The lake and bush reserve is a dynamic habitat supporting much wildlife including turtles, ducks and many other birds.

Significant natural attractions include Neil Hawkins Park, Joondalup and Picnic Cove, and Edgewater.

There is a small jetty over the lake and visitors can feed birds (although this practise is now discouraged), and have a barbecue.

Limestone caves are located on its western shore just north of Neil Hawkins Park.

The reserve lies within the Northern Swan Coastal Plain Important Bird Area, so identified by BirdLife International because of its importance in supporting several thousand Short-billed Black Cockatoos during the non-breeding season.