Lakes & River
Lachlan River
The namesake of our region, the Lachlan River is Australia’s fourth longest, at more than 1,300km long. It flows through Condobolin and is one of three rivers important to the Wiradjuri people (the other two being the Macquarie and Murrumbidgee). Its meandering path feeds into Lake Cargelligo and provides the perfect wetland habitat for a teeming array of birdlife. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and angling, watersports, swimming and camping along its shady banks.
- Multiple camping spots
- Excellent fishing and angling
- Swimming and kayaking
- Ample birdlife
Lake Cargelligo
Situated around an hour’s drive west of Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo is the largest lake in the Lachlan region (8km long and 36,000 megalitres) and a paradise for more than 200 bird species. But migratory birds aren’t the only ones flocking to the lake each year – with its shores attracting campers, lovers of watersports (sailing, waterskiing, kayaking), fishing enthusiasts and of course bird watchers. It shares its name with the town on its shores, a popular spot for the lovers of peace and serenity.
- Waterfront leisure pathway for walking/cycling
- Boat Ramp – sailing, jet skiing, waterskiing
- Picnic tables and free BBQs
- Free camping at Frog’s Hollow
- Swimming and fishing
- Popular bird watching location
Gum Bend Lake
This man-made 1.8m-deep lake near Condobolin was opened in 1988 and is a popular free camping spot (with excellent amenities including showers and toilets) and recreational/picnic area for visitors and locals alike. It is home to many varieties of flora and fauna – and world-class sunsets! Picnic tables, free barbecues, exercise equipment, a fenced children’s playground and paved perimeter walking/cycle path (measuring just under 3km around) provides a pleasant place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors, on and off the water.
- Picnic Tables and free BBQs
- Kid’s Playground
- Toilet & Shower facilities – free hot water
- Boat Ramp – kayaking, waterskiing
- Swimming, fishing, bird-watching
- Free campground/caravan park
- Walking / Cycle Track around edge and into town
An unusual lake
Lake Cowal near the town of Burcher is actually the largest inland lake in NSW. Unlike most lakes that are fed by rivers, Lake Cowal is ‘ephemeral’ – existing due to a natural dip in the landscape and fluctuating based on rainfall. It is also home to many endangered species of flora and fauna including pilwort ferns, blue-billed duck and black-necked stork, along with protected fish species. From above, it is a curious sight, as a very deep open cast gold mine right alongside its shallow waters.
Weir for art thou?
While the Lachlan River is mostly left to its own meandering ways, you’ll also spot a number of man-made weirs along its path – including at Condobolin (alongside the caravan park), Micabil, Kiacatoo, Booberoi and Lake Cargelligo. Weirs exist to prevent flooding and measure and hold water – and if you’re paddling the Lachlan, you’ll need to be aware of them for likely portage points.
Reinventing the wheel
A lot of this region’s agricultural history and success relates to harnessing the available natural water resources. The Dethridge Wheel, invented in 1910, is one such Australian invention that was used around the world to measure water flow for irrigation. A monument to it can be found in Lake Cargelligo.