Valley Lake (South Australia)

The Valley Lake is a monomictic volcanic crater lake in the Australian state of South Australia situated in the south of Mount Gambier, near the Blue Lake. The Lake is surrounded by a park situated on Davidson Drive. The shore of the lake features a childrens playground, sporting facilities, BBQs and toilets. There is also a Wildlife Park, as well as Centenary Tower at the top of the surrounding crater.[2]

Valley Lake
Panorama of the Valley Lake in 2016
Valley Lake
Location in South Australia
LocationMount Gambier, South Australia
Coordinates37°50′25″S 140°46′1″E
TypeMonomictic Volcanic crater lake
Basin countriesAustralia
Surface area26 ha (64 acres)[1]
IslandsNone
SettlementsNone

History
Centenary Tower (2013)

When Mount Gambier was first discovered in 1839 by Stephen Henty of Portland, the Valley Lake and the Blue Lake were considered a good source of water for future settlers.[3]

The foundation stone for the Centenary Tower was laid on 3 December 1900 (to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sighting and naming of Mount Gambier), and was officially opened in 1904. The tower sits 190 meters above sea level, and its opening hours are signified by a flag flown above the tower. At night the tower is lit up and can be viewed from the city.[4]

On 26 February 1954 Queen Elizabeth II visited the Valley Lake as part of her Australian tour. A plaque commemorating this visit was placed at the Valley Lake Lookout in 1977.[5]

The Valley Lake Wildlife Park operates within the Valley Lake park. The Park is home to a number of indigenous flora and fauna species. It also features lookouts, a beautiful boardwalk and a number of nature walks, and entry is free.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Map of Valley Lake in South Australia showing Mount Gambier (highlighted in purple) - Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia". Bonzle. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  2. "Mount Gambier Valley Lake Crater - South Australia". Mount Gambier Point. 10 August 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  3. City of Mount Gambier (2013). Mount Gambier Visitor Guide (16 ed.). The Lady Nelson. p. 42.
  4. City of Mount Gambier (2016). Mount Gambier Visitor Guide (17 ed.). p. 5.
  5. "Stones, Plaques & Memorials - Lakes Area of Mount Gambier, South Australia". South East Family History Group. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  6. "Valley Lake Wildlife Park & Boardwalk - Mount Gambier". Mount Gambier Point. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
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