Lake Tali Karng
Encyclopedia
Tali Karng is the only natural lake
in the Victorian Alps. It is the only deep lake in Victoria
, and is 14 ha in area. Unlike alpine lakes in the Snowy Mountains
, it was not created by glaciers; rather than being made 10,000 years ago, it was formed by a landslide 1500 years ago, this falling from the Sentinel, which is 700 m above the valley. The landslide dammed the Wellington River with the area of the landslide now known as the Valley of Destruction. The lake has no stream outlet, and has never been known to overflow, the overflow seeping away through the Valley of Destruction. Two creeks feed the lake, Snowden Creek and Nigothoruk Creek. Nigothoruk Creek has three waterfalls, collectively called Snowden Falls. There is no vegetation in the lake itself as the water is slightly acidic. Its maximum depth is 51m, and due to the minimal sunlight falling upon it, together with the snow-melt which feeds it, it remains cold throughout the year.
A further access route approaches via Mount Margaret, which begins a short distance from Licola.
The most practical access is achieved by a car shuffle, leaving one vehicle at the Wellington River access point and accessing Tarli Karng from Gillios or Riggalls Spur tracks. This makes a comfortable two day, downhill walk, camping overnight at Tali Karng.
The bushfires of December 2006 burnt much of the surrounding forest, although regrowth is well underway in many of the burnt parts as of January 2008. Trees along the Wellington Plains track have not re-grown much due to the exposed nature of the area, so there is little shade for that section of walk. The other two approaches have not yet been re-opened due to fallen logs, unstable trees, and landslips.
, most likely members of the Brabralung and Braiakaulung clans. Evidence of their presence can be found in many places, from stone quarries, stone tools and flake scatters, to a system of ancient pathways. Aboriginal people guided many European explorers and gold miners through the mountains along these pathways - pathways which eventually formed the basis of some of today's road and track network.
Tali Karng is a sacred place to the Gunai Kurnai and in keeping with their law, aboriginal people are forbidden to go there. Although Johnny Snowden, an aboriginal stockman wouldn't visit the lake, he guided his employer Edward Riggall near the lake and showed him where it lay.
Lake
A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
in the Victorian Alps. It is the only deep lake in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
, and is 14 ha in area. Unlike alpine lakes in the Snowy Mountains
Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains, known informally as "The Snowies", are the highest Australian mountain range and contain the Australian mainland's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, which reaches 2,228 metres AHD, approximately 7310 feet....
, it was not created by glaciers; rather than being made 10,000 years ago, it was formed by a landslide 1500 years ago, this falling from the Sentinel, which is 700 m above the valley. The landslide dammed the Wellington River with the area of the landslide now known as the Valley of Destruction. The lake has no stream outlet, and has never been known to overflow, the overflow seeping away through the Valley of Destruction. Two creeks feed the lake, Snowden Creek and Nigothoruk Creek. Nigothoruk Creek has three waterfalls, collectively called Snowden Falls. There is no vegetation in the lake itself as the water is slightly acidic. Its maximum depth is 51m, and due to the minimal sunlight falling upon it, together with the snow-melt which feeds it, it remains cold throughout the year.
Camping
The most popular camping area is located at the Western end of the lake, where there are large grassy areas. There are no facilities, and permits are not required. Camping is also possible at the eastern end, although this area is hard to access. Water from the lake must be boiled, although water coming from the side creeks is drinkable. Fires are not permitted near the lake so all campers must be equipped with a fuel stove. The sites can be quite crowded at Easter, Melbourne Cup Weekend and other holidays, but compared to other areas in the Alps, accessible by motor vehicles, it is peaceful.Access
Tali Karng is difficult to access, with the quickest route a hard five hour walk, from MacFarlanes Saddle via the Wellington Plains track. This involves an 800 m descent, either via the Gillios Track or the Riggalls Spur track. Riggalls Spur has the only view of the lake from Echo Point, but is a little overgrown. An alternative access to the lake is the 15 km walk up the Wellington River. This involves 15 river crossings, and can be quite dangerous, particularly under high river conditions. The final passage through the Valley of destruction can be particularly challenging, given the small boulders which must be traversed. This is a difficult area for camping with limited space for all but small tents.A further access route approaches via Mount Margaret, which begins a short distance from Licola.
The most practical access is achieved by a car shuffle, leaving one vehicle at the Wellington River access point and accessing Tarli Karng from Gillios or Riggalls Spur tracks. This makes a comfortable two day, downhill walk, camping overnight at Tali Karng.
The bushfires of December 2006 burnt much of the surrounding forest, although regrowth is well underway in many of the burnt parts as of January 2008. Trees along the Wellington Plains track have not re-grown much due to the exposed nature of the area, so there is little shade for that section of walk. The other two approaches have not yet been re-opened due to fallen logs, unstable trees, and landslips.
Surrounding attractions
Although the lake itself is likely to be the focus of a bushwalk, the surrounding high plains are also of interest. Mount Spion Kopje (about 3.7 km to the North East) is one of the higher nearby mountains, and has a great view from its dolerite capped summit over much of Gippsland. The Wellington Plains offer expansive views, as does Mount Wellington.First People
The first occupiers of this area were the Gunai Kurnai tribeGunai
The Gunai or Kurnai is an Indigenous Australian nation of south-east Australia whose territory occupied most of present-day Gippsland and much of the southern slopes of the Victorian Alps. The nation was not on friendly terms with the neighbouring Wurundjeri and Bunurong nations...
, most likely members of the Brabralung and Braiakaulung clans. Evidence of their presence can be found in many places, from stone quarries, stone tools and flake scatters, to a system of ancient pathways. Aboriginal people guided many European explorers and gold miners through the mountains along these pathways - pathways which eventually formed the basis of some of today's road and track network.
Tali Karng is a sacred place to the Gunai Kurnai and in keeping with their law, aboriginal people are forbidden to go there. Although Johnny Snowden, an aboriginal stockman wouldn't visit the lake, he guided his employer Edward Riggall near the lake and showed him where it lay.