World War II history to explore at Lake Boga

Situated adjacent to the Murray Valley Highway, Lake Boga is 40 km north of Kerang and only 16 km south of Swan Hill. Originally named by Major Mitchell, 'Circular Lake Boga', this large lake, covering 809 unobstructed hectares, is ideal for all water sports (now full). The various activities of skiing, racing, yachting and swimming are confined to designated areas around the lake, and there are four boat-launching ramps. The caravan and camping ground extends around part of the lake's perimeter.

Lake Boga's recent developments include a modern Community Centre, Post Office, Police Station Aiello's Floristry, Planetarium, walking track and Burrabliss Farms B&B. Lake Boga has won a number of "Tidy Town" awards recenty from Keep Australia Beautiful organisation.

Lake Boga Attractions

Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum

During World War II Lake Boga was Australia's principal flying boat base. Today an old Catalina aircraft has been restored by members of the Lions Club, and rests beside the lake at Catalina Park. The Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum features the historic Catalina Aircraft. The museum is located in the secret communications bunker built during World War II. The Repair Depot serviced aircraft from Australian, US and Dutch Air Forces including Sunderland, Glen Martin Mariners, Kingfishