Lake Bathurst (New South Wales)
Lake Lake near Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
East of Goulburn near Canberra, Lake Bathurst is a shallow, seasonal inland lake listed as an Important Bird Area; birdwatchers visit for waterfowl concentrations, and anglers and photographers come when water levels rise.
Lake Bathurst is a shallow, seasonal lake in New South Wales, Australia, close to the small locality called Lake Bathurst. The lake is a shallow saline or brackish basin that expands and contracts with rainfall.
The site is visited mainly for birdwatching when water is present, attracting a variety of waterbirds and shorebirds during wet cycles. There is little in the way of formal tourism infrastructure, so most visits are by local naturalists or roadside stops.
The lake is a natural ephemeral basin within the Southern Tablelands; its character varies with seasonal and multi-year rainfall patterns. It has long been used by local communities and landholders for grazing and as a landscape feature rather than as a managed reservoir.
Geographically the lake sits between the regional centres of Goulburn and Canberra on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, surrounded by pastoral land and low hills.
- Birdlife: Seasonal fluctuations make the lake important for waterbirds, with large concentrations appearing after wet periods.
How to Get to Lake Bathurst (New South Wales) #
About 70-90 minutes’ drive from Canberra via the Federal and Kings Highways; regional buses service nearby towns though personal transportation is far more convenient.
Tips for Visiting Lake Bathurst (New South Wales) #
- There is a lakeside bird hide-check local council information for its location and access
- Drive the scenic route from Goulburn to see volcanic plains and stop at lookouts on the way
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Bungendore arts precinct for coffee and galleries
Best Time to Visit Lake Bathurst (New South Wales) #
Spring and autumn are most pleasant; summer mornings avoid heat and flies.
Weather & Climate near Lake Bathurst (New South Wales) #
Lake Bathurst (New South Wales)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (716 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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