Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
Blackburn, Victoria
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
European history
19th Century
In 1889, the lake was formed when Gardiners Creek was dammed. This was done by an early land speculative syndicate, to enhance land values and provide a reservoir for local orchardists.
This syndicate built a refreshment room and a jetty at the water’s edge. Four rowing boats were available for hire. Picnic excursions were organised from Melbourne, and the passengers rode in converted cattle trucks. The journey took up to two hours by steam train.
1900-1960
In 1909 the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society (now Victorian Deaf Society), purchased 75 acres (30.4 ha) of land, which included the lake. They built a substantial home for deaf people in Central Road, cleared the land and cultivated a flower farm.
Because the lake was owned by the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society, the immediate area was protected from development for many years after the society ceased to use the property as a flower farm. However, the area remained popular with the general public.
1960 onwards
In 1962 the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (now Melbourne Water) decided to deepen the lake to form a ponding basin, to stop flash flooding. The local council built a retaining wall and outlet at the southern end of the lake.
During the 1960s, the lake was used for speed-boating, water skiing, canoeing, yachting, and fishing. Rubbish was also dumped illegally. These activities were harmful to the fragile environment. The sensitive vegetation along the lake fringe, which was habitat for wildlife, was destroyed in many parts.
In 1965 a committee of management, comprising local residents, was formed to preserve the flora and fauna in the reserve. Blackburn Lake was declared a sanctuary by the council.
In the early 1970s the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society demolished their premises and built a new complex at the corner of Central and Lake Roads. This is now Regis Aged Care.
During the 1970s and ‘80s, following extensive efforts by local residents, land surrounding the lake was purchased by the local council.
The council did an environmental assessment and developed a master plan. Measures were put in place to reduce the impact of visitors and encourage regeneration of the landscape. The network of walking tracks and access to the lake’s edge were reduced, and landscaping was done to reduce erosion around the lake.
For more detailed information on the history of Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, download A modern history of Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.
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The Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a special place that sits at the origins of the Kooyong Koot tributary.
This Country, its creatures, lands, skies and waterways, has been continuously loved and cared for by the Wurundjeri peoples for over 60,000 years. We hope to walk with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung in caring for this place.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung as the First Peoples of this area and pay our respects to their spirits, ancestors and elders.