 The picturesque seaside haven of Preston Beach, just under two hours south of Perth or 45 minutes south of Mandurah, lies within the Shire of Waroona and is renowned for its fishing and small close knit, friendly community.
The sand is warm and the water beckons you to swim or to throw in a line for a catch of skippy, herring, tailor, whiting, or salmon when they run. Four wheel drives (4WDs) are permitted on the beach but there is a strict no camping policy.
Preston Beach is also home to a demanding and challenging nine-hole golf course adjacent to Yalgorup National Park. You can negotiate the undulating terrain while kangaroos and emus assess your talent. Green fee is honour system with own clubs required.
The lakes of Yalgorup National Park are long, narrow and very salty. As the temporary home to hundreds of migrating birds, they abound with a large variety of bird life like the sharp tailed sandpiper and red-necked stint that come from Siberia, and the beautifully coloured rainbow bird that migrates from the Solomon Isles and New Guinea appearing from October to February.
The plains and listed Ramsar wetlands support many other water birds such as the elegant black swans that come to breed from October to March, and the endangered hooded plover.
Stroll along any one of the area’s three walk trails to observe the animal and plant life (wildflowers prolific in season) arriving lakeside for bird watching.
The Heathlands Walk also offers sweeping views over Lake Preston to Myalup, and the Lake Pollard Trail leads to a bird hide on the water’s edge.
Camping is available at Martins Tank Campsite off Preston Beach Road North.
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