EDIT: July 2024
This swampy wetland was a meeting place for Aboriginal people. After European settlement it was initially known as Smith's Swamp then was renamed Craig's Swamp after the poultry farmer who grew first maize and later tomatoes in the area. As the surrounding land in the area was cleared for residential development the swamp gradually became at first too wet and then too dry to grow tomatoes. Tomato Lake is named for tomato crops grown here in the early 1900's.
In the 1940's local kids would paddle canoes and catch gilgies in the river. In the 1950’s the lake was filled with trout and an angling club was established. In the 1970's the lake became infested with duckweed until local action groups and residents helped to clear it. In the 1980's a major council redevelopment began and the lake was deepened and aerators installed to assist water circulation. Later development included construction of trails, a boardwalk, seating and signage.
A new all abilities, soft fall, unfenced playground has been installed next to the Kiosk and is particularly suited to toddlers but also caters to older children. Barbecues, picnic tables and benches have also been installed in this area and there are toilets here.
From the playground walk past the basket swing towards the lake to enjoy the view or to begin the 1.6 loop walk. We walked in an anti - clockwise direction. A short walk from the playground is an additional playspace for older children, fitness equipment and a half basketball court.
We continued past the western entrance to the gazebo boardwalk. Here, at the end of the main carpark, you will find the unpaved Jida Bidi (Noongar for small bird path) Interpretive Trail which winds through some remnant bushland and informs you about the plants you might find. The path then follows the edge of the lake, lined with paperbarks, on to Little Playground, off President Street.
Beyond the large green space at Little Playground there is a boardwalk through the wetlands.
We passed an impressive row of tall white gum trees before accessing the boardwalk across to the gazebo for views out over the lake and to the island bird sanctuary. The gazebo boardwalk cuts across the lake from both sides and allows a close up view of the roosting birds on one of the islands. The lake is a sanctuary for pelicans, ibises, spoonbills, ducks, swans, parrots, cormorants, and honeyeaters. How many can you spot?
Continuing around the eastern edge there are expansive views across the lake and more wide open spaces perfect for setting up a picnic blanket. At the northern end there is a small grove of casuarina trees, a great place for the kids to play. The viewing platform has a movement activated recording about the lake.
Continue on to close the loop and return to the Kiosk and Playground. At a leisurely pace the 1.6km walk takes around 30-40 minutes. This is a perfect walk for kids to ride scooters or bikes or to push a pram or a wheelchair as it is flat and paved except for the Jida Bidi interpretive dirt trail that detours through the bush. You can shortcut the 1.6km walk by taking the boardwalk through to the gazebo.
Tomato Lake Kiosk is open most days for a quick bite or to grab a coffee, icecream or cold drink. There are three car parks around the lake so if the main car park is full try further along.
We learned that Tomato Lake is fed by groundwater and flows on to Severin Walk in Belmont and then into the Swan River at Adachi Park which we explored on one of our Swan River Ramble walks. If you are in the area you may want to explore Kent St Weir or the Volcano Playground in Belmont.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak Boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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