Lake Jualbup (Shenton Park Lake)

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural significance for the following reasons:
• For its long association with the Nyungar people as a traditional waterhole.
• For its historical role in the development of Shenton Park as both a utilitarian and recreational landscape.
• For its aesthetic contribution as a prominent natural feature within the suburb.
• For its strong social value as a place of community identity, recreation, and ongoing cultural recognition.

Physical Description

Lake Jualbup comprises approximately 9 hectares of land within the site bounded by Lake Avenue to the north, Evans Street to the south, Herbert Road to the west, and Excelsior Street to the east.

The park comprises a central lake within a large unfenced grassed area. The lake has a separate island covered with mature vegetation and trees. There are playgrounds and picnic areas throughout comprising sheltered spaces, timber benches, brick barbecues, lamp posts, and water fountains.

Pedestrian access to the park is through a series of pathways spanning from the street corners and parking lots. A concrete footpath runs around the perimeter of the lake.

To the south-west corner of park is a water pumping station with limestone walls and terracotta tile hip roof. The west elevation comprises a central timber door flanked by two double hung windows. Above the door is a lintel with a title “W.S.D.1929”. To the east side of the park is a gazebo overlooking the lake. There is a plaque to the gazebo entrance with the title “Lake Jualbup”.

There is a row of mature trees evenly spaced along Excelsior Street. The trees have large canopies and large buttress roots.

History

Lake Jualbup is a place of long-standing cultural and environmental significance. For at least 50,000 years, the Nyungar people lived in and around the area, relying on its resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The name “Jualbup,” meaning waterhole for spring, reflects its enduring importance as a natural water source and cultural site.

Following European settlement, the wetland became known as Dyson’s Swamp, used for watering stock, and later as Shenton’s Lake after its purchase by George Shenton in 1877. Early settlers faced challenges with flooding and shifting sands, but the lake remained a defining feature of the district. By the 1890s, it was used for recreation, including football and cricket, although rising water tables and flooding soon curtailed these activities.

From the 1910s to the 1950s, Subiaco Council attempted to manage flooding by encouraging rubbish dumping, a practice that gradually altered the lake’s form. By the mid-20th century, the area was transformed into a landscaped park through grading, planting, and the creation of recreational spaces.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High
Authenticity - High

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.