Lake Ewlyamartup

Lake Ewlyamartup is an ephemeral salt lake located approximately 17 km (11 mi) east of the town of Katanning and about 294 km (183 mi) south-east of Perth. The lake has a catchment area of 50,700 ha (125,000 acres) with an average rainfall of 478 mm (18.8 in) per annum and an evaporation rate of 1,826 mm (71.9 in) per annum.

The lake receives inflow from Ewlyamartup Creek on its northern end, and when it overflows, the water flows west from the creek into the Coblinine River.

The traditional owners of the land are the Koreng group of the Noongar peoples. The lake was once a freshwater source for the Noongar people, who fished and hunted kangaroo in the area. In 1835, James Stirling and John Septimus Roe explored the area, and sandalwood cutters worked the area in 1870. Settlers arrived in 1889 for agricultural activities, but land clearing has caused salinity and deterioration of the lake's water quality.

Despite the challenges, Lake Ewlyamartup is a popular recreational spot for activities such as bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, water-skiing, and windsurfing. The lake offers various facilities and amenities, including parking, picnic tables, shelter, barbeques, toilets, a boat ramp, bird hide, and camping areas. The camping areas are suitable for families and groups, with options for BBQ facilities and a fire pit.

Lake Ewlyamartup is a diverse ecosystem with a variety of flora