March 7, 2024


Day 16: Ballarat: Lake Wendouree





In many ways Ballarat seems similar to Kingston.  Kingston is slightly larger than Ballarat in terms of population. In both downtowns, you can discover historical buildings that date back to the 19th century. Both cities are mid size , and increasingly are becoming more diverse. And both cities of course have a lake that play a prominent role. Kingston lies at the end of lake Ontario, and the lakeshore is a major area for recreation. In Ballarat there is Lake Wendouree. And while Lake Wendouree is n where near the size of Lake Ontario, it is a beautiful area , that is widely used and enjoyed. 

Lake Wendouree lies just north of the central business district of Ballarat. Its circumference is 6km and it takes approximately 75 minutes or so to walk around. It has a dedicated path, and is used by runners, walkers, people who walk their dogs, and has an outdoor exercise route on its trail. Today , we took the morning and set out to discover Lake Wendouree.

 From where we started, we first came up on "the ancestral stones." This was built as a memorial to the Wathaurung, the first peoples who settled and lived upon. this land. They used stones to mark places of ceremony. The stones hold the stories and memories of the people.










Further along the path, and directly across from the lake, is the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. We had planned to visit, but they were closed as they prepare for a begonia Festival this weekend. I noticed one curious state to William Wallace, the Scot rebel from the late 13th century. I will need to return to discover why his statue lies amongst the flora.






Unbeknownst to me, Ballarat was the site of the canoeing and rowing events from the Melbourne Olympic Games of 1956. A memorial was set up along the shores of Lake Wendouree to mark that event. The Olympic rings sit atop a boomerang to mark the connection between the Games and Australia. It is a well done memorial, with the names of participants and countries commemorated as well .




Lake Wendouree continues to be widely used for canoeing and rowing. Numerous schools and clubs have boat sheds that line the shores of the lake. There is even a well marked out rowing course at one end of the lake. If you are out in the late afternoon or early morning you can see the rowers practicing.




But the real delight of walking around Lake Wendouree is the beautiful water, the trees and vegetation. The lake is home to over 100 species of birds who call the lake home during some part of the year. The "kings" of the lake are the magnificent black swans. They are very numerous and nest on the shores and swim and feed in the water. The cockatoo is also very visible and its high pitched scream can be hear around the lake as you walk. Ducks, magpies and other birds are plentiful as well.








A walk around Lake Wendouree is a wonderful way to spend a morning. We got lots of steps, enjoyed the brilliant sun and its warmth. However I did return to the lake later in the day to walk this guy...















                                            

 

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