Mallee Lakes

Lauretta Stace
May 31
3 min read

A recent trip to the Victorian Mallee was a sensational experience, with great opportunities for photography, bird watching and simply enjoying the unique scenery that is on offer. There really is nothing else like it!

The 'Mallee' country in Australia refers to vast, semi-arid regions across southern Australia. These regions are characterised by the presence of stunted mallee eucalypt forests, spinifex grass and sandy soils. The Victorian Mallee is in the north-west of the state and is also a major agricultural hub, famous for grain production and irrigated horticulture (such as citrus fruit and almonds) along the Murray River.

The major hubs for our trip were Sea Lake, Ouyen and Swan Hill.

Lake Tyrrell - Sunrise

Sea Lake is the gateway to the famous Lake Tyrrell, Victoria's largest salt lake, located just 7 km north of the township. This 20,000-hectare salt lake features a round boardwalk, viewing platforms, and opportunities for spectacular photography and stargazing. During our visit the lake had water in it, which provided dramatic and beautiful sky-reflections at sunrise and sunset.

It was worth the effort to rise early and greet the sun as we were the only people around. For an hour or so, the sky became a drama-filled canvas. It moved from vibrant burnt orange to fairy-floss pink and everything in between. When not concentrating on the photography, it was simply magical to be still and gaze at the shifting clouds and colours as day took over from night.

For more images, here is a link to a video compilation of the images from sunrise and sunset at Lake Tyrrell.

https://www.astaceodyssey.com/post/blazing-skies-in-the-mallee-country

Sunset

Although not as dramatic as the sunrise, the sunset was equally fascinating with its silvery, grey-blue textures and a brief burst of burnished gold light. The viewing platform was full of people getting the ultimate Instagram shot with drones buzzing overhead. It must be one of the most photographed places in Victoria!

More Lake Tyrrell

The lake was also fascinating on the 'non-tourist' areas and at other times of the day. The bird in the first image is a Rufous Fieldwren, which is very rarely seen as its habitat is restricted to arid shrubland. This little bird was our first major 'spot' before starting our bird-watching trip with friends further north in the mallee district. The derelict bus on the side of the lake is often used by photographers as a back-drop for shooting the night sky. The salt crystals were fascinating in beautiful shades of orange and pink.

Sea Lake

The town of Sea Lake was walkable and welcoming. We dined in the Royal Hotel which is now community owned and operated. The painted silos were lovely, depicting a little girl on a swing and some emu wandering through the plains. Several buildings also had painted murals depicting children playing and connecting with the natural world.

Green Lake

Another pleasant spot close to Sea Lake is Green Lake Regional Park, a secluded freshwater lake which is a haven for birds, wildlife and campers. This became our day-time resting place in between sunrise and sunset over the salt lake. The lake is quite extensive and surrounded by eucalpyt woodland, full of birdsong.

Swan Hill

After our birding trip in the mallee country we stopped for a couple of days on the banks of the Murray River at Swan Hill to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's a charming regional city, with a growing population, and a terrific location on the Murray as it slowly winds towards South Australia. It also has a rich indigenous heritage and a pioneering spirit. It's home to some lovely old paddle steamers and a giant Murray Cod!

More birds

Of course, there were birds to photograph. These images are of birds living in and around Green Lake and Lake Tyrrell. These were taken before our Mallee Birding trip further north in Victoria.