Lake Colac
In the summer of 2008-2009 Lake Colac dried out completely, believed by many to be the driest the lake has been since white settlement. So much of what is written below and about the district's waterbirds must be taken with this in mind.
By the following summer, 2009-2010, the lake has partially refilled but there is still insufficient water for boating or fishing activities.
The view below is from one of the jetties adjacent to the Colac Camping Ground at the eastern end of the Colac foreshore. The three hills on the horizon are known as the Warrions.
With a surface area of 1,820 hectares, Lake Colac is the largest fresh-water
lake in Victoria. It has a circumference of 33 km and an average depth of 2.5
metres.
The rowing club and the sailing club are on the shores of the lake with sailing
taking place each weekend during summer and a sailing regatta in January. Unfortunately
drought conditions have curtailed these activities in the last two years.
1870 saw the first pleasure boats on Lake Colac and the first regatta on Lake Colac was held in 1879.
The Colac Yacht Club Jetty standing high and dry in mud early in the present drought.
Facilities
Parking areas, a boat ramp, barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets can be found on the lake foreshore at the eastern end of the Botanic Gardens. A second boat ramp can be found further west at the Colac Yacht Club, Hamilton Street.
An early photograph showing original pier and boathouse by the Botanical Gardens. |
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Meredith Park
This popular campsite and fishing beach is reached by turning off to the left,
10km north of Colac on road to Beeac. There are toilets, fireplaces and a boat
ramp.
Bird Sanctuary
Lake Colac and the Bird Sanctuary provide important feeding, resting and breeding habitat for over 20 species of waterbirds, including a number of migratory species that are listed under agreements between the Australia and Japan and China for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats that are in danger of extinction.
Wetlands protect and improve water quality, play a major role in nutrient recycling
and provide habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals. Some wetland
inhabitants are waterbirds such as the purple swamp hen, the native water rat,
frogs, snakes, invertebrates and fish species as well as waterplants such as
sedges, rushes and water-loving trees.
The Sanctuary is located on the Esplanade at the lakeside end of Church Street.
Tachyglossus mosaic
A pathway of bricks along the lake foreshore, sponsored
by local residents and businesses, leads past the Tachyglossus mosaic, the
work of local artists, schools, community organisations and community members. Tachyglossus was
an ancient ancestor of the echidna which roamed the western basalt plains
approximately 40,000 years ago.
The mosaic is in the shape of Lake Colac, divided into sections representing
totems used by the local indigenous people.
- Bunjil the wedge tailed eagle and Waa the Crow, flying in the direction of
Wathaurong country to the East.
- Black and white cockatoos flying in the direction of the Mara nations to
the west.
- The eel and smelt, a small fish, important food sources for the Coladjin
people. Water ribbons found in some of the local streams surround the eel and
fish.
The claws of the tachyglossus footprint depict from left to right:
- The boomerang
- The Manna gum leaf, once common, now rare.
- Red Rock as a volcano exploding 12,000years ago
- A site line and contour map of Red Rock.
The front of the mosaic is shaped to symbolise the Red Rock skyline to the
north and the stone wall follows the shape of the Otway's skyline to the south.
The cypress pine seating is carved with images that reinforce the theme of
local indigenous flora and fauna.
The installation is surrounded by plants once abundant in the area. Mosaic
Artist: Libby McKinnon - Designer: Glenn Romanis - Wood Carvers: John McCall
and Brad West - Stone Wall Artisan: Simon Witham - Indigenous plantings: Rob
Graner.
Fish in Lake Colac
The first unsuccessful attempt to stock Lake Colac with fish was made in 1858.
Lake Colac contains abundant redfin to 2kg, (average 400g), short-finned eel, carp, tench, goldfish, common galaxias, flat-headed gudgeon and Australian smelt. It is a very popular lake for redfin fishing and is fished commercially for eels. A good fishing method for redfin is to fish on the bottom with Australian smelt or common galaxias, which can also be found in the lake, as bait.
Ross Point near Balnagowan House is a popular fishing spot at the west end of the lake foreshore. There is a car park off Balnagowan Avenue, and another, along with a playground and reserve, at the end of Stodart Street.
The lake is infested with introduced carp and a 'Catch a Carp' day is held
each October as part of the effort to reduce their numbers.
The Lake Alliance Colac is developing a website worth visiting.