Loch Sport - The Lakes National Park
The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve. Occupying 2,390 hectares of low lying woodland and coastal heath, it consists of Sperm Whale Head peninsula, Rotamah and Little Rotamah Islands.
Things to See and Do
Picnicking
The most popular of several picnic areas is at Point Wilson, the site of the original settler's homestead. There are gas barbeques at Point Wilson as well as wood fired barbeques (BYO wood), a day shelter, toilets, water and a jetty. Fires are prohibited at Dolomite Swamp, Netting Boundary, Trouser Point and Cherry Tree, however gas barbeques are permitted.
Camping
Camping is only permitted at Emu Bight, close to the shore of Lake Victoria. A communal shelter and toilets are provided. Campers are required to bring their own firewood and water supplies. Fires may only be lit in the fireplaces provided and are not permitted on individual campsites. Bookings are required.
History
The Gippsland Lakes were once part of a large bay. Over thousands of years, sands deposited by the sea formed a number of barriers, including Sperm Whale Head, Little Rotamah Island, The Ninety Mile Beach and Rotamah Island. These barriers, now up to 38m high, enclose the waters that make the Gippsland Lakes.
Aborigines of the Kurnai nation were numerous at the time of European arrival. The abundant wildlife and mild climate provided an ideal area to inhabit. In 1840, explorer Angus McMillan reached the shores of Lake Victoria, and soon after, cattle runs were taken up and much of the area now covered by park was cleared for grazing.
In 1927, 1451 hectares on the Sperm Whale Head peninsula was reserved for the purposes of a national park, and proclaimed The Lakes National Park in 1956. Rotamah Island had a number of occupants until 1975 when it was bought by the Victorian Government. Rotamah Island and Little Rotamah Island were added to the park in 1978.
Lake Reeve Nature Trail & Lookout Tower- 30mins return
Lake Reeve provides important feeding and roosting habitat for a number of waterfowl species, and is one of Victoria's most important areas for wading birds. The lake is a significant feature of the Gippsland Lakes system and is listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). A short walk will lead you from the Lookout Tower car park down through a range of habitats to the shores of Lake Reeve. The numbers below denote the features along the nature trail.
Early beginnings - Start your walk at the Lookout Tower providing views of the Ninety Mile Beach and Lake Reeve. If you were here a few million years ago you would have been at sea. Over five million years ago the land to the north was pushed up to form the Great Dividing Range. It was only during the last million years that the Gippsland Lakes came into being. The lakes were formed when the sea deposited sand, creating a barrier which enclosed the bay that once existed here.
1. Open woodland
Much of the vegetation in the Park is woodland of Shining Peppermints and Saw Banksia. The main shrub here is the rare Ribbed Thryptomene, found here and in South Australia's York and Eyre Peninsulas and in Tasmania.
2. Forests
This eucalypt is a Manna Gum featuring dark rough bark. This tree grows in more moist areas than the Shining Peppermint. The run-off water from the slope provides them with additional moisture. Manna Gum is one of the eucalypts which form the diet of koalas.
3. Wild Cherry tree
The Wild Cherry tree's fruit begins to form from December to May. From July through to November the stem above the fruit swells to become fleshy red berries.
4. A change of habitat
This paperbark scrub is different from the other habitats you have walked through. Less light is able to get through the Swamp Paperbarks' dense leaf canopy. Birds such as yellow robins, grey fantails and thornbills build their nests in the protection of the dense foliage.
5. The shoreline
Wander quietly to the edge of Lake Reeve and keep a look out for waterbirds. Black Swans, pelicans, grebes, ducks and cormorants are often seen feeding in these brackish waters. If you are lucky you may spot the rare White-bellied Sea-eagle as it hunts for prey. The vegetation along the shoreline is salt marsh, bordered by plants such as the succulent glasswort. Its cactus-like shape helps it store water and salts. The lake shore vegetation has adapted to regular flooding and saline conditions.
6. Grass tree
These are the remnants of an old Grass Tree that was very special. Grass trees are common throughout coastal areas, however this particular tree was the only evidence that grass trees once existed in this section of the park. Please do not touch.
7. Mystery tree
Look above you. This dead tree - otherwise known as a 'stag' - is covered in wounds. Each of the gnarled swellings in the branches is an attempt by the tree to block off a wound caused by either an insect or fungus. Even though the tree is dead, it still has an important role to play in this habitat. It provides home for many different animals - from possums through to insects.
8. Forest Red Gum
This tree is not only magnificent but is estimated to be over 300 years old. See how the tree has formed a thick bark over an old wound. This is done to prevent any fungus or insects from attacking the tree. One can only imagine what the park looked like when this tree was a seedling.
9. Banksias
There are two types of banksia trees here. In front of you is the tall Coast Banksia which has a plain leaf edge with a white underside. Next to it is the Saw Banksia. As its name suggests, its leaves have a saw tooth, or serrated edge. Banksia flowers are an important source of food for Honeyeaters and Pygmy Possums.
10. Sheoaks
This tree is the Drooping Sheoak. These unusual trees have extremely small green drooping leaves which are really stems. This is thought to be an adaptation to cope with dry coastal conditions. The stems have a thick outer coating (cuticle) which helps lessen the water loss through evaporation.
Rotamah Island
Rotamah Island is a naturalist's bushland delight. Accessible only by boat, the island is surrounded by Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve to the north and the dunes of Ninety Mile Beach to the south. A number of walking tracks leave from the picnic area and jetty. Camping is available to educational groups, but must be booked in advance through the park office.
Walking Tracks
90 Mile Beach Walk (3.8km - 1.5 hours return)
From the jetty walk along the Causeway Track to the beach. Return via Fenceline Track and Lake Reeve Track.
West End Walk (4.8km - 2 hours return)
Starting at the jetty, follow the Causeway Track and West Track to the end of the island. Return via Melaleuca Track and Lake Reeve Track.
Rotamah Loop (7.6km - 3 hours return)
From the jetty and picnic area, follow East Track over the footbridge onto Little Rotamah Island. Return via Ocean Grange Track or the 90 Mile Beach to Causeway rack. Alternatively visit Ocean Grange by following the track down and back (additional 4.5km - 1.5 hour return)
East End Walk (4.6km - 2 hours return)
Follow East Track from the jetty and picnic area. This track offers some fantastic views before heading back along Forest Track
Access for Dogs:
Dogs, cats and other pets are prohibited within the park.
Location and Access
The Lakes National Park is in East Gippsland about 300 km east of Melbourne. The park is at the eastern end of Loch Sport, 63 km east of Sale. There is boat access from Paynesville.
Location
Lake Victoria Track, Loch Sport 3851 Map
Web Links
→ The Lakes National Park (Parks Victoria)
→ The Lakes National Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
