Lake Tyrrell Size report
Lake Tyrrell, known as the "sky mirror," is a shallow salt lake in northwestern Victoria, Australia. The name Tyrrell comes from the Aboriginal word "tyrille", which means sky. As the largest salt lake in Victoria, it covers an area of 208 square kilometers.
In winter, the pristine lake surface is like a mirror, showing the beauty of the sky and the earth, and it is one of the most popular photography spots in the world. But during the summer, Lake Tyrrell almost completely evaporates. On rare occasions, the water in Lake Tyrell will turn pink with the pink salt crystals.
The 120,000-year-old Lake Tyrrell is also recognized as a mecca for stargazing. The local Boorong Aboriginal people of Sea Lake are known for their astronomical traditions, and observing the night sky is an ancient local tradition and history. This post introduces more interesting facts about Lake Tyrrell.
Size And Description of Lake Tyrrell
Lake Tyrrell is located in the northwest inland of Victoria, about 410 kilometers from Melbourne to the southeast and 450 kilometers from Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, to the west. Lake Tyrrell and surrounding salt lakes were formed due to the inundation of the Murray-Darling Basin through sea-level rise and its subsequent retreat. The lake has a long history and may have been formed by drifting sand blocking the passage of Tyrrell Creek. Usually dry, it is occasionally fed by Tyrrell Creek but more often by underground water. Over time, a huge salt lake was formed with the recharge of underground salt water. The salt extracted from the lake can reach 100,000 tons per year.
The largest inland salt lake in Victorian is an attraction for tourists from all over the world, drawn to the mesmerizing scenery, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and breathtaking night skies. During wet and warm periods, Lake Tyrrell turns pink from the red pigment secreted by the pink micro-algae red marine phytoplankton.
Lake Tyrrell Size
Lake Tyrrell is a shallow salt-crusted depression of 180 square km (70 square miles). It is the largest salt lake in Victoria. The surface area is about 20,860 hectare (51,500 acres) at the fullest, which is mainly controlled by weather changes. Water about a meter deep can fill the basin in the cool and wet months, but the water evaporates almost completely in summer.
| Features | Size |
|---|---|
| Basin Size | 180 square km (70 square miles) |
| Surface Size | 20,860 ha (51,500 acres) at the fullest |
| Depth | 5 cm (2 in) in dry seasons |
Precautions
Small islands in the lake are used as a breeding ground by thousands of seagulls. The saltbush and samphire around the lagoon support a range of wildlife, while the lunette to the east contains significant Aboriginal relics. The area is frequently visited by native animals, including Mallee reptiles, kangaroos, emus, and birds such as white-fronted cormorants and gulls.
No open flames are allowed around the lake, and no camping or driving is allowed on the lake bed. The lake is vast and dry most of the year, although it may be covered by shallow water at times. Some travelers have to drive on the thin salt layer to find the best shooting location, and their cars are often stuck on the lake.
Final Words
The endless skies of Lake Tyrrell provide a beautiful backdrop to the unique salt formation on the lake bed. Enjoy the stillness and quiet of the unique environment. Head north on the Calder Highway to get to Lake Tyrrell, which is well signposted on your right-hand side. Lake Tyrrell offers unique opportunities to view sunsets, sunrises, and stars. The water creates incredible reflections at sunrise and sunset, and you can know why locals call it the sky mirror. Remember that visitors are warned not to drive on the lake bed.
