Kerang. The Lakes District of Victoria near Swan Hill

Kerang, Victoria

This region could well be called the Lakes District of Victoria. In the 40 km between Kerang and Lake Boga there are 57 lakes making it the destination of thousands of water birds. The river channel has branched numerous times, creating a maze of meandering tributaries. Many of these lakes are also the destination of duck shooters and holiday-makers, seeking to relax and enjoy the many water-based recreational activities.

Kerang is also the centre of a rich and varied agricultural region of cattle and sheep grazing, dairying, with vineyards and orchards on the river flats. Dairying is widespread as evidenced by dairy factories at Leitchville and Cohuna, and seemingly hectares of cows. Nearby are the extensive wheatlands of the Mallee.

Lester Smith Lookout Tower

The Lookout Tower is on the Murray Valley Highway. This former water tower, built in 1883, dominates the town. It was converted to a lookout in 1973 and named after Henry Lester Smith, a well-known pioneer of the region and Kerang Shire councillor. Today it is home to the Kerang Lapidary Club which has established an extensive display of minerals, fossils, shells and gemstones on the levels above the ground floor.

Kerang Historical Museum

Riverwood Drive. The extensive exhibition includes antique artifacts and furnishings from the early pioneering days. Although not the original site of the town, Kerang has developed from the site of an inn operated by Woodford Patchell. He was also responsible for considerable developments in irrigation and much of this work, including photographs, is housed in the museum. Open: weekends 1.30-4.30pm. Admission charged.

Lake Meran

On the Kerang-Boort Road approximately 12 km south of Kerang is Lake Meran. It is a popular boating, skiing, swimming and picnic area.

Murrabit Country Market

Conn Avenue, Murrabit, 28 km north of Kerang. The open-air market, which is held in the Murrabit town square on the first Saturday of each month, attracts people from all over the region. Murrabit is also the final staging point for the Murray Marathon, held on the Murray each December.

The Kerang Lakes

Most of the lakes in the region are accessible for boating and other water sports, but restrictions apply in some locations. First Reedy Lake The Apex Recreation Park provides ideal picnic facilities, with the lake being a mecca for water sports of swimming and boating.

Ibis Rookery

The Kerang Lakes are an ornithologists', naturalists' and photographers' paradise, and Middle Reedy Lake Ibis Rookery, has become recognised as the largest breeding ground in the world for ibis. In spring more than 100 000 birds flock to the area to nest. Little wonder that the ibis has become the symbol for Kerang!

The most popular and rewarding viewing times are at sunset and sunrise when thousands of birds take flight. It is such a peaceful environment, with the silence only broken by the chatter of the birds, that it has a beauty beyond the birds. Be sure to include the camera, telephoto lens and binoculars.

Middle Reedy Lake

Turn off the Murray Valley Highway 9 km north of Kerang. It is well signposted and ample parking is provided. An elevated viewing hide enables the bird watcher to study the birds without disturbing them. In this region more than 260 species of bird have been recorded. These include spoonbills, swamp hens, sea eagles, kites and of course ducks.

Third Reedy Lake

A wildlife sanctuary where boating access is not available.

Lake Boga | Swan Hill (Down River) - Barham | Koondrook | Cohuna (Up River)