Lake Cargelligo

For water sports and birdwatching, Lake Cargelligo is a wonderful oasis in the beautiful Parkes region of NSW. The aquatic playground is perfect for sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and swimming. Fishing is popular on the lake, too, and in the nearby Lachlan River, Australia’s fourth-longest river. This scenic waterway and charming town of the same name are two hours’ drive southwest of Parkes and 90 minutes north of Griffith, which is home to wineries. Tourists can hire binoculars and a field guide for birdwatching from the Lake Cargelligo Tourist Information Centre in the town. There is a shared walking and cycling track along the pretty foreshore. The lake and the river are great for fishing year-round, with Murray cod, silver perch and redfin for the taking. Tourists can enjoy the relaxed country hospitality, and wander through the Lake Cargelligo Museum. The annual Blue Waters Arts and Craft Exhibition is held in the Lake Cargelligo Memorial Hall on the June long weekend. There are several places to stay in Lake Cargelligo, including the Lachlan Way Motel, the Lake Cargelligo Motel and two classic country pubs that serve hearty meals.