Located between Adelaide and Melbourne, in the Limestone Coast region of South East South Australia, and just 21 kilometres south of Naracoorte, is the internationally-recognised Bool Lagoon Game Reserve, one of the largest and most diverse freshwater systems in Southern Australia. The reserve is home to a wide range of wetland wildlife and provides essential drought refuge for many rare and endangered bird species. It offers ideal close observation of the many wildlife with its specially developed boardwalks and bird hides.
It consists of a number of lagoons – Bool Lagoon, Little Bool Lagoon and Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park. All are important breeding areas for birds and other animals. These wetlands are also recognised under the Ramsar Convention on wetlands as a “Wetland of International Importance”.
You can do self-guided walks on many of the boardwalks to view the 150 birds species that frequent the area, a drive to Big Hill or to Little Bool Lagoon. There are picnic spots scattered around the area and basic facilities for camping near the shores of Hacks Lagoon.
The lagoon supports a large diversity of species and habitats, and in particular provides an important refuge for migratory waders and a significant breeding habitat for a variety of water birds.
Bool Lagoon is a seasonal wetland and the amount of birdlife present is highly dependent on climatic conditions and seasonal variations do occur. To avoid disappointment it is advised that you check current conditions by contacting the Naracoorte Visitor Information Centre or Department for Environment and Heritage (details below).
Activities
This seasonal wetland is home to a wide range of wildlife and provides essential drought refuge for many rare and endangered bird species. To really experience the magic of Bool Lagoon you need to head out on the boardwalk. It takes you five hundred metres out over the water and amongst the tea tree. Many bird nest are scattered amongst the tea trees – some of which may be up to five hundred years old.
There are a few boardwalks, but the best one is along the entrance road before you reach the camping area. It stretches across the shallow lagoon and there is a large bird hide at the end, plenty big enough for several groups of people.
Bool lagoon is a nature lover’s paradise. Most come to look at the birds. During summer, when water levels are (usually) lower, there are a number of waders that migrate from northern climes. Sandpipers, Avocets, Swans, Geese and Ducks are all regulars. Ibis are everywhere, both White and Straw-necked. Brolgas also turn up here quite often. Amongst the trees in the campground, there are Wrens, Thornbills and Scrubwrens, along with heaps of Magpies.
Bool Lagoon is a place to visit if you enjoy wide open spaces and the chorus of bird calls. Photographers can amuse themselves taking pictures of the wildlife or the unique landscape. All the walks are easy and short in length. They are accessible to anyone. The campground is pleasant, with toilets and grass sites. A lovely spot to spend a couple of nights.
Getting to Bool Lagoon
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From Camawald Cottage, get onto the Riddoch Highway and head 20 kms north. The turn off will be on your left, then its a 6km drive west.
The roads are sealed all the way and likewise inside the park (except for the 4 km’s of dirt road that leads to the Big Hill Lookout) and would be suitable for all type of motor vehicles. |
Costs
Vehicle entry and camping fees apply. Details are on the display boards at the entrance to the Park
A National Parks Pass is available for this park.
| Facilities | Opening Times |
| Walking trails Lookout Picnic areas Gas barbeques Toilets (wheelchair accessible) Camping (1 campground) |
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve and Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Closed on Total Fire Ban days. |
Further Information
All wood fires or solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year.
Gas fires are permitted except on days of Total Fire Ban.
The water levels in this wetland vary with the seasonal climatic conditions. For the latest information on the state of the lagoon contact the Naracoorte National Parks office on (08) 8762 3412.
Website: Bool Lagoon details at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources