Drakesbrook Weir
Tucked away just a short drive from the Waroona town centre, Drakesbrook Weir—officially known as Lake Moyanup—is a peaceful and inviting recreation spot, loved by locals and visitors alike. Whether you're after a family day out, a quiet paddle, or a picnic by the water, this scenic weir offers a serene escape surrounded by forested hills and native wildlife.
The still waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with a floating pontoon making access easy and safe. The weir’s gentle shorelines are ideal for families with young children, while the surrounding open grassy spaces invite you to roll out a picnic rug or settle under one of the many shaded shelters. Public BBQ facilities and a nature-inspired playground make it a great spot for a relaxed day out.
A highlight of the area is the striking Six Seasons Indigenous Art Installation, which celebrates the six seasons recognised by the local Bindjareb Noongar people. The artwork reflects deep cultural knowledge of seasonal changes and the relationships between people, plants, animals, and land—offering visitors a meaningful way to connect with Country.
For those keen on fishing, the weir provides an accessible spot to drop a line, with redfin perch, trout and marron, attracting recreational anglers throughout the year. Refer to rules and regulations from Department of Fisheries for your fishing licence and season openings.
Fishing is especially celebrated at the annual Waroona Troutfest, a beloved community event held each spring at Drakesbrook Weir. Organised in partnership with Recfishwest and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), this popular event brings families and fishing enthusiasts from across the state to Waroona for a weekend of fun and education. During the event, thousands of trout fingerlings and mature fish are released into the weir, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on learning about sustainable fishing practices and conservation. The festival promotes environmental awareness, stewardship, and ensures that the joy of freshwater fishing can continue for future generations.
But beyond the recreation, Drakesbrook Weir also plays an important role in conservation. The bushland nearby is home to one of Australia’s rarest and most elusive birds—the Noisy Scrub-bird. Thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in the 1960s, the Noisy Scrub-bird is now critically endangered, with just a few small, carefully monitored populations found in the south-west of Western Australia. The dense undergrowth surrounding the weir offers suitable habitat, and while sightings are rare due to the bird’s secretive nature, its distinct, powerful call may sometimes be heard by lucky and patient visitors.
A walking trail skirts the weir and leads into the adjoining native bushland, offering a chance to experience the area’s biodiversity first-hand. Interpretive signage along the path helps visitors identify native plants and understand the environmental significance of the weir and its surrounds. During the wildflower season, the area comes alive with colour, and keen-eyed walkers may spot fairy-wrens, honeyeaters, and other birdlife darting among the shrubs.
Drakesbrook Weir is not just a great place to swim or relax—it’s a landscape that offers stories of culture, ecology, recreation, and sustainability, quietly revealing more to those who take the time to explore.
Highlights:
- Calm waters for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding with pontoon access
- Shady picnic shelters, BBQ areas, and a well-equipped nature playground
- Indigenous Six Seasons Art Installation honouring Bindjareb Noongar culture
- Freshwater fishing with species such as redfin perch
- Annual Waroona Troutfest – family-friendly event with trout release for future sustainability
- Walking trail with interpretive signage and wildflower viewing
- Habitat of the critically endangered Noisy Scrub-bird – listen for its rare call in dense undergrowth
