Things to do and see
Lake Cargelligo is renowned for its spectacular scenery and country hospitality, but there are many other incredible fun activities, bush experiences and things to see and do in this unique setting.
All of this is available in your backyard when you live in Lake Cargelligo.
The shared cycling and walking track along the stunning foreshore is a relaxing way to take in the scenery. With helpful signage along the way containing local information and fascinating history, exploring the town is easy. Starting at the tourist information centre, you’ll pass sites including Liberty Park, Rotary Lookout offering spectacular views of the lake, and if you are feeling energetic you can take the optional detour to the willows on the lake edge and a beautiful picnic area.
At 8km long, 3.5km wide and averaging 3m deep, Lake Cargelligo is a perfect spot for enjoying time on the water. From swimming and water skiing to kayaking, canoeing or yachting there are plenty of water activities to choose from. If you have your fishing licence, with several varieties of fish for the taking, the lake and river are perfect for fishing all year round. And each year in October, Lake Cargelligo hosts its annual Fisherama fishing festival which attracts hundreds of entrants each year.
From mallee fowl, ducks and swans to honeyeaters, woodswallows and more, Lake Cargelligo is well-known for its spectacular birdlife, flora and fauna. In fact, part of the lake is classified as a bird sanctuary. With around 230 species of birds recorded in the local area, why not hire binoculars and pick up a field guide for bird watching from the tourist information centre in town? It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon and, if you are a keen photographer, you can take some amazing photos, too.
Used as a meeting place and source of water for centuries by Wiradjuri people, Lake Cargelligo is rich in Aboriginal history. Historical sites around the town include Frog’s Hollow, an Aboriginal quarry containing rich ochre, Deadman’s Point where you can find several Aboriginal freshwater shell middens, the Wool Wash & Wooyeo Woolshed and more. With interesting artifacts, household relics and machinery, the Lake Cargelligo & District Historical Society Museum is also well worth a visit. Other places of interest include the Wiradjuri Study Centre, the Historic Naradhan Woolshed and Larne Draught Horses.
For the art lovers, the Blue Waters Arts and Craft Exhibition is held each year on the June long weekend in the Lake Cargelligo Memorial Hall and includes painting, sewing, glass work, photography and more. It is also worth checking out the unique Alf Tyack Stone Butterfly and Gem Collection at The Lake Cargelligo Tourist Information and the Kejole Koori Art Studio featuring Aboriginal art from ten local artists.