Champion Lakes is a free family day out in Perth's south-east: a flat 5 km path around the rowing lake, a big nature playground, BBQs and a swimming beach.
A free family day out by the water
When the family wants a cheap day out with bikes, scooters and a picnic, Champion Lakes is one of the easiest spots in Perth’s south-east. It’s built around the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, a huge man-made lake used for rowing, kayaking and dragon boat racing, and the flat path around it is perfect for little legs and training wheels.
Add a big nature playground, free BBQs and a beach where you can actually swim, and it’s an easy few hours that costs nothing.
Quick facts
- Where: Champion Lakes, City of Armadale, about 22 km south-east of Perth.
- Cost: Free.
- The loop: A paved path of about 5 km around the lake, good for walking, running, bikes and scooters.
- Playground: Joe Saunders Park, Barrington Avenue, with a wooden fort, slides, swings and a rope bridge on sand, plus shade sails.
- Swimming: Only at Champion Lakes Beach, off Henley Drive. No swimming at Joe Saunders Park.
- Facilities: BBQs near Joe Saunders Park. Toilets, a water fountain and play equipment at the Henley Drive car park.
- Parking: Plenty of free parking.
“5km loop, great for running and biking around the track; rowing along the lake.”
Dustin T, Google review
Ride the loop
The path around the lake is about 5 km, paved and almost completely flat, so it’s ideal if you’ve got kids who are new on their bikes. There are bins and water fountains along the way, and you’ll usually see rowers and kayakers training on the water. There’s also a grandstand by the course where you can stop for a drink and watch.
Watch the outer edge of the path in a few spots, as tree roots have started to lift it.
Play at Joe Saunders Park
Joe Saunders Park, on Barrington Avenue beside the lake, has the best playground here. It’s a nature-style play space on white sand, with a big wooden climbing fort and slides, swings, a rope bridge, balancing logs and a little play kitchen. Next to it there’s a nature space with paths and steps to explore, a big grassed area for cricket or a kick of the footy, and platforms over the water where the kids can look for tadpoles.
There are shade sails, but it gets very hot in summer, so pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water.
“It’s so beautiful. Lots of people walking, riding, jogging.”
Amjeck, Google review
Picnic, then a swim
There are sheltered seats and self-serve BBQs near Joe Saunders Park, so bring sausages and bread and make a lunch of it. Swimming isn’t allowed at the park, but you can swim at Champion Lakes Beach, a short drive around to Henley Drive. That’s also where you’ll find the toilet block, a water fountain and more play equipment.
“Great place to come for a relaxing walk.”
Gummi, Google review
Getting there
Champion Lakes is about 22 km south-east of the city, roughly 30 minutes by car, and about 7 km from Armadale. There’s plenty of free parking around the lake, at Joe Saunders Park and at the Henley Drive car park. The City of Armadale has more on its parks and BBQs.
Looking for more free days out with the kids? See my list of Perth’s best free water playgrounds and splash pads.
Featured image: Samuel Wiki, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
The paved path around the lake is about 5 km and almost completely flat, so it suits walking, running, bikes and scooters.
