Lake Ginninderra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Ginninderra |
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 Lake Ginninderra
Location in Australian Capital Territory
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| Location | Canberra |
| Coordinates | 35°14′S 149°04′E / 35.233°S 149.067°E |
| Type | Artificial lake |
| Catchment area | 98.8 km2 (38.1 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Surface area | 1.05 km2 (0.41 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 3.5 m (11 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 577 m (1,893 ft) |
Lake Ginninderra is a special lake in Canberra, Australia. It's not a natural lake. Instead, it was built by people! This artificial lake was created in 1974. It sits on the Ginninderra Creek. You can find it right next to the Belconnen Town Centre.
The lake's main purpose is to collect stormwater. This is rainwater that flows off roads and other surfaces. It gathers water from a large area. This area is called a catchment. Lake Ginninderra's catchment is about 98.8 square kilometers. It includes many nearby suburbs. These suburbs are Aranda, Macquarie, Cook, Bruce, Belconnen, McKellar, Giralang, and Kaleen.
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About Lake Ginninderra
Lake Ginninderra is a popular spot for many activities. People enjoy walking, cycling, and fishing around its shores. It's a central part of the Belconnen area. The lake adds beauty and a natural feel to the urban environment.
How the Lake Was Built
Lake Ginninderra was made by building a large bank of earth. This bank is called the Ginninderra Drive embankment. It was built across the Ginninderra Creek. This blocked the creek's flow, allowing water to collect and form the lake.
The lake has a surface area of about 1.05 square kilometers. Its average depth is around 3.5 meters. Water leaves the lake through a special concrete structure. This structure helps control the water flow. It also has a spillway chute. This chute lets extra water flow out safely, especially after heavy rain.
In 2004, the Ginninderra Drive embankment was made taller. It was raised by one meter. Other earthen banks on the Coulter Drive side of the lake were also raised. This helps manage the water levels even better.
Wildlife at Lake Ginninderra
Lake Ginninderra is a home for lots of different animals. Many kinds of birds live here. You might see beautiful black swans gliding on the water. There are also moorhens and many types of ducks.
One interesting animal found here is the Rakali. This is an Australian native water rat. It's a shy creature that lives near the water's edge. The lake provides a safe habitat for all these animals.
Belconnen Arts Centre
On the southern side of Lake Ginninderra, you'll find the Belconnen Arts Centre. This center is a hub for creativity. It hosts art exhibitions, performances, and workshops. It's a great place for people to enjoy and create art. The center's location by the lake offers a lovely view.
