Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is an example of regenerated and remnant bushland in suburban Melbourne, Australia. It is located in the suburb of Blackburn. It is the most significant of the many parks in the City of Whitehorse, featuring areas of regenerated bushland and various walking tracks.
| Blackburn Lake Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
Blackburn Lake, looking south | |
| Type | Public Park |
| Location | Melbourne |
| Coordinates | 37.826°S 145.162°E |
| Area | 30 ha (74 acres) |
| Established | 1889 |
| Operated by | City of Whitehorse |
| Status | Open |
| Paths | Unsealed bush paths |
| Terrain | Bushland, lake |
| Water | Blackburn Lake, Kooyongkoot Creek |
| Vegetation | Australian native plants, wildflower farm, palm trees |
| Connecting transport | Train, bus, car |
| Facilities | Toilets, playground, visitors centre, seating and shelters |
In 1889 the Kooyongkoot Creek was dammed forming Blackburn Lake, at the centre of the sanctuary. The park has a diverse history revolving around the human usage of the lake and surrounding bushland, which by the 1960s left the lake in particular, very polluted. Although still polluted today, the late 20th century saw much regenerative planting and protection measures by local residents and community groups which has halted and in some places reduced pollution. Today, the park is home to a variety of local wildlife, including Pacific black ducks and herons. The sanctuary also features a variety of other birds, as well as possums and sugar gliders.