The existence of the lake was first reported by
Augustus 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. In the summer of 1843, Benedict
von Bibra (son of
Franz Ludwig von Bibra) bought land at the edge of a wide depression to use as a camping place to shorten the trip between his two carpentry businesses in Perth and Fremantle. He apparently assessed from the
stringybark trees that the basin would become a lake in winter of a depth of seven to eight feet. He proved correct. 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, 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.
AWAS Camp During World War II, there was a battery attached to the 66 Searchlight stationed at Bibra Lake, along with the regimental headquarters of the 116 Light Anti-Aircraft. This was the base for many women who served in the
Australian Women's Army Service, performing important home defence duties to free up more men for front line fighting. The camp was dismantled immediately after the end of the war, and all its buildings and materials sold at auction. The camp was rediscovered in 2015 by members of the community, and was threatened by the proposed
Roe Highway extension. ==Facilities==