Tomato Lake Loop

Starting from the car park on President Street, Kewdale, this walk takes you on a circuit around the perimeter of Tomato Lake via the Tomato Lake Walk Trail. The lake is the centrepiece of Tomato Lake Reserve, a vibrant nature sanctuary containing wetlands, remnant vegetation and grassy parklands. The lake and wetlands support a wide variety of birdlife, frogs and long-necked tortoises, and the island in the lake provides a breeding area for waterbirds. Tomato Lake is bisected by a boardwalk with a gazebo and circumnavigated by a dual-use pathway, perfect for a relaxing stroll or run around the lake. The western side offers glimpses of the lake through the trees, while the eastern side has a more open view of the lake. The path is flat and paved, making it accessible for prams and wheelchairs and suitable for kids to ride scooters or bikes. Facilities include toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and water stations alongside open grassed areas, as well as three play areas plus a basketball court and a fitness park with exercise equipment. Visitors can learn about the history and wildlife of Tomato Lake via the signboards that are dotted throughout the park. The walk can be shortened by taking the boardwalk through to the gazebo, which is a great spot for bird watching and also a popular wedding venue. As it can be very busy at weekends, especially in the wedding season, it is best to visit midweek early in the morning or an hour before sundown. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Start	(-31.9791893,115.9352443)
Mode	Bus Car
Directions	From Mitchell Freeway Turn on to Graham Farmer Freeway Exit, 8 then drive for 10.1 km Turn sharp left onto President Street and drive for another 500 m Enter roundabout and drive for another 10 m

Track Notes

Getting started
From the roundabout of President Street and Jeffrey Street, head towards the “Tomato Lake” sign along the paved footpath, moving away from the roundabout. Pass by the said sign to your right, then follow the paved track until you come to a T intersection. Turn right at the said T intersection and keep the lake to your left as you start pivoting around it to continue the Tomato Lake Loop (counterclockwise).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 15 m turn right. After another 45 m find the "Tomato Lake" (20 m on your left). Tomato Lake Tomato Lake This swampy wetland was once a meeting place for Aboriginal people. After the Europans settled, it became Smith's Swamp, then Craig's Swamp. In the 1950s, the trout-filled lake was quite popular. In the 1980s, the lake was artificially deepened and water circulation was assisted. Some time later the tracks and signage were constructed along with seats and a boardwalk. + - This swampy wetland was once a meeting place for Aboriginal people. After the Europans settled, it became Smith's Swamp, then Craig's Swamp. In the 1950s, the trout-filled lake was quite popular. In the 1980s, the lake was artificially deepened and water circulation was assisted. Some time later the tracks and signage were constructed along with seats and a boardwalk. Then pass the playground (35 m on your right). After another 50 m pass a seat (5 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to a sheltered observation deck located in the middle of the lake, for a better point of view. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 200 m continue straight. After another 350 m continue straight.
	After another 75 m veer left.
	After another 110 m continue straight. After another 65 m find the "Tomato Lake Cafe" (85 m on your right). Tomato Lake Cafe Tomato Lake Cafe This is a great little spot where people meet and chat while watching their kids play on the playground. Many dog owners also stop by on their daily walks for a morning coffee. The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and serves breakfasts, light lunch, coffees and ice-cream. + - This is a great little spot where people meet and chat while watching their kids play on the playground. Many dog owners also stop by on their daily walks for a morning coffee. The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and serves breakfasts, light lunch, coffees and ice-cream. After another 20 m pass the playground (35 m on your right). After another 6 m pass the BBQ (15 m on your right). After another 85 m pass the playground (40 m on your right). Continue straight. After another 150 m pass a seat (on your right). After another 80 m pass the BBQ (15 m on your right). After another 40 m pass a seat (on your left). After another 190 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right).
	After another 70 m turn right.
	After another 15 m come to the end.

This little side trip takes you to a sheltered observation deck located in the middle of the lake, for a better point of view.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 45 m long) Veer right. After another 20 m come to a shelter.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 120 m to the main route.

Terrain

Tomato Lake Loop

Grading

	Class 1/6 Smooth & flat
Length	1.6 km
Time	30 min to 45 min

Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 315 m (plus an extra 125 m along side route) from the start.

Toilet: There is one 1.5 km from the start.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 390 m apart with the largest gap of 1.1 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	110 m	[seat]
Shelter	315 m + 125 m	[shelter]
Seat	1.2 km	[seat]
Seat	1.3 km	[seat]
Toilet	1.5 km	[toilet]

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