Lake Gregory and environs

Statement of Significance

Social Value: Of interest to those with an interest in the unique animal life and vegetation.

Historical Value: Important for it's association with prominent identities during the early period of settlement in WA.

Scientific value: The Lake is of international significance for it's flora and faune.

Physical Description

Lake Gregory (formerly known as Gregory Salt Lake) lies at the lower end of Sturt Creek on Billiluna cattle station, south of Halls Creek in the Great Sandy Desert, WA. The land is leasehold and is held by the Aboriginal Lands Trust on behalf of the Mulan Aboriginal community. The land is also part of the Walmajarri and Jaru/Nyinin peoples' Tjurabalan Native Title Claim which has been registered by the National Native Title Tribunal. When full, Lake Gregory is the largest natural body of landlocked water in WA (approximately 50km long, 25km wide and up to 10m deep). The water is apparently quite fresh when it fills but becomes brackish or saline as the level recedes, though it is claimed to never dry completely. The lake is considered one of the State's natural history wonders. After heavy rain in the south-east Kimberley it becomes an inland sea which teams spectacularly with bird life, harbouring tens of thousands of ducks and other birds commonly found on inland freshwater, as well as sea birds.

History

Lake Gregory is also significant for it's association with early expeditions to the north of the state. First visited for plant collecting in 1856 by the North Australian Expedition under Augustus C Gregory, the party included noted botanist Dr Ferdinand JH (Von) Mueller. Also visited by Alred Cannning when he surveyed and estbalished the Canning Stock Route.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.