming out, sunbaking, and jumping or bombing back into the water. Unlike random rock ledges, this is a safe and intended jump‑off point, and it helps to concentrate the “big kid” activity away from the shallower areas where little ones play.
On shore, there’s a large grassed area running along the edge of the water with plenty of space for picnic rugs, camping chairs and beach tents. Even on busy days most families should be able to claim a patch of lawn without feeling crowded. There are mature trees and scattered shelters providing shade, though you’ll find that the closer you get to the water’s edge, the less natural shade there is, so a beach shelter or umbrella is still a good idea on hot days.
Facilities at Drakesbrook Weir are excellent for a free public spot. You’ll find toilet facilities, gazebos with tables and seating, free electric barbecues and solar lighting in key areas. Bins are provided, making it easier to take care of your rubbish and help keep the area pristine. On busy weekends and during school holidays there is sometimes a Mr Whippy‑style ice‑cream van, which is always a winner with kids (and parents) after a swim and sausage sizzle.
Recent upgrades have also included a nature‑style Playground, giving children a place to climb and explore once they’ve had their fill of the water. Combined with the easy lake access and wide open grass, it’s very easy to spend half a day or more here without anyone getting bored.
Drakesbrook Weir is popular for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as school swimming carnivals, lessons, bushwalking and fishing. The water is closed to motorised boats (other than electric), which keeps the atmosphere peaceful and makes it feel much safer for families, there’s no need to worry about speeding boats or wake waves near your kids. If you are a powerboat or water‑skiing family, nearby Lake Navarino (Waroona Dam) is the option for that, while Drakesbrook Weir is best thought of as the quiet, swim‑and‑picnic lake.
The area has a surprising amount of natural and cultural interest too. The surrounding bushland is part of Bindjareb Noongar Country, and at the weir you can see the striking Six Seasons Indigenous Art Installation, which shares local stories and knowledge about the six Noongar seasons and the way people, plants and animals interact with the changing environment. A walking trail loops around parts of the weir and into adjoining native bush, with interpretive signage to help families spot local flora and fauna. In wildflower season, this becomes a colourful bonus activity after a swim.
Bird‑lovers may be interested to know that the broader Drakes Brook valley has historical links to the rare Noisy Scrub‑bird, first recorded in the area in the 1840s. While it’s now critically endangered and sightings are extremely unlikely, it’s a nice reminder that you’re spending the day in a special and ecologically important landscape.
Fishing is another popular pastime at Drakesbrook Weir, with the lake home to rainbow trout, redfin perch, other freshwater species and marron. Anglers need to check current regulations and hold the appropriate licences, especially for freshwater fishing and marroning. Each spring, families flock to Drakesbrook Weir for the Waroona Troutfest, where thousands of trout are released into the lake during a fun, educational event focused on sustainable fishing and conservation. It’s a great time for kids to learn about freshwater ecosystems and try their hand at catching a fish.
There are a few important rules for families to be aware of before visiting. The weir is closed to petrol‑powered motorboats, which helps keep the water calm and safe for swimmers and paddlers. Dogs are not allowed on the grassed areas, sand foreshore or swimming zones, so this isn’t a spot where you can bring the family dog along for a splash. The region can be windy at times, and like much of country WA, flies can be persistent in certain seasons, so it’s worth packing hats, sunscreen, maybe a fly net and choosing a more sheltered section of shore if the breeze is up.
Overall, Drakesbrook Weir is a gem of a day‑trip destination for Perth and Peel families. With its tranquil setting, safe swimming areas, good facilities and added options like paddling, walking and fishing, it works equally well for a quick dip on a hot day or a full family outing with a picnic or barbecue. Combine a visit here with a stop at the Waroona Visitor Centre or a wander around town, and you’ve got a very relaxed country escape less than two hours from Perth.
Drakesbrook Weir (Lake Moyanup)
Address: Weir Road, Waroona, Western Australia 6215
Opening hours: Day‑use recreation area; generally accessible year‑round (check local signage and Shire/Visit Waroona updates for any temporary closures or fire‑risk restrictions).
Official website: Visit Waroona – Drakesbrook Weir
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
Looks beautiful Stephanie!
Hi!
A friend visited there the other day and said she found there to be heaps of flies and it was quite windy. Did you find this problem ???
Hey Renee, it’s fly season at the moment so everywhere is full of flies, also Perth is a windy City 😉
Hi Renee
Unfortunately can’t do much about flies in Australia and WA is one of the windiest places in the world – though I can’t recall it being too bad when we went. It’s a beautiful spot to visit and the kids always have a ball. We love it. Hope you can check it out for yourself one day. Cheers 🙂