The Lakes National Park is a peaceful
bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake
Victoria and Lake Reeve. The park occupies 2,390 hectares of low-lying
woodland and coastal heath, consisting of Sperm Whale Head peninsula,
Rotamah and Little Rotamah Islands.
Things to Do
Call into the park office in Loch
Sport during office hours and view the information displays,
exhibits and 'touch table'.
The most popular of several picnic
areas is at Point Wilson, the site of the original settlers'
homestead.
Camping is permitted at Emu Bight
only, close to the shore of Lake Victoria.
A network of walking tracks exists
and the gently undulating tracks are suitable for family outings.
The self guided Lake Reeve Nature Trail, featuring the Lookout
Tower, is a popular short walk through several habitats with many
points of interest along the way.
Situated at the beginning of the
Nature Trail, the Lookout Tower affords magnificent views of Lake
Reeve and the Gippsland Lakes system.
Many bird species can be observed
throughout the park or, alternatively, from bird hides situated at
Lake Killarney and on Rotamah Island.
Rotamah Island
Rotamah Island is a naturalists'
bushland delight, surrounded by Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve to the
north and the dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach to the south. Rotamah
Island along with Little Rotamah Island and Sperm Whale Head comprise
The Lakes National Park. Rotamah Island is accessible by boat via
Paynesville (six kilometres) or Loch Sport (18 kilometres).
Clearly defined tracks offer some
exceptional views and bird watching opportunities. The tracks are
generally sandy and gently undulating and are suitable for family
outings. A small picnic area is set aside adjacent to the observatory
only a short stroll from the jetty on Rotamah Island. A barbecue,
toilets and picnic tables are available. The camping area is
restricted to groups who book in advance through the park office.
Fireplaces, toilets and water are provided and a small fee is charged.
The Rotamah Island Bird Observatory also offers good accommodation
facilities as well as providing excellent reference material and
educational opportunities. Fees are charged and inquiries should be
directed to the wardens on (03) 5146 0278
From past to present
Rotamah Island had a number of occupants until 1975 when it was bought
by the Victorian Government. In 1978 Rotamah and Little Rotamah
Islands were added to The Lakes National Park. In late 1979 the Royal
Australasian Ornithologists Union, now called Birds Australia, began
leasing the island's homestead to operate as a bird observatory.
Currently the observatory is involved in various research programs as
well as regularly running weekend natural history courses.
Plants, animals and birds
Rotamah Island supports eucalypt and banksia woodland on its sandy
soils. Much of the island is open woodland, a reminder of the grazing
that occurred. The lower lying areas contain dense stands of
melaleuca. The island supports populations of Eastern Grey Kangaroos,
Swamp Wallabies, possums, echidnas, wombats, reptiles and bats.
Rotamah Island is also renowned for its prolific bird life and more
than 190 bird species have been recorded. Commonly sighted birds
include Emus, grebes, cormorants, pelicans, rosellas, robins and the
graceful White-bellied Sea Eagle.
Facilities
The picnic area at Point Wilson has
barbecues, a day shelter, toilets, water and a jetty.
The camping area at Emu Bight has a
communal shelter, fireplaces, toilets and water.
Heritage
The Gippsland Lakes area was once part
of a large bay. Over many thousands of years sands deposited by the
sea have formed a series of barriers including the Sperm Whale Head
Peninsula, Little Rotamah Island and Rotamah Island. The outer barrier
eventually enclosed the bay and formed the Ninety Mile Beach. These
barriers are up to 38 metres high and enclose the waters that make the
Gippsland Lakes.
Aborigines of the Kurnai nation were
numerous in the area at the time of European arrival as can be seen by
the many shell middens in the sand dunes along the Ninety Mile Beach.
The abundant wildlife and mild climate of the Gippsland Lakes provided
plenty of food making it an ideal area to inhabit.
In the summer of 1840 explorer Angus
McMillan reached the shores of Lake Victoria and soon after cattle
runs were taken up in the district. During this period much of the
area now covered by park was cleared and cultivated for grazing.
Through the efforts of Mr F.W.C Barton
and the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, 1,451 hectares on the
Sperm Whale Head peninsula was reserved in 1927 for the purposes of a
national park and proclaimed The Lakes National Park in 1956. Rotamah
Island and Little Rotamah Island were added to the park in 1978.
Natural bushland has since regenerated and much of the wildlife has
returned to the area.
Fauna
More than 190 species of birds have
been recorded in the park including the rare White Bellied Sea Eagle
and the endangered Little Tern.
The park also supports a large
population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Black Wallabies. Brush-tailed
Possums and Ring-tailed Possums are also common. Less common mammals
include Sugar Gliders, Pygmy Possums and the endangered New Holland
Mouse. The rare Large-footed Myotis is one of eleven bat species also
found within the park.
Vegetation
Eucalypt and banksia woodland are
widespread on the sandy soils throughout the park. Areas of coastal
heath are interspersed with swampy, low-lying areas that support salt
marsh vegetation.
From August to November, the park is
at its best with a spectacular show of wildflowers and one of the best
displays of native orchids in Australia.
Several rare plant species occur
including Ribbed Thryptomene (Thryptomene micrantha) which,
apart from this area, is found only in Tasmania and the York and Eyre
Peninsulas in South Australia.
Looking After
the Park
Fires may only be lit in the
fireplaces provided and not at all on days of Total Fire Ban. Fires
must be completely extinguished with water before leaving and are
not permitted on the Ninety Mile Beach.
Dogs, cats, generators and firearms
are not permitted.
All native plants and animals in
the park are protected by law.
Take your rubbish with you.
Precautions
Many kangaroos and birds frequent
the picnic areas but please do not feed them because our processed
foods are not part of their normal diet.
How to Get
There
The Lakes National Park is in East
Gippsland about 300 km east of Melbourne. The park is located at the
eastern end of the township of Loch Sport, 63 km east of Sale. Boat
access is possible from Paynesville (5 km).
