Bookaar - Lake Bookaar
Lake Bookaar is a permanent saline lake formed between basalt lava flows north-east of Camperdown. The lake is approximately 480 hectares and forms part of the internationally significant Western District Lakes Ramsar site.
There is a walk which begins at the car park near the site of the former Lake Bookaar Primary School. A gated walking track leads into Lake Bookaar Wetland Reserve. Close the gate after entering and leaving the reserve.
The short nature walk starts and finishes at the car park and takes approximately 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. The lake, grasslands and wetland margins provide habitat for numerous waterbirds, with the species and number of birds varying according to the season and water conditions.
Activities include:
- Viewing the lake and surrounding volcanic landscape
- A short nature walk
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife and landscape photography
Hunting:
Lake Bookar Wildlife Reserve is a State Game Reserve where duck hunting may be permitted during a declared hunting season. Before visiting during the season, check the Game Management Authority website for current wetland closures and restrictions.
Access for Dogs:
Lake Bookaar is an internationally significant waterbird habitat. Dogs are not recommended within the wetland reserve. Observe all restrictions displayed at the entrance.
Opening Hours:
Accessible at all times unless temporarily closed or restricted.
Review:
There are three possible places to park. The best one is the road which leads from the Darlington-Camperdown Road opposite the Bookaar town sign. Beside the carpark is a shelter with table and the following sign which shows when vegetation in the area will be in flower.
A small distance south of here is the road to the Old Bookaar School, which is no longer used but available for hire.
A small distance north of the carpark is another road which leads to a basic camping area with toilets.
From the carpark a track with a gate leads to the former school and some very dilapidated tennis courts through some long grass. A mown grass track on the other side of the carpark leads through a native grasslands area to the camping area. The best time to visit would be spring (Oct - Dec) when the grasses and plants are in flower.
There were waterbirds on the lake but it was quite distant and boggy near the water.
Location
Bookaar School Wetland Reserve, 700 Darlington-Camperdown Road, Bookaar 3260 View Map
Web Links
→ www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/Places-and-Events/Parks-sport-recreation/Lake-Bookaar
→ ccma.vic.gov.au/western-district-lakes-ramsar-site
