Drakesbrook Weir
Details
A short distance to the east in the hills of Waroona Dam is Drakesbrook Weir. The place is known as a picnic area ideal for swimming, canoeing, bushwalking and fishing. The crystal clear waters are refreshing and the surrounding bushland is tranquil.
Otherwise known as the Drakesbrook Dam, this is an irrigation weir which collects the water overflow from the Waroona Dam and is great for non-motorised sports as no power boats are allowed.
A short stroll through natural bush leads to the rock face wall of the weir where a bronze plaque commemorates the discovery in 1942 of the first known specimen of Western Australia's remarkable Atrichornis clamosus (Noisy Scrub Bird).
The Drakesbrook Dam, sometimes called the Waroona Weir started life as a swimming area for the local community.
Today it is known as Drakesbrook Weir and the area is a very popular venue for canoeing, swimming and fishing. The dam is stocked periodically with rainbow trout, and has a population of redfin perch and marron.
In 1842, John Gilbert, ornithologist and James Drummond, colonial botanist, discovered the Noisy Scrub Bird in the valley of Drakes Brook, while exploring and collecting for English Ornithologist John Gould. In 1948 a memorial to the "sweet voiced bird of the bush" was placed at the Dam wall overlooking the Weir.
The weir underwent a makeover from 2010 to 2012 resulting in this scenic and much loved recreation area becoming an even more popular and interesting place to visit.
The upgraded area now has modern and safe facilities including a new swimming pontoon, retaining walls, reticulated lawns, more shelters with seating and solar lighting and an improved swimming area with beach sand.
All of this complements the existing barbecue facilities, shady parking and previously upgraded toilet facilities.
The 500m return “Noisy Scrub Bird Walk Trail” is disabled friendly and provides a link from the picnic area to the noisy scrub bird historical marker and seating with excellent views of the surrounding countryside and waterway.
This caters for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, historical buffs, tourists and the general community. Dogs are not permitted in the recreation, picnic and beach swimming areas at Drakesbrook Weir.
Outside of these areas, dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Admission Prices | Free Access | Weir Road, Waroona
Regional Information: Shire of Waroona (08) 9733 7800Location & Directions
Weir Road, Waroona, WA 6215, Australia