Boort - Little Lake Boort
Boort is known as the oasis of the north owing to the numerous lakes and waterways, the lush gardens of the township and the expansive irrigated agricultural land surrounding the town.
The area's first station established in 1843 by Henry Godfrey was named 'Boort' and reputedly means 'smoke from the hill' in the local Dja Dja Wurrung dialect and referred to their means of communication from nearby Bald Hill. The town developed in the 1870's and was originally located on the southern shore of Little Lake Boort and was moved to the north in 1883 when the railway arrived. The little lake, annexed from the larger Lake Boort in the early 1920's, provides opportunities for water-skiing, sailing, walking, cycling, fishing, photography, bird-watching and other sports. The trail around the little lake is a 3.7km loop and will take around 1 hour to walk.
Little Lake Boort Walk Map
Things to see
The trail commences at the northern foreshore of the lake in the landscaped parkland that offers a playground and merry-go-round for the kids. Heading west, the trail will take you past some of the town's excellent sports facilities including the tennis, lawn bowls and croquet clubs as well as the local swimming pool. A little further on is the Coliban Water storage and treatment plant. At the southern end of the lake you will pass the Angling Club to enter Jajoweroung Park and then come to Myrnong Beach, where you can pause for a quick dip to cool off. The area around the lakes was a regular camping spot of the Dja Dja Wurrung and some well preserved middens and scar trees are still evident. The boardwalk running parallel to the causeway was completed in 2012 and offers a wonderful opportunity to view the bird and animal life in this natural reed section of the lake. This wetland area hosts many species including Fairy Martins, Black Swans, Dusky Moorhens, turtles, water rats and at least 6 types of frogs including the Peron's Tree Frog and the Barking Marsh Frog. Cross the bridge over the irrigation channel then stroll back through the shady native plantation near the caravan park to head back to Nolen's Park.
Swimming at Little Lake Boort
Generations of locals have grown up loving the water right in the heart of Boort. The banks of the lake feature great picnic and barbecue facilities, plus the popular lake-side caravan park.
There is a designated safe swimming area located at the Nolen's Park end at the Boort Lakes Holiday Park (within the Holiday Park) near the Ski Club rooms. The swimming area is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced swimmers. Experienced Swimmers can also swim at any part of the lake.
Near the swimming area are electric BBQs, picnic tables, shade, picnic blanket spot, undercover area, rubbish bins, public toilets and a playground.
On the east side of the lake there is another designated swimming area at Myrnong beach. There is a narrow sandy strip and nice grassy area between the carpark and the lake. This area has some tables and a water tap.
Canoeing / Kayaking at Little Lake Boort
Explore Little Lake Boort or Serpentine Creek via canoe or kayak. Tours are available at Lake Boort Holiday Park.
Hire of Watercraft
Watercraft can be hired from the Boort Lakes Holiday Park. Costs (at Nov 2024) are:
Single canoe: $15 per hour
Double canoe: $20 per hour
Stand Up Paddle Boards: $15 per hour
Review:
Little Lake Boort is a wonderful place to visit for recreation.
During the warmer months there are plenty of water activities available with two designated swimming areas and canoes and stand up paddle boards can be hired from Boort Lakes Holiday Park.
The 3.7km walk around the lake is full of interest with lots of birdlife to see including pelicans and egrets. The northern side has a playground, picnic facilities, outdoor gym and toilets.
At the southern section of the lake, near the Boort Angling Club, there are toilets.
On the south-west side of the lake there is an area with shaded BBQ, table and water tap.
There are big metal sculptures along the lake which is part of the Metal Sculpture Trail. Look out for Rusty Redfin, Shag on a Rock, Dragon Fly on a log and Spanner Chair.
Location
Cnr Godfrey Street and McMillans Road, Boort 3537 Map
Web Links
→ Little Lake Boort Trail (PDF)
