Lake Tali Karng

Infobox lake
lake_name = Tali Karng
image_lake =
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location = Victoria
coords = coord|37|32|30|S|146|47|26|E|region:AU_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =
inflow = Snowden Creek, Nigothoruk Creek
outflow = "underground to Wellington River"
catchment =
basin_countries = Australia
length =
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area = 14 ha
depth =
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Tali Karng is the only natural lake in the Victorian Alps.Fact|date=March 2008 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 sunlighht falling upon it, together with the snow-melt which feeds it, it remains cold througout 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. 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 MacFarlane's Saddle via the Wellington Plains track. This involves an 800 m descent, either via the Gillios Track or the Riggall's Spur track. Riggall's 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 destrcution can be particulalry challnging, 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 Mt 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 Riggall's 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.

urrounding attractions

Although the lake itself is likely to be the focus of a bushwalk, the surrounding high plains are also of interest. Mt. Spion Kopje (about 3.7km 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 Mt. Wellington.

External links

* [http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1process_details.cfm?place=193 Parks Victoria: Tali Karng]
* [http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/egregn.nsf/pages/eg_lf_sites_significance_8222_2 Department of Primary Industries: Lake Tali Karng]