It could have been great: Lake Connewarre

After failing to join a field trip organised by the Field Naturalist Club of Victoria to learn about algae in the Mornington Peninsula on Saturday I settled on spending the day discovering Barwon Heads and Lake Connewarre in the Geelong region. With beautiful descriptions of the lake, marshes, wetlands and its inhabitant on a number of official websites, I was all excited about watching hundreds (well, maybe less , let’s be honest) of waterbirds going about their daily life in the serenity of these extensive protected areas. The area is fairly close to Melbourne city (approx 65 kms) and is easy to reach. Upon arrival a short walk along the River Parade boardwalk wetted our appetite, before heading to the closest information centre for further information as to how to access Lake Connewarre, its sibling Reedy Lake and the multitude of waterbirds they shelter. Well, it was not meant to happen. The friendly Information Centre attendant almost shrugged his shoulder at our enquiry, highlighting that they had very few such enquiry and that he did not really know: “most people walk along the boardwalk and along the beach, and that is it” was his actual answer. I find this very surprising – a rather large portion of the peninsula is covered by these lakes and surrounding marshes and you have no enquiries about it? A real shame. So we walked along the beach and cliffs which, to be fair, provide beautiful views but it did not fulfil our need for ‘wildlife’ watching. We attempted a stop or two around Lake Connewarre but were rather disappointed with what we could see and access at these ‘picnic’ areas. Do not get me wrong, the place is beautiful and it is a blessing that this area’s significance and conservation value is acknowledged. But I am wondering if they could not do more to educate visitors about its significance, so that they develop a connection with the place and its inhabitant, so that they feel responsible for their protection and survival. A small place where families could go and watch the inhabitants at a distance, hidden in a wooden shelter so as not to disturb and be seen, with a list of birds present, maps of the long journey taken by some species, nesting and life history etc. Nothing big, so as not to disturb the place, but something nonetheless. I am in fact so surprise that there was nothing there at all that I am wondering if we completely missed it and the friendly Information Centre attendant did not know about it. For instance he mentioned the Ocean Grove Conservation Reserve, describing it as nothing more than an old pasture field revegetated with some random natives and mosquitoes that could carry you away......maybe not the best salesperson I guess.

On our way back we stopped rather quickly at Balyang Bird Sanctuary in Geelong but it was just not the same. Despite all this I would still suggest Barwon Head for a good day out, some fresh air, the smell of iodine and of healthy marshes. If fishing is your thing, even better, especially along the River Parade. Any advice as to where to go next time we are hungry for some ‘wildlife’ watching in the Melbourne greater area would be greatly appreciated. Until then, Go out and play! http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/lake-connewarre-w.r