Australia is known for its stunning landscapes and unique ecosystem and is home to some of the largest lakes that tell stories of its geological history and biodiversity. These vast lakes not only serve as crucial habitats for countless creatures, but they also play an essential role in the local culture and economy. From the saline expanse of Lake Eyre to the picturesque backdrop of Lake Gordon, each of the eight largest lakes in Australia presents unique features that include size, salinity, and the surrounding environment. Here is the list of the top eight largest lakes in Australia.

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List of 8 Largest Lakes in Australia

1. Lake Eyre
2. Lake Mackay
3. Lake Amadeus
4. Lake Garnpung
5. Lake Gordon
6. Lake Dalrymple
7. Lake Corangamite
8. Lake Burley Griffin

1) Lake Eyre

At roughly 9,690 square kilometers, Lake Eyre, also called Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, is the biggest lake in Australia. Located in the distant outback of South Australia, Lake Eyre is a rare example of an endorheic basin where water simply evaporates and has no outflow. Its arid surroundings and this quality make it one of the most intriguing natural features in the nation.

Australia’s lowest point, Lake Eyre, is located at 15 meters below sea level. Normally dry, the lake only infrequently fills with water from significant rainfall in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia’s catchment areas. 

Every few years, when Lake Eyre fills up, it is a breathtaking sight that draws a diverse range of birds, including pelicans, who swarm to the area to mate. The Arabana people, the original inhabitants of the area, refer to the lake as Kati Thanda and attribute cultural value to it. Despite its severe surroundings, Lake Eyre’s infrequent floods provide a transient but dynamic ecology that attracts species and tourists eager to see this natural marvel in one of Australia’s most remote areas.

2) Lake Mackay 

Located among Australia’s most important salt lakes, Lake Mackay is the country’s second-largest lake, covering an area of over 3,494 square kilometers. Lake Mackay lies in an isolated, desert area with a stark, surreal scenery, straddling the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory. One of Australia’s biggest deserts, the Great Sandy Desert, includes the lake.

Lake Mackay, like many of Australia’s great lakes, is an endorheic basin, which means that its main sources of water are ephemeral rivers and seasonal rainfall. It does not have a natural outlet. The lake is frequently dry due to the arid climate, exposing a wide area of white salt flats.

This varying-thickness salt crust is a unique aspect of the lake’s topography. For the indigenous populations in the area, especially the Pintupi and Warlpiri peoples, Lake Mackay has cultural significance. There are numerous sacred locations close to the lake, and the area is full of Dreamtime stories.

Adventurers and photographers are drawn to Lake Mackay by its secluded beauty, despite its hostile surroundings, as they attempt to capture the remarkable contrast between the lake’s salt flats and the red desert sands. Unique plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions of this desert environment can also be found in the lake.

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3)  Lake Amadeus 

Situated in Australia’s Northern Territory, Lake Amadeus is a large salt lake with an area of roughly 1,032 square kilometers. This large shallow lake lies north of Uluru and is a component of the Amadeus Basin, an old geological feature that covers most of central Australia.

When the lake’s surface is dry, large salt flats are exposed, which, especially when seen from above, produce an impressively white scene. Rarely, after a period of intense rainfall, Lake Amadeus fills with water, temporarily turning the generally desert area into a wetland that is home to numerous bird species and other creatures. But these kinds of things don’t happen very often, and the lake is just a desiccated salt flat.

For the Aboriginal tribes in the area, especially the Pitjantjatjara people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years, Lake Amadeus has cultural significance. For these groups, the lake provides resources and bush foods, and it is linked to stories from the Dreamtime.

Lake Amadeus is a destination worth seeing for tourists passing through the Red Centre, despite its isolated location. It provides a view of the bleak and breathtaking scenery that characterizes Australia’s interior. Being close to well-known sites like Uluru and Kata Tjuta makes it stand out in the area’s distinctive desert landscape.

4) Lake Garnpung

Located in the western region of New South Wales, Australia, Lake Garnpung is one of the major lakes in the Murray-Darling Basin, with an area of around 542 square kilometers. It is a component of the Menindee Lakes system, a collection of short-lived, shallow freshwater lakes that are vital to the region’s water management and storage.

Like its adjacent lakes, Lake Garnpung’s size varies greatly based on upstream water releases and rainfall. It can fill with water at times of heavy input, sustaining a diversity of aquatic life and serving as a home for many bird species, such as ducks, pelicans, and cormorants. 

Beyond its ecological significance, the lake supports regional agriculture by holding water that may be utilized for irrigation. Historically, the Barkindji people and other Indigenous peoples in the area have relied heavily on Lake Garnpung and the nearby lakes. For thousands of years, these communities have depended on the lakes for food, water, and cultural rituals.

Discussions over Murray-Darling Basin water conservation and management have focused on Lake Garnpung and the Menindee Lakes system in recent years. In this ecologically delicate and strategically significant area, striking a balance between the demands of agriculture, wildlife, and local populations continues to be difficult.

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5) Lake Gordon

Encompassing an area of roughly 272 square kilometers, Lake Gordon is an artificial reservoir situated in the southwest region of Tasmania, Australia. The lake was formed in the 1970s when the Gordon River was dammed as part of the Gordon Dam project, which was designed to provide the area with hydroelectric power. Lake Gordon, along with Lake Pedder, constitutes Australia’s largest water reserve and is essential to the energy supply of Tasmania.

The lake is one of the most isolated and unspoiled places in the nation because of the surrounding steep mountains and deep temperate rainforests. There’s a wide variety of plants and animals in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park surrounding it, including numerous indigenous species.

