What? Lake George

Where? Bungendore, NSW

How do get there? Lake George is located 30km's north-east of Canberra Directions For Lake George

Backgrounder? In a single life, Lake George has lived many. It has been full, empty, verdant, dry and everything in between. In ancient times, the lake was much bigger, deeper and the surrounding landscape much greener than it is today. The lake had water, for one. These days it swings from full to empty.

No one really knows what's going on with Lake George. A recent theorist suggested that evaporation held the key. While others suggest Lake George has deeply hidden connections to nearby river systems. But perhaps the truth lies somehere with its shallow basin, high winds, small catchment area and NSW's long term drought.  


When full, Lake George is the largest fresh water lake in Australia. Over the years it has supported a wide variety of activities. It is an ancient Australian Aboriginal site, a fishing spot for Murray Cod (a small trawler worked the lake in the late 19th century), while it is also the raison-d'etre for a local sailing club. Hard to believe but true - Lake George has a sailing club, full of very, very frustrated sailors! 

In its dry phases the lake is used as grazing country and for recreational purposes such as flying model glider planes and hang-gliding. These odd-looking contraptions launch off the escarpment when an easterly wind is blowing; while powered, remote control models fly from the lake floor.

Weereewa, is the lake's Aboriginal name, that literally means 'Bad Water'. Its a suitable name that suggests Australia's first true locals know a dodgy lake when they see one, unlike Lachlan Macquarie who named it after King George III in 1820.

The Weereewa Arts & Crafts Festival - a festival of Lake George - is a bi-annual event in and around Bungendore. For more information on this great event that celebrates,  conserves and shares the lake and its history through the arts and community events, phone 02 6238 0119 


A drive along the western escarpment takes you through this regions grape growing country. It's here that you'll find some great wineries and restaurants that are well worth a visit.