The Lakes

The Lakes National Park encompasses approximately 2,390 hectares of coastal heathland, scrub, and wetland on the Sperm Whale Head Peninsula between the Gippsland Lakes and the Ninety Mile Beach, in eastern Victoria near Loch Sport. The park is the only national park on the Gippsland Lakes and protects the varied coastal environments of the peninsula, including the shores of Lake Victoria, Lake Reeve, and Jones Bay. The park provides an important natural counterpoint to the extensively modified agricultural and urban landscape surrounding the Gippsland Lakes. Loch Sport township, within the park boundaries, is a popular holiday destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

The Lakes National Park supports important wetland and coastal wildlife. The Gippsland Lakes system supports large numbers of waterbirds, with the park's wetlands providing critical habitat for pelicans, egrets, cormorants, and various duck species. The critically endangered Australasian bittern has been recorded in the lake margin reed beds. Ground parrots inhabit the coastal heathland and are a priority conservation species. Little penguins nest along the coastline. Southern brown bandicoots inhabit the heathland. Common wombats and swamp wallabies are abundant. Various species of sea turtles and dolphins visit the lakes system.

The coastal heathland of The Lakes National Park is dominated by tea-tree, banksia, native heaths, and wattles on the ancient coastal sand deposits. The lake margins support sedge, rush, and aquatic communities. Coastal saltmarsh of samphire and glasswort occurs on the intertidal margins of Lake Reeve. The park contains several rare and threatened plant species in its coastal heathland communities. Spring wildflower displays include native orchids and heathland wildflowers.

The Sperm Whale Head Peninsula is formed on a series of ancient coastal sand barriers laid down during periods of different sea levels over the past 10,000 years. The peninsula separates the fresh and brackish waters of the Gippsland Lakes from the saline lagoon of Lake Reeve and the Ninety Mile Beach on the ocean side.

The park experiences a cool temperate maritime climate moderated by the surrounding water bodies. Summers are warm and pleasant. Winters are cool with occasional storms. Annual rainfall averages approximately 600 to 700 millimetres.

The Gunaikurnai people have inhabited the Gippsland Lakes region for thousands of years, with the lakes providing abundant aquatic food resources. European discovery and settlement of the Gippsland Lakes followed early coastal exploration. The Gippsland Lakes are Victoria's largest inland waterway system.

The Lakes National Park was established to protect the natural values of the Sperm Whale Head Peninsula within the popular Gippsland Lakes recreation area. Management focuses on maintaining the coastal heathland, wetland habitats, and wildlife populations.

Walking tracks through the coastal heathland provide birdwatching and wildflower observation opportunities. The lake shores provide fishing and boating access. Loch Sport township is a popular base for Gippsland Lakes exploration. The park can be reached by ferry from Paynesville, providing a scenic approach.

The park has basic visitor facilities. Access is via Loch Sport Road from Sale (approximately 50 kilometres) or by boat from Paynesville. Sale provides comprehensive visitor services.

Conservation management focuses on coastal heathland weed control and ground parrot habitat management. Fire management maintains heathland structure. Fox and cat control protects little penguins and ground parrots. Water quality in the Gippsland Lakes is monitored.