Lake Wendouree

All age groups can enjoy strolling the bluestone paths in rustic fairyland and experiencing the natural beauty and the ever-changing light on the water of Lake Wendouree. Views across the water of magnificent sunsets or the distant volcanic cones of Mt Warrenheip and Mt Buninyong are framed by mature elms, oaks, pines and willows.

The name Wendouree comes from the aboriginal word 'wendaaree' which means 'go away'. A story is told that when William Yuille, one of the early European settlers of Ballarat, asked an Aboriginal woman the name of the swamp, that was her reply. When Ballarat was first surveyed in 1851 by WS Urquhart the swamp was recorded as Wendouree.

Lake Wendouree is one of the few urban lakes in Australia which is ecologically sound. Its biological health can be attributed to the lakeweed which reduces the effects of harmful urban sediments flushed into the lake after heavy rain. The reed beds decrease turbidity thus maintaining areas of clear water. While the native weed (water-milfoil) and reeds (tall spike-rush) perform these natural functions biodiversity is assured.