Lake Tali Karng

Tali Karng

Lake Tali Karng
Location	Victoria
Coordinates	37°32′30″S 146°47′26″E
Primary inflows	Snowden Creek, Nigothoruk Creek
Primary outflows	underground to Wellington River
Basin countries	Australia
Surface area	14 ha

Tali Karng is the only natural lake in the Victorian Alps. 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 sunlight falling upon it, together with the snow-melt which feeds it, it remains cold throughout the year.

Camping

The most popular camping area has traditionally been 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. Fires are not permitted near the lake so all campers must be equipped with a fuel stove.

Camping at the lake is now discouraged and alternative camping with basic facilities is available at Nyimba campsite, near the site of the former Riggall Hut at the southern end of the Wellington Plains. Campfires are allowed here and water is generally available from a nearby creek. There is also informal camping along the Wellington River below the lake.

The area 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 MacFarlanes Saddle via the Wellington Plains track. This involves an 800 m descent, either via the Gillios Track or the Riggalls Spur track. Riggalls 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 destruction can be particularly challenging, 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 Mount 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 Riggalls 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.

Surrounding attractions

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

External links

• Parks Victoria: Tali Karng
• Department of Primary Industries: Lake Tali Karng