What Is The Deepest Lake In Australia?

Lakes in Australia are quite different from lakes in other countries. This is because there was a severe absence of both tectonic activity and glaciers in Australia. Because of this, there is a general lack of natural freshwater sources and lakes within the continent. In fact, most lakes within Australia fall into different types of categories than the freshwater lakes that a country like Canada, has an abundance of.

In Australia, there are many different coastal lakes and lagoons. These all clearly lie on the outskirts of the country, essentially creating shallow inlets a short way away from the shores of the oceans that surround the continent. Within the inland areas of the country, there are quite a few smaller lakes, wetlands, and swamp areas, however, many of these are ephemeral in nature – meaning that they only last for a brief period of time or in particular seasons.

In Australia, there have only been five lakes that have been deemed glacial lakes, whereas, in Tasmania, there are far more natural freshwater lakes located near the central plateau area. Generally speaking, these are the types of lakes that are enlarged to build hydroelectric dams or development sites.

The last two lakes, aside from those that were man-made, that are known to exist in Australia are lakes created from the remnants of once active volcanoes, and salt lakes that usually exist within desert regions, as opposed to anywhere that sees a moderate to a high level of precipitation.

Shockingly enough, the deepest lake in Australia is not located on the mainland or even on the coast. The largest lake in Australia exists within one of the country’s states – in particular, Tasmania. Lake St. Clair is famous for being the deepest lake, reaching a depth of 215 meters or 705 feet.

This is considered a natural freshwater lake and it is located in the Central Highlands area of the island. The lake is precisely located and formed at the southern end of the equally famous Cradle Mountain.

How Deep Does Lake St. Clair Get?

Lake St. Clair is known for reaching a depth of 215 meters, or 705 feet. Because of this depth, the lake has been listed as the fifty-seventh deepest lake in the world.

It’s also worth noting that this lake is quite large, measuring a distance of approximately 45 square kilometres. This lake is also fed by a multitude of rivers located within the same area, making it an abundant source of fresh water

Can You Swim At The Great Lakes Tasmania?

The Great Lake Tasmania is known for being both a natural lake, as well as an enlarged man-made reservoir. It is located in the Central Highlands regions of Tasmania, and it actually has the esteemed distinction of being the highest lake (above sea level) in all of Australia. The lake is approximately 3,380 feet or 1,030 meters above sea level, which is truly astonishing. This entire area has become increasingly well known as a top tourist destination of choice.

There are a few nearby towns, including Miena, that are very popular holiday locations for both local and international tourists. In the winter months, this area is known for being one of the coldest spots in the state, with much of this having to do with the sheer altitude of the lake. However, during the summer months, this is an incredibly busy spot – drawing in folks who love the great outdoors, camping, swimming, fishing, etc.

Folks are certainly able to swim in the Great Lake, however, it is known for being quite the frigid dip. Because of this, many folks prefer to merely camp along the beach and enjoy the spectacular views, or they choose to use this area for fishing – which it is renowned for. Regardless if one chooses to swim in the Great Lake or not, they are sure to enjoy all that the area has to offer, with immense beauty to look at, at every turn.

Is The Great Lake Man-Made?

While the Great Lake did not begin as a man-made lake, it certainly has that distinction now. Originally, this lake was a much smaller natural, freshwater lake, however, it was expanded as a result of the Miena Dam project that occurred in 1922.

The Great Lake currently measures a distance of approximately 176 square kilometres or sixty-eight square miles (in surface area). This dam was meant to service the close town of Miena, which has since become an increasingly common tourist destination.

What Fish Are In The Great Lake?

The Great Lake is arguably most famous for being an immaculate spot for fisherman and wranglers of all ages. People travel from across the state, throughout Australia, and international countries for the mere opportunity of witnessing and taking part in the fishing that this lake has to offer.

This lake is known far and wide for its summer hatching season of the Highland Dun mayfly. Because these pests are incredibly abundant, they draw in the fish, who adores nothing more than the chance to dine on them. The main focus for fishermen that choose to come here is the massive colonies of trout, particularly the speckled brown trout, that live throughout the waters. Because of this, the sport of fly-casting and fishing is ever so popular at the Great Lake.

While the brown trout is very abundant in the lakes, rainbow trout have also been known to make up a good portion of the fish that is caught in the lake. Many fishermen who frequent the area will attest that during the colder months of May through to October, the trout (and other fish) will often be holding and feeding in the deeper waters, as this is where the lake is warmer.

However, in the warmer months of November through to April, particularly when the bugs are out, it’s easier to spot fish near the shallow waters of the shoreline, or towards the tops of that water while out in a boat.