Located on the urban edge of Drysdale, this reserve provides important habitat for many bird species and is a great place to walk and appreciate nature.

The area was very important to the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people, and still holds great significance today. It contains Aboriginal oven mounds dating back 3,000 and 5,000 years.

In the early days of European settlement, the area was named after a district pioneer, Dr Angus McLeod, and the upper lake provided freshwater to early settlers.

About this reserve

This crown land reserve is 14 hectares and is made up of two natural freshwater lakes and parkland. It is a shallow waterbody and can dry out in periods of extended drought.

Both lakes are fed by stormwater from the urban areas of Drysdale, as well as surface flows from the surrounding reserve.

The larger stormwater drain that discharges into the lower lake has a gross pollutant trap installed to remove the significant amount of the litter and sediment that enters the drain from the Drysdale shopping centre, as well as surrounding residential areas.

In the 1980s, parts of the lake were deepened, and an island was established with the spoil.
What to look for

The upper lake in particular supports a diverse population of waterbirds, including waterbirds and wader species. The larger lower lake acts as a refuge for these birds during drought and the duck hunting season.

Species to look for with special conservation status include:

• Blue-Billed Duck
• Freckled Duck

The parklands that surround the lake include extensive grassed areas and stands of remnant vegetation, including River Red-gums.

Things to do

There are no paved paths but a walk around the lake is rewarding for those able to walk on unmade trails.