Great Inland Lakes of Australia Part 1.
Australia has a brilliant coastline of a vast 35,877 kilometres and features 10,685 beautiful sandy beaches. That means it would take you 30 years to see them all if you visited one a day! However there are also numerous great inland lakes of Australia, from south to north and east to west. There are even lakes in the some of the remotest parts of Australia.
I’ve asked 8 other travel bloggers for their input as to where they think are the greatest inland lakes of Australia.
Australian Capital Territory
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin should be considered as one of the great lakes in Australia. It is situated right in the middle of Australia’s capital city, Canberra. Due to the competitiveness between Sydney and Melbourne, a neutral area was needed for the capital city of Australia. Between the two cities was a sheep farm, which was purchased to become the new seat of power of Australia. A competition was held to design this new city, and an American architect named Walter Burley Griffin won the position. He decided to divide the city into a civil area on one side and a residential area on the other side. This divider was the lake, called Lake Burley Griffin, which is now one of the most popular areas to walk or cycle, and to watch one of Australia’s most amazing festivals, Floriade, a flower festival.
Gordon Arthur of Short Holidays and Getaways
Lake George
Lake George on the outskirts of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
As you drive into Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory of Australia, you drive past Lake George. Lake George is a little odd. I was brought up believing that ‘if’ Lake George had water in it, then a lake in Tasmania didn’t and vice versa. Now it is like a dried-out lake. It is a weird lake, that is for sure, and you do feel it when you drive alongside. I don’t know that I have seen it with a lot of water since I was a kid. It has always remained eerie, however.. Sheep do graze there, but now they are overlooked by wind turbines. Four fibreglass zebra sculptures where place on Lake George in 2010. They were promptly decapitated. I believe we feel asleep listening to Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay while driving along the lake and then woke up in a trance like state. I’m telling you, this is one weirdo lake.
Paula McInerney of Contented Traveller
New South Wales
Lake Macquarie
An absolute paradise for lovers of water based activities, Australia’s largest salt water lake is a place that is worth taking a short trip north from Sydney to experience.
Lake Macquarie, now recognised as a city in its own right, is really part of the Greater Newcastle area. Home to sailing of all levels, fishing, kayaks, jet skis, stand up paddleboards and even a somewhat lost white pointer shark on occasion, the lake is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Living la Vida Global & Mexico Bites and Sights
Menindee Lakes
Menindee Lakes, also known as the Blue Heart of the Outback, are a group of ephemeral freshwater lakes connected to the Darling River. They are located partly in the Kinchega National Park in the far west region of New South Wales, just over 100kms south east of Broken Hill near the outback town of Menindee. And these lakes are huge! The four largest lakes hold more than three times the water of Sydney Harbour.
They are a beacon for an incredible array of birdlife and, along with mesmerising sunsets, vast open spaces, and a rich aboriginal and pastoral history this place has a lot to offer anyone willing to venture a little off the beaten path and is a unique and accessible experience of the Australian Outback.
Julie Small – Nomad Nester Travel
Queensland
Lake Proserpine
Lake Proserpine is an off the beaten track destination, yet it lies less than an hour inland from the tourist hotspot of Airlie Beach Queensland and half as far from sleepy Proserpine.
The Lake was formed by the building of Peter Faust Dam in 1990 and is known as the place to catch giant 100 to 140 cm Barramundi. Those boaties that prefer feathers to fins, won’t be disappointed however as the Lake is a haven for birds.
Those same dead trees which attract and nurture the 20,000 fingerlings released into the dam each year, are also attractive as perches. Graceful Black Swans, waddling Pelicans, sleek Cormorants and snowy-white Egrets are the most obvious of the birdlife attracted to this abundant lake. Is there anything prettier than a Lake full of birds and a peaceful Sunset?
Pack your canoe or water-skis, camera or fishing rods, load up the tinny and slap on some sunscreen – Lake Proserpine awaits.
Jan Robinson – Budget Travel Talk
Storm King Lake
Storm King Lake is created by the dam of the same name and is in the Southern Downs District of Queensland near Stanthorpe, about a 2 hour drive south west of Brisbane.
The lake attracts many water birds including pelicans and is full of fish including Golden Perch and Murray Cod. Barbeques and other picnic facilities are available and boating is permitted. It also offers great swimming, fishing, boating and canoeing. On the edge of the water is Sommerville Valley Tourist Park which offers spacious powered sites, bushy unpowered sites and small budget cabins as well as luxury self contained apartments.
