Valley Lake (South Australia)

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Valley Lake
Panorama of the Valley Lakes, Mount Gambier (2016).jpg
Panorama of the Valley Lake in 2016
Australia South Australia relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Valley Lake
Location in South Australia
Location Mount Gambier, South Australia
Coordinates 37°50′25″S140°46′1″E / 37.84028°S 140.76694°E / -37.84028; 140.76694 Coordinates: 37°50′25″S140°46′1″E / 37.84028°S 140.76694°E / -37.84028; 140.76694
Type Monomictic Volcanic crater lake
Basin  countriesAustralia
Surface area26 ha (64 acres) [1]
Islands None
SettlementsNone

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 children's 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]

Contents

History

Centenary Tower (2013) Centenary Tower in Mount Gambier (from base of hill, 2013).jpg
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

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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.