Bibra Lake, Western Australia

Bibra Lake Perth, Western Australia
Population:	5,425 (2001 census)
Postcode:	6163
Area:	12.6 km² (4.9 sq mi)
Property Value:	AUD $454,500 (Q2 2007) [1]
Location:	20 km (12 mi) from Perth
LGA:	City of Cockburn
State District:	Willagee
Federal Division:	Fremantle
Suburbs around Bibra Lake: Hamilton Hill North Lake Leeming Spearwood Bibra Lake Jandakot Munster Yangebup South Lake

Bibra Lake is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, which takes its name from the extensive lake within its boundaries. It is located within the City of Cockburn and its postcode is 6163.

History

The existence of the lake was first reported by A.C Gregory during a survey of George Robb's land in May 1842. Gregory recorded the Aboriginal name of the lake as Walubup. During the following year, Benedict von Bibra, surveying his own selection on the southern shores of the lake, recorded the name as Walliabup and the latter version was used exclusively on maps for more than half a century^[2]. In the summer of 1843, Benedict von Bibra bought land at the edge of a wide depression to use as a camping place in order to shorten the trip between his two carpentry businesses in Perth and Fremantle. He apparently assessed from the stringyback trees, that the basin would become a lake in winter of a depth of seven to eight feet. He proved correct^[3]. In 1877, it was found the von Bibra's association with Lake Walliabup was apparently still recalled by locals who referred to the feature as Bibra's Lake. This alternative name was added to plans and eventually in 1967, adopted in place of the Aboriginal name. In 1898 Bibra Lake was reserved for recreation and all applications to lease land were strenuously opposed by the Fremantle District Roads Board, which was given control of the reserve in 1902. Tearooms were erected and the Reserve became a popular venue for picnics and sports gatherings^[4].

Geography

It is bounded by the Roe High road reservation to the north, Stock Road to the west, the Kwinana Freeway to the east and the freight rail line to the south^[5].

Bibra Lake is the fourth lake (going north to south) of a string of lakes which combined comprise the Beeliar Regional Park. Bibra Lake contains two electric insect traps designed to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. Around the lake is a cycle way which provides access to bird observation hides.

Facilities

The majority of the suburb, which is not part of the Beeliar Regional Park contains a major light industrial area, with businesses such as Amcor. Bibra Lake is the location for several major private recreation facilities, including Adventure World theme park, a Bungee tower, paint ball and laser tag operations. Bibra Lake also has a Waldorf Primary school.

References

1. ^ Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (2006). Suburb Profile - Bibra Lake. Retrieved on 2007-10-12.
2. ^ Western Australian Land Information Authority. History of metropolitan suburb names - B. Retrieved on 2007-10-12.
3. ^ The Von Bibra Story Lois Nyman and Graeme von Bibra, November 1996, Foot & Playsted Pty Ltd., Launceston ISBN 0-9597188-1-8
4. ^ Cockburn: The Making of a Community Michael Berson, 1978, Town of Cockburn, ISBN 9596533-0-9
5. ^ Department of Land Information. StreetSmart® Perth Street Directory, 49 (2008), West Australian Newspapers Ltd, Maps 431-432, 461-462. ISBN 978-1-921048-19-7. 

External links

• Bibra Lake, Western Australia is at coordinates 32°05′56″S 115°49′05″E / -32.099, 115.818Coordinates: 32°05′56″S 115°49′05″E / -32.099, 115.818