Lake Jasper | |
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Location in Western Australia
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Location | South West, Western Australia |
Coordinates | 34°24′38″S 115°40′56″E / 34.41056°S 115.68222°ECoordinates: 34°24′38″S 115°40′56″E / 34.41056°S 115.68222°E |
Type | Freshwater lake |
Basin countries | Australia |
Max. length | 4 km (2.5 mi) |
Max. width | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
Surface area | 4.5 km2 (1.7 sq mi) |
Average depth | 3 m (9.8 ft) |
Max. depth | 10 m (33 ft) |
References |
Lake Jasper is a permanent freshwater lake in the South West area of Western Australia. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Western Australia.
The lake is located on a flat sandy plain, the Scott Coastal Plain, with a high dune ridge to the west and the Donnelly River to the East. The lake is contained within the boundaries of the D'Entrecasteaux National Park. A camp site exists on the eastern side of the lake but be aware there are no fireplaces and all campfires are banned all year round completely in this area, the shoreline of the lake is only accessible on foot, no vehicles are allowed on the shore. There are picnic tables, but you cannot park next to them, the camp site is only accessible by 4WD.
Lake Jasper has two smaller lakes located to the East; Lake Wilson and Lake Smith. All of these bodies are part of the Donnelly River catchment area and they all are inhabited by all of the regions endemic freshwater fish species. The lake has significant floristic value as it supports an extensive area of tall sedgeland. The area is also an important habitat for fish, waterbirds, invertebrates and frogs.
The lake is known as a White Water Lake due to the lack of tannic acid in the water allowing good light dispersion. The lake water is of a high quality and high quality artesian water also exists in the area.
Lake Jasper was named in memory of Jasper Taylor Molloy Bussell (1863–1864), son of Alfred and Ellen Bussell.