Shopping, then a lap of the lake

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A kookaburra at Lake Claremont

A morning browsing Claremont's shops, then a peaceful 2.4 km loop around Lake Claremont with a coffee stop. Here's how I spend a slow Saturday in Claremont.

Shops, then a breath of fresh air

Claremont is best known for its shopping, but my favourite thing about it is that you can swap the shops for a peaceful lake walk in about five minutes.

I like to spend a morning browsing the boutiques around Bay View Terrace and Claremont Quarter, then head to Lake Claremont for a walk to clear my head before lunch.

Quick facts

  • Shopping: Bay View Terrace, St Quentin Avenue and Claremont Quarter, near Claremont station.
  • Lake Claremont: Stirling Road, about five minutes’ drive from the shops.
  • Walk: A loop of roughly 2.4 km, about half an hour at a relaxed pace.
  • Facilities: A cafe by the golf course, a nature playground and barbecues.
  • Dogs: On-leash and off-leash sections. Check the signs.
  • Saturdays: Parkrun makes the paths busier early on Saturday mornings.

“Shopping wears me out faster than a long hike. A lap of Lake Claremont is my reset before lunch.”

Alex Hamilton, Editor

Claremont’s shopping streets

The main shopping area is around Bay View Terrace and St Quentin Avenue, with fashion boutiques, homewares stores, cafes and the Claremont Quarter shopping centre. It’s a short walk from Claremont train station, so you can leave the car at home.

St Quentin Avenue shopping strip in Claremont at night
Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A lap of Lake Claremont

Lake Claremont is a seasonal wetland on Stirling Road, about five minutes’ drive from the shops. A walking path loops around the lake through bushland and parkland, and it’s roughly 2.4 km, so it takes around half an hour at a relaxed pace.

“Here we started the 2.4 kilometer easy loop trail that follows the edge of the lake.”

bluebay06, Tripadvisor review

Keep an eye out for waterbirds. The Town of Claremont has a bird observation platform and runs regular bird surveys. Friends of Lake Claremont volunteers have spent years restoring the bushland around the lake.

“Still thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful walk on the trails through the trees and bush around the lake.”

Mary Pringle, Tripadvisor review

A laughing kookaburra at Lake Claremont
Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Coffee by the lake

There’s a cafe by the golf course on the edge of the lake, which is a great spot for a coffee or lunch under the trees. There’s also a nature playground for kids, barbecues and dog-friendly areas.

“Do the whole circuit if you can and have a coffee stop at the Golf Club CafĂ©.”

jim m, Tripadvisor review

Good to know

  • Parking: there’s parking off Stirling Road and near the Elliot Road entrance.
  • Dogs: dogs are welcome in some areas, with on-leash and off-leash sections. Check the signs.
  • Parkrun: Lake Claremont hosts a Saturday morning parkrun, so the paths are busier early on Saturdays.

Featured image: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the walk around Lake Claremont?

The loop around Lake Claremont is about 2.4 km and takes around half an hour at a relaxed pace.

Is there a cafe at Lake Claremont?

Are dogs allowed at Lake Claremont?

How do I get to Claremont's shops by train?

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