Around an hour and a half from Perth, Waroona Dam – more commonly known as Lake Navarino – is a brilliant spot to get the family out into nature. Nestled in the jarrah forest behind the town of Waroona, the lake is popular with water sports lovers, campers and anyone looking to escape the city and let the kids run wild in the bush for a while.
The calm waters of Lake Navarino are a Playground for boating families. You’ll find people water skiing, jet skiing, tubing, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as heading out for a quiet fish. Freshwater fishing is permitted with a licence, and marroning is allowed in season with the correct licence and gear – a fun option for older kids keen to try something different. There’s no formal boat ramp here; most people launch from the gravelly banks, so it’s very much a “back to basics” kind of spot. Take it slowly when launching or retrieving, and be prepared for things to be a bit rustic underfoot.
The dam really shines across all seasons. In summer, families flock to the lake to cool off in the water, potter along the shoreline and enjoy long evenings around the campfire in designated areas. In winter, the vibe changes completely – misty mornings over the water, the forest dripping after rain and, if you time it right, the spectacular sight of the dam overflowing.
Many visitors head down specifically to see the spillway in action. There’s a car park near Lake Navarino Holiday Park at the base of the dam, and from here you can walk down to view the overflow. Be aware that this access road is narrow with only a gravel verge for pedestrians, and there’s no formal viewing platform, so keep children close and watch for vehicles coming over the hill.
Surrounding the lake you’ll find classic South West jarrah forest, with plenty of opportunities for short bushwalks or longer rides. The famous Munda Biddi Trail passes through the area, making it a great stop for families with older kids who are confident on mountain bikes. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers, and even a simple wander from your campsite or car can turn into a nature treasure hunt for little ones – think fungi, orchids and endless birds to spot.
For those wanting to stay overnight, there are two very different styles of camping. Around the lake itself are basic bush-style campsites in designated areas, run by the park, with eco-loos, no power and million-dollar views. These suit self-contained set-ups and families who are happy to rough it a little.
If you prefer more comfort, Lake Navarino Holiday Park sits just back from the water and offers a wide range of accommodation. You can choose from powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites through to timber cabins, cottages, park homes, motel units and even fully furnished glamping tents. Many sites and accommodation types are dog-friendly, so the whole family – including your four-legged member – can join the adventure. The park also offers bush-style unpowered camping areas where you choose your own site, often with individual fire pits available in the cooler months, subject to fire restrictions.
When you’re not on the water, families can spend time exploring the tracks in the forest, enjoying a picnic by the lake or simply relaxing at camp while the kids make their own fun. It’s a great place for kids to disconnect from screens, build cubbies, ride bikes around camp, or watch the stars appear in the clear night sky. Do keep an eye on little ones near any roads or access tracks – this is an active recreation area used by vehicles and boats, so supervision is important.
If you’re in the area for a weekend, it’s worth popping five minutes down the road to Drakesbrook Dam (also known as Drakesbrook Weir). This is a separate day-use area with upgraded facilities including toilets, shaded picnic spots, electric barbecues, a swimming area, nature play elements and a pontoon – perfect for a more relaxed swim with younger kids. Powerboats aren’t allowed here, so the water is generally calmer and quieter. Camping is not permitted at Drakesbrook, so it pairs well with an overnight stay at Lake Navarino Holiday Park or one of the surrounding camps.
Before or after your time at the dam, call into the Waroona Visitor Centre in town to pick up local maps, learn more about nearby attractions and get up-to-date information on conditions, fire restrictions and trails. With forests, waterways and small country towns all within a short drive, this pocket of WA makes a fantastic short break for families who love the outdoors.
Whether you choose a simple day trip to see the dam overflowing or a long weekend of camping, boating and bushwalking, Waroona Dam / Lake Navarino is a beautiful spot to slow down, breathe in the forest air and let the kids rediscover how good unstructured nature play can be.
Waroona Dam / Lake Navarino
Address: 147 Invarell Road, Waroona WA 6215 (access via Nanga Road and Scarp Road, approximately 10 minutes inland from Waroona)
Opening hours: Open year-round; best visited in summer for water play and in winter/spring for overflow viewing and wildflowers. Check local fire restrictions and park alerts before travelling.
Official website: Lake Navarino Holiday Park – navarino.com.au
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