Storm King is close to wineries, berry farms and the excellent Girraween National Park. Its a great spot for a day trip or a fabulous place to unwind with family and friends for a weekend or more.
Sandy Papas – Tray Tables Away
South Australia
Lake Alexandrina
It’s possible to be in the middle of Lake Alexandrina and not see land – that’s how big this waterway is. Its shallow waters make up the largest freshwater reservoir of water in South Australia flowing into the Coorong. The Murray River, Angas, Bremer and Finniss Rivers all flow into Lake Alexandrina.
You can swim, fish, cruise, ski or explore these massive lakes on a canoe tour, an eco-cruise or board the 103 year old authentic paddle-steamer, PS Oscar W, to experience more of this fascinating waterway. We spent a night camped right on the shores of Lake Alexandrina at a camp spot near where the ferry takes you across ‘The Narrows’ (narrow corridor between Lakes Alexandrina and Albert), at a small town called Narrung. Our view across the lake was to Point Malcolm Lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottage and then the huge expanse of water. Spectacular!
Kathy Marris – 50 Shades of Age
West Australia
Lake Argyle
The Ord River is an amazing river system in the Kununurra region of the Kimberley in north western Australia. The development of an irrigation scheme in the 1960’s changed the fortune of the Kununurra region forever and a successful agricultural industry was born along with a destination geared for eco and nature based trips.
Two dams were built, one to irrigate the Carr Boyd Range which lets around 50 – 80 tons of water per second flow through its sluices. The beautiful blue expanse of Lake Argyle pictured in my photo is created by the dam, and amazingly equals in the vicinity of 21 Sydney Harbours full of water. For campers and caravanners, The Lake Argyle Caravan and Camping Park is situated right by the dam in a breathtaking location overlooking the lake.
Jo Castro – The ZigaZag Mag
Lake Dumbleyung
266km south east of Perth in the heart of the southern wheatbelt, lies the largest natural body of inland water in Western Australia – Lake Dumbleyung.
The lake sprung into world focus on 31 December 1964 when Donald Campbell broke the world water speed record here in his jet propelled hydroplane boat, ‘Bluebird K7’, with the speed of 444.66 km/hour. Campbell broke the land speed record on Lake Eyre in South Australia on 17 July 1964, becoming the only person to break both records in one year.
Usually a virtually dry salt lake, Lake Dumbleyung has overflowed only four times in the last one hundred years, the last time in 1983, and now in 2017, caused by 160mm of summer rains during February.
Jill Harrison – Life Images By Jill
What a fabulous collection of Australian Lakes. Lakes for me evoke memories of camping holidays, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Which inland lake is your favourite and why? Stay tuned for part 2 of Great Inland Lakes of Australia.
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset. The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
I found so many new lakes to visit from reading this post. I’ve not seen Lake Alexandrina and Lake Dumbleyung – although I’m not likely to see it filled with water in it. Pinned to my Australia Page.
I found some too Jan! I have only been to four of them. I must get inland to see some of these great lakes. #TeamLovinLife
For an island we sure do have a lot of inland waterholes. What amazes me is that every one of the features lakes is so different and special in it’s own way.
Although I still think Lake Macquarie wins because we also have awesome beaches and a world class wine region right next door!
We do indeed. They are a mixed bunch of lakes and I’ve only been to four of them! I do agree that Lake Macquarie is pretty special. We enjoyed our time camped at Belmont Caravan Park a few years ago. However I’m rather partial to Lake Argyle and Lake Alexandrina too! #TeamLovinLife
I’ve actually not heard of many of those lakes… Lake Macquarie looks nice but I’m not sure I’d want to swim or paddle in a lake as you never know what’s lurking beneath the surface!!! I guess if they feed into the ocean the water wouldn’t be too stagnant and smelly but I’d be nervous about what I’d be stepping on as well!
