Located on the urban edge of Drysdale, this reserve provides
important habitat for many bird species and is a great place to walk and
appreciate nature.
The area was very important to
the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people, and still holds great
significance today. It
contains Aboriginal oven mounds dating back 3,000 and 5,000 years.
In the early days of European settlement, the area was named
after a district pioneer, Dr Angus McLeod,
and the upper lake provided freshwater to early settlers.
About this reserve
This crown land reserve is 14 hectares and is made up of two
natural freshwater lakes and parkland. It is a shallow waterbody and can dry
out in periods of extended drought.
Both lakes are fed by stormwater from the urban areas of
Drysdale, as well as surface flows from the surrounding reserve.
The larger
stormwater drain that discharges into the lower lake has a gross pollutant trap
installed to remove the significant amount of the litter and sediment that
enters the drain from the Drysdale shopping centre, as well as surrounding
residential areas.
In the 1980s, parts of the lake were deepened, and an island
was established with the spoil.
What to look for
The upper lake in particular supports a diverse population
of waterbirds, including waterbirds and wader species. The larger lower lake acts
as a refuge for these birds during drought and the duck hunting season.
Species to look for with special conservation status
include:
Blue-Billed Duck
Freckled Duck
The parklands that surround the lake include extensive
grassed areas and stands of remnant vegetation, including River
Red-gums.
Things to do
There are no paved paths but a walk around the lake is
rewarding for those able to walk on unmade trails.
Environmental values
Views
Facilities
Public toilet
Picnic tables
Free parking
Dogs on-lead