Outdoor enthusiasts love Lake Gordon for its boating, fishing, and bushwalking opportunities. The depth and clarity of the lake’s waters are well-known, making them ideal for trout fishing,  especially for brown and rainbow trout.

The controversial construction of Lake Gordon resulted in the inundation of vast wilderness areas, including a portion of the ancient Lake Pedder. Widespread demonstrations over the damming’s environmental effects in the 1970s contributed significantly to the growth of Australia’s environmental movement. Despite this, Lake Gordon continues to be an essential resource for Tasmania’s electricity production and a remarkable illustration of the fusion of human engineering and the natural world.

6) Lake Dalrymple

Lake Dalrymple is a large reservoir in northern Queensland, Australia, having a surface area of about 220 square kilometers. The largest dam in Queensland, the Burdekin Falls Dam, was built and finished in 1987, creating the lake. Lake Dalrymple, created by impounding the Burdekin River, is essential for agriculture, water storage, and mitigating floods in the area.

Located in the center of the Burdekin Basin, Lake Dalrymple provides a consistent supply of water for irrigation, which is vital for a range of agricultural pursuits, especially sugarcane, cotton, and horticulture. The region’s cattle husbandry and industrial use depend heavily on the lake’s enormous water supplies, which also boost the local economy.

The biodiversity of Lake Dalrymple and its surroundings is abundant. A popular spot for recreational fishing, the lake’s waters, and the nearby wetlands provide a habitat for a variety of fish species, including barramundi. Birdlife is abundant, with many species depending on the lake and its surroundings for food and reproduction.

Lake Dalrymple and the Burdekin Falls Dam have developed into major destinations for outdoor recreation. Tourists and residents alike enjoy birdwatching, boating, and camping at the lake because of its serene surroundings and breathtaking scenery.

However, the construction of Lake Dalrymple and the continuous management of its resources have necessitated a comprehensive assessment of the environmental effects, especially about water distribution and the well-being of ecosystems downstream. The management of this essential water resource continues to revolve around striking a balance between meeting agricultural requirements and preserving ecological integrity.

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7) Lake Corangamite

With a surface area of over 209 square kilometers, Lake Corangamite is Victoria, Australia’s largest naturally occurring freshwater lake. Situated around 150 kilometers southwest of Melbourne in the Western District, this vast lake is a standout feature of the volcanic plains that characterize the area. Due to changes in land use and water management, Lake Corangamite has become increasingly saline over time, making it one of Australia’s largest saline lakes.

Because of the lake’s salinity, a variety of salt-tolerant plants and animals can be found in its special habitat. Lake Corangamite is still a vital habitat for many bird species, including pelicans, ducks, and migratory waders, despite its high salt content. 

The lake, which is a component of the Western District Lakes, is important to waterbirds and is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Historically, the Djargurd Wurrung and Gulidjan peoples, in particular, have relied heavily on Lake Corangamite. The lake and its environs have long been important from a cultural and spiritual standpoint as well as a source of food and water.

Lake Corangamite has experienced environmental difficulties in recent decades, such as varying water levels and rising salinity, which have affected the lake’s biodiversity. The management of these problems centers on striking a balance between the preservation of the lake’s distinctive ecological and cultural qualities and agricultural needs.

Scientists and environmentalists researching how salinity and climate change affect inland lakes are also interested in Lake Corangamite. It is a prominent natural feature in Victoria’s landscape, drawing tourists with its stark beauty and ecological significance.

8) Lake Burley Griffin

Situated in the center of Canberra, Australia’s capital city, Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake covering an area of roughly 7.2 square kilometers. The lake was formed in 1963 by damming the Molonglo River as a part of American architect Walter Burley Griffin’s concept for Canberra, which bears his name. A prominent feature of the city, Lake Burley Griffin improves the surrounding area and offers both locals and tourists a picturesque focal point.

Many of Canberra’s most significant national institutions, such as the Australian National University, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Library of Australia, are encircled by the lake.

It is a well-liked site for outdoor pursuits like fishing, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boating because of its central location. The lake is an essential component of the city’s outdoor lifestyle because it is surrounded by parks, gardens, and bike and walking pathways. The East, Central, and West basins of Lake Burley Griffin are among the various basins that make up the lake. Each basin has a unique function, ranging from water sports to scenic enhancement. A multitude of fish and bird species are supported by the lake’s carefully managed design and surrounding environment, which preserve ecological health and water quality.

The lake is the site of the yearly Floriade festival and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, two major events that contribute to Canberra’s cultural and social life. 

Also, it is a well-liked location for get-togethers such as concerts, picnics, and other community events, which helps the city maintain its image as a clean, walkable capital. The development of Lake Burley Griffin changed Canberra’s topography, resulting in a city that combines contemporary urban planning with stunning natural surroundings. Its continuing appeal highlights its significance as a leisure and cultural center in Australia’s capital.

No	Name of Lake	Area (Kilometer square)
1	Lake Eyre	9,640
2	Lake Mackay	3,494
3	Lake Amadeus	1,032
4	Lake Garnpung	542
5	Lake Gordon	272
6	Lake Dalrymple	220
7	Lake Corangamite	209
8	Lake Burley Griffin	7.2

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the eight largest lakes in Australia offer a remarkable glimpse into the country’s diverse environments and hydrological systems. Whether it’s Lake Eyre, with its capacity to hold vast amounts of water during rare flooding events, or the vast expanse of Lake Mackay, which is just a stone’s throw from urban life, are vital ecosystems rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. 

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