I hadn’t heard of half of them either Deb. When I was kid we used to swim in lakes and rivers all the time, mainly because we lived inland. I think if I was hot enough I could still easily cool off in one of these bodies of water. #TeamLovinLife
When I think of Australia, I normally think ‘beaches’. But this post has completely changed my mind. What some amazing and very beautiful lakes there are to discover. There are many I haven’t visited yet, but would love to. Will Pin this to my Australia Page and share across my social channels too :)
Yes I think a lot of us think ‘beaches’ in Australia, but we do also have a lot of inland bodies of water (as this post reveals). Lake Argyle is definitely one that stands out in my mind. It just makes me want to head inland and see some of these great lakes. #TeamLovinLife
Kathy, you get the best photos of the best places. I bet you could come to my office and make it look incredible!! ha ha
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie. My main passion in life is travelling and photography, so it comes easy to me. Australia is a very picture-worthy country. #TeamLovinLife
OMG I don’t think I’ve been to any of these lakes! However, I will be seeing Lake Burley Griffin at the end of September because I’m flying off to Canberra with a girlfriend to see Floriade. So excited! 3 nights! :-) I will have to see these other lakes too – need to fix this problem ASAP! #TeamLovinLife
I think most of us have seen Lake Burley Griffin in our capital. I’ve only been to four of these lakes myself so I need to get cracking. Have fun at Floriade. #TeamLovinLife
I didn’t realize we had so many gorgeous looking BIG lakes – and WA features more than I expected too. Makes me feel like a swim just looking at them :)
There are so many lakes in Australia when you start looking. Wait until you see part two! I used to swim and waterski when I was young in some of the lakes in Victoria. It was so much fun. #TeamLovinLife
I loved your round up Kathy and I’m amazed at the wonderfully beautiful lakes we have in Australia. I’ve been to Lake Macquarie but that is all – isn’t that terrible. Maybe I should but these on my bucket list to see all of the lakes that you have shown.
Sadly, I have only been to four myself Sue. Hopefully our caravan trip inland next year might remedy this. Lake Macquarie is one of the loveliest lakes in Australia, but Lake Argyle in WA is simply amazing. #TeamLovinLife
Fantastic! I’ve been to a few of these – and not heard of some of the others!! Lake Argyle was a wonderful experience, but I also loved Storm King, and used to live near Lake Macquarie! There’s something about lakes that really makes an area ROCK!
I agree that Lake Argyle is amazing and Lake Macquarie is also pretty gorgeous. We’re heading off down through the Snowy Mountains and along the Murray River to SA next year so hopefully I might see some of these inland lakes. #TeamLovinLife
Thank you for including Lake Dumbleyung in your post Kathy. I was so happy to be able to see it full this year. Happy travels.
Lake Dumbleyung is one I’d never heard of and now I don’t understand why. Hopefully on our next visit over to WA I can see it for myself. Thanks for participating Jill. #TeamLovinLife
I’ve been to most of these, thanks for the happy memories.
Good for you! I’ve only been to four of these lakes. Lakes do bring back great childhood memories of family holidays swimming and waterskiing. #TeamLovinLife
there was a time in my early 20s & living in Canberra where Lake George was full & lapping at the side of the highway. There’s a story about how when it’s empty this lake in NZ is full – and vice versa. #TeamLovinLife
That’s so interesting. Might have something to do with tides and the moon!! Who knows!! I have probably driven by Lake George too but I don’t recall it. #TeamLovinLife
What an absolutely amazing selection of Aussie lakes. A few new ones to add to our list of places to visit.
There certainly is Melissa. My list of Australian places to visit is ever growing. I can’t believe I haven’t seen some of these lakes! #TeamLovinLife
You’ve got me intrigued by the werido lake now!
Ha ha! That is Paula’s sense of humour. She is a riot. #TeamLovinLife
KATHY! Your photographs are exquisite! Menindee Lakesis my favourite. It should be up in your lounge room. Brilliant work.
We have so many beautiful inland lakes in Australia. I believe you just spent a few days at one of them at Lake Moogerah? :)
Ahhh, Lake George. My old friend. We see each other often.
#teamlovinlife
Ha ha! I’ve probably driven right by it during our travels to Canberra on numerous occasions too. I don’t remember it though.
Hello Kathy
What a fantastic list of beautiful Australian inland lakes. And what a wonderful idea to have input from travel bloggers when creating this list. I have visited most of the lakes mentioned, and would love to see the others. My favourites on this list are Lake Argyle and Lake Burley Griffin – both extremely different, and both very beautiful in their own way.
Lake Argyle is magnificent, but my runner up would have to be Lake Alexandrina in SA. You’ve done well to see most of these lakes. There are quiet a few I haven’t seen. :)