Victoria is packed with plenty of pretty lakes. And if you’re travelling out west, you might want to stop and stretch your legs at Lake Corangamite. Covering over 23,000 hectares, this spot is the largest permanent salt-water lake in Australia. The water here is hypersaline, which means that it’s saltier than seawater. It’s also a part of the Western District Lakes Ramsar Site, providing vital habitat for local and international wildlife. This lake is a short drive away from Colac, and is about two hours away from Melbourne.
Lake Corangamite
Although it’s not as vast as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in South Australia, which is the country’s largest ephemeral salt lake at about 120 million hectares, this permanent lake is still worth seeing. Most of the shoreline is inaccessible, and the closest way for you to see the lake is to visit the Lake Corangamite Foreshore Reserve. In the 1950s, this reserve became a popular swimming spot for locals, and was affectionately referred to as either ‘the beach’ or ‘the bathing boxes’. If you’re planning a visit, you should know that there aren’t really any visitor facilities, but that sense of wildness is all part of the fun.
Lake Corangamite is one of the nine Western District Lakes, which were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Each lake is different, with varying sizes, depth and salinity, but they are all grouped together as a single Ramsar site, due to the significance of their wetlands.
If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll have plenty to see. These lakes all support large numbers of water birds, including migratory shorebirds like the red-necked stint, the sharp-tailed sandpiper and the double-banded plover. 75 wetland dependent bird species have been recorded in the region. When conditions are favourable, Lake Corangamite is also home to a breeding colony of pelicans. The lakes also support two nationally threatened species, the Salt-lake Tussock-grass and Spiny Peppercress.
What else can you do?
With its rugged and desolate landscape, this inland lake a great spot for photography. Feel like you’re in another world as you gaze at the untouched, salty surface.
For sweeping views, drive over to Red Rock Lookout. Located about 15 minutes away from Colac, you can admire Lake Corangamite to the west. To the east, you’ll also see Lake Colac, which just happens to be the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Take in panoramic views of the rolling landscape, shaped by volcanic activity. Red Rock itself is one of the youngest volcanoes in Australia, and is part of a volcanic plain that’s about 8,000 years old. You can take in the sights just fine from the carpark, or climb up the stairs for the main lookout. About 500 metres away, you’ll also find toilets, playgrounds and BBQ facilities.
While you’re in the area, hang out in Colac for a bit of shopping or a bite to eat. Amble through the peaceful Colac Botanic Gardens, or hang out at Lake Colac, where you can go fishing or unwind with a lovely picnic. Swap lakeside views for lush trees and with a trip down south to Forrest in the Otways. Or, keep going west to Camperdown, where you can explore walking trails around Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf, or get your heart pumping on the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail.
