5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In Western Australia

The largest state in Australia, Western Australia, covers a huge swath of land from the rugged landscapes of the Kimberly region in the north to the glittering Indian Ocean coastline in the south. The state’s diversity of ecosystems is a paradise for several snakes, including quite a few venomous species. There are 24 different snake species in the Perth area alone, and over 200 known species throughout Australia. The ones to watch in Western Australia include the venomous Tiger Snake and the Dugite Snake, as well as non-venomous pythons and several different sea snakes.

Below are some of Western Australia’s most snake-filled bodies of water, which attract aquatic species, so you can identify the reptiles if you encounter them in the wild. Snakes are generally shy creatures and will avoid interaction with humans as much as possible. Most will strike only when threatened, so the best thing to do if you see a snake is to give it space, leave it alone, and just enjoy seeing these fascinating and unique creatures in their natural habitat.

Shark Bay

Shark Bay is a stunning 23,000-square-kilometre area of shoreline in the Gascoyne region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is known for its incredible diversity of marine life and terrestrial species. The aquatic environments of the bay area are home to several sea snake species, including the Olive-Headed Sea Snake and the Elegant Sea Snake, as well as some critically endangered species, such as the Leaf-Scaled Sea Snake and the Short-nosed Sea Snake. Shark Bay even has its own snake, which is unique to the area, the Shark Bay Sea Snake.

Sea snakes like warm, shallow waters and live in a range of habitats from mangroves and reefs into the deeper ocean. They are perfectly adapted to enjoy the water with boat-shaped bodies and paddle-like tails. They have valves in their nose that close their nostrils underwater so their lungs don’t fill with water. Some species can dive down and stay submerged for up to 2 hours.

Herdsman Lake

A short, 15-minute drive from Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, Herdsman Lake is the centrepiece of Herdsman Lake Regional Park, where visitors can hike, bike, and picnic in scenic surroundings. The park is particularly popular with birdwatchers. Over 100 bird species have been sighted in the area.

The park is also home to one potentially dangerous inhabitant, the venomous Tiger Snake. There are large populations of this species at the lake, and they are most commonly sighted in spring and summer when they come out to soak up the sun. Tiger Snakes have banded bodies, with yellow and black tiger-like stripes. They are often found in watery habitats, including creeks, dams, lagoons, wetlands, and swamps. Tiger Snakes will hiss if they feel threatened and adopt a curved pose before striking at their aggressor. Their venom is a strong neurotoxin and coagulant.

Fortescue River

The Fortescue River, in the north Pilbara Desert, is the third-longest river in Western Australia. It’s also an ephemeral river, which means it doesn’t always have water flowing in it. When the temperature rises or there are periods of drought, some parts of the river dry up. Many visitors and locals use the river’s recreation areas for birdwatching, camping, canoeing, and hiking.

There are around 150 species of reptiles in and around the Fortescue River. These include the Blind Snake and the Pilbara Olive Python. The latter is endemic to the region and is a thick, long snake that can grow up to 13ft in length. The python feeds on small rodents, foxes, small kangaroos, birds, reptiles, and feral cats, squeezing its prey to suffocate them. They are found near water sources like the river and waterholes where its prey comes to drink. Pilbara Olive Pythons are very reclusive and shelter in rock crevices during the day before emerging at night.

Alcoa Wellard Wetlands

The Wellard Wetlands are a series of lakes created after clay extraction from the area east of the city of Rockingham. While the wetland habitats are primarily known as a birdwatching hotspot, they are also home to several snakes including Tiger Snakes and the Western Brown Snake, both of which are venomous.

Also known as the Gwardar — an Aboriginal word meaning ‘go the long way round’ — Western Brown Snakes are long, thin snakes found in grasslands and shrubs. They are fast-moving and shy, quickly moving out of the way to escape people. If cornered, they will rear up and open their mouths wide to display their fangs. Their venom is extremely potent.

Loch McNess/Yanchep Lake

Yanchep Lake, also known as Loch McNess, is a freshwater lake on Perth’s coastal plain in Yanchep National Park. The park has nine walking trails, a golf course, a ropes course, campsites, and caves. It’s one of the state’s most popular parks, welcoming over 250,000 visitors a year.

Snake species recorded at Yanchep National Park include Jan’s Banded Snakes, Rotund Blind Snakes, Southern Shovel-nosed Snakes, and Mitchell’s Short-tailed Snakes. It’s also a thriving habitat for Tiger Snakes, so much so that the lake was recently chosen as a research site for new studies on the species. By monitoring the health of the snakes, researchers are gaining invaluable insights into the health of their ecosystems.

What To Do If You Meet A Snake

If you’re spending time in Western Australia’s beautiful outdoors, it’s important to remember that you’re sharing the scenery with the state’s wildlife. There are several rules to follow when in nature to ensure any encounters with snakes pass without incident. Stay on designated paths and trails where possible, and be mindful if walking into grass or undergrowth that snakes could be sheltering under the debris. Wear long trousers and boots that cover your ankles if walking in overgrown areas.

While it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be bitten by a snake, on the rare chance that happens, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Apply pressure to the area and keep the limb still. Above all, don’t panic. Snake bites are rarely fatal. Western Australia is a breathtaking state with turquoise bays, crystal clear lakes, outback rivers, and wide plains. Don't let snakes stop you from enjoying the natural amenities this stunning destination has to offer!