West Lakes
West Lakes, South Australia Community Guide
About West Lakes, SA
West Lakes is a coastal suburb about 12 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD. It is part of the City of Charles Sturt local government area and has a population of over 6,000 people.
The area was once swampland but was developed in the late 1960s to create an artificial freshwater lake system known as West Lakes. The lakes are famous for recreational activities, i.e., sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
West Lakes is also home to the Westfield West Lakes shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centres in South Australia. The area has residential areas, commercial developments, and natural spaces.
History of West Lakes, SA
The suburb was built on a reclaimed marshland, which meant that the area was originally too wet for habitation. The development of West Lakes began in 1967 when residential properties were built around the lake.
The Adelaide Rowing Club and Sailing Club were established in the 1970s, and soon after, a marina was constructed on the eastern side of the lake. The Westfield shopping centre opened in 1997, propelling the suburb’s growth and development.
The suburb was officially opened on March 18, 1977, and was spearheaded by Des Corcoran. The development phase ended in 2001, and since then, West Lakes has become a thriving community with a diverse merge of residential and commercial areas.
Things People Love the Most About West Lakes, South Australia
While West Lakes is known for its pristine beaches, there are quite a few other things that residents and visitors love about the suburb.
- The West Lakes Shopping Centre: As mentioned, this shopping centre is one of the largest in South Australia and has over 240 stores, making it a general destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- The Lakes: The two lakes surrounding West Lakes are beautiful and offer plenty of recreational activities for residents and visitors.
- The Beach: The suburb has a lovely beach perfect for swimming, tanning, or walking. It’s also great for watching the sunset.
- The Community Spirit: West Lakes has a strong sense of community with many local events and activities that unite people and foster a tight-knit neighbourhood.
West Lakes, SA: Best Time to Visit
Summer in West Lakes is quite the feat. If you plan to visit the suburbs, the best time is between December and February when temperatures are warm and there is plenty of sunshine.
The Ocean Challenge Festival is also held in January and features various water sports events, food stalls, live music, and more. It’s a great way to experience the community spirit of West Lakes and enjoy some fun activities by the lake. Other events throughout the year include the West Lakes Classic Car Show and the West Lakes Christmas Pageant.
If you prefer cooler temperatures, autumn (March to May) is also a great time to visit, with milder weather and fewer crowds. Spring (September to November) can be unpredictable but offers beautiful blooming flowers and a quieter atmosphere than summer.
What You Get If You Decide to Live in West Lakes, SA
There are four reasons why it makes perfect sense to reside in West Lakes: location, amenities, community, and lifestyle.
- Location – As mentioned earlier, West Lakes is just 12 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD. It’s easily accessible by car or public transport and has a range of schools, services, and facilities nearby.
- Amenities – The suburb offers everything you need regarding shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation. You can find various restaurants, cafes, pubs, parks, sports facilities, and the beach.
- Community – West Lakes has a strong community spirit with many local events and activities that unite people. There are also various community groups and associations where you can meet like-minded individuals.
- Lifestyle – Living in West Lakes means being surrounded by natural beauty, with the lakes and beach providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. It’s a peaceful and picturesque suburb that offers an easygoing lifestyle away from the city’s noise.
Geography of West Lakes, SA
West Lakes is located on the western coast of Adelaide and has an irregularly shaped geography due to the presence of two lakes and the coastline.
The lakes are surrounded by residential areas, with some properties having direct access to the water. The suburb’s eastern side also features a marina and boat ramp for recreational boating activities.
The beachfront area is lined with dunes and offers exquisite views of the Gulf St Vincent. It’s a well-liked spot for swimming, fishing, and beach activities.
Neighbouring Cities
- Port Adelaide – Approximately 6 km to the northeast, known for its historic buildings and maritime museum.
- Grange – Just about 3 km to the south, Grange is famous for its beach and seaside café culture.
- Semaphore – Around 7 km to the northwest, home to a beautiful foreshore and family-friendly attractions.
- Henley Beach – Situated roughly 4 km to the southwest, it is famous for its vibrant food scene and lively Henley Square.
- Glenelg – Located about 15 km to the south, Glenelg is one of Adelaide’s most popular beach destinations and historic areas.
- Woodville – Only about 4 km to the east, Woodville features a mix of retail and residential offerings.
- Fulham Gardens – Sitting around 5 km to the south, this suburb is known for its shopping facilities and proximity to the coastline.
- Largs Bay – Approximately 8 km to the northwest, with its quiet beach and Largs Pier, is an ideal relaxing spot.
- Findon – Located about 5 km to the southeast, Findon hosts numerous shopping options and community services.