We are lucky to have a special view from one part of the farm, but not always! As you look northwards, sometimes you can see a gleaming streak of silver – Lake George. You are standing on high ranges stretching from the lake that have been pushed up and shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years.
Lake George, also known as Weereewa or Ngungara in the Ngunnawal language, is a fascinating endorheic lake (having no outflow of water to rivers and oceans), formed due to the rise of the Lake George Escarpment along a significant fault line, which blocked the drainage of small streams and created the lake.
The mountains and escarpments you see around the lake are a result of volcanic activity and the shifting of the Earth’s crust. These geological processes have shaped the rugged terrain and valleys, giving the area its unique character. The landscape here is dotted with volcanic rocks from the Silurian and Devonian periods, adding to the region’s rich geological history.
Because the lake has no outflow, there are dramatic fluctuations in water levels. When full, it stretches 25 kilometres in length and 10 kilometres in width, with depths ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 metres. These changes in water levels are influenced by evaporation and wind patterns, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment. At times, the lake can appear nearly dry, while at other times it may cover vast areas, lapping at the edges of the Federal Highway. These mysterious filling and drying episodes have enchanted locals and visitors alike.
For centuries, Lake George has been a site of cultural significance for the Ngunnawal people, who have known it as Weereewa or Ngungara. The lake holds deep spiritual and cultural importance, and its name reflects the rich heritage of the First Nations people who have lived in harmony with this land for thousands of years.
The ever-changing water levels of Lake George continue to captivate the imagination. Local myths and legends abound, with some speculating that the lake drains and refills through underground springs or hidden rivers. The truth, however, lies in the natural balance of rainfall and evaporation, as well as the influence of wind pushing the water across the flat landscape.
So if you are lucky enough to see the shimmering waters of Lake George, remember that you are looking at a natural wonder shaped by ancient geological forces and steeped in cultural and scientific significance.
