Lake Cargelligo

Lake Cargelligo is a beautiful township built on the edge of a large lake system, linked to the Lachlan River and is popular for water sports and fishing. Parts of the lake are bird sanctuaries. Among those protected species are the Australian Pelican the Black Swan and great Crested Grebe. Other attractions include two sand green golf courses, bowling greens, Aboriginal art and craft, museums, and the Alf Tyack Rock and Gem collection. Aboriginal Ochre pits and other artifacts can also still be found in the town area.

Older residents of the Lake Cargelligo region spoke of picnic races being held in the dry, drought stricken bed of this beautiful natural inland lake. In wetter months however, that very same lake hosted a great variety of fascinating natural flora, fauna and birdlife. After the lake Cargelligo storage was constructed in 1902 and the calley flooded, the indigenous plant and wildlife flourished and in some cases became protected. The cast new lake was to become the popular aquatic playground of toady. The lake was first discovered by Oxley in 1817. By 1850 a reservation for the future 'village' was made and in 1879 finally gazetted. The discovery of gold by Mrs Foster in 1873 swelled the population of the town and increased its importance as a busy supply centre. Cattle, sheep, grain and a rapidly expanding tourist industry now form the basis of the present day prosperity.

When full the lake covers about 1500 hectares. This expanse of water has made it a popular haven for Australian and migratory water birds and has created a perfect destination for bird watching and photography.

Both nearby Lake Brewster and parts of Lake Cargelligo are classified as a wildlife refuge. Among the birds which enjoy total protection are the Australian Pelican, the Black Swan and Great Crested Grebe.

Lake Cargelligo is a popular venue for water sports including skiing, sailing, jet skiing and fishing. For those a little laid back there many opportunities to camp by the lake or on the river bank. Sunrise and sunsets over the lake make it worth while staying overnight to catch mother nature at her best. For a more comfortable stay there are two motels, two hotels and a caravan park.

The town offers a variety of activities such as bowls, gold, tennis, swimming, squash, and volleyball. Intertown sport, including Australian Rules, Rugby League and Netball all havea strong following. The town also has museums on local history, tractors and engines.

The Lake is 8km by 3.5km in surface area and is 3m deep on average. It is an ideal spot for power boats, yachting, fishing, water skiing and swimming and is also a haven for birds - mallee fowl, pelicans, swans, ducks, geese, and the rare bower bird and black cockatoo. Access is facilitated by two sealed roads and there is a boating club and club house on the western shore of the lake. There are several foreshore parks with electric barbeques and a caravan park nearby. Fishing can also be profitably pursued in the Lachlan and its streams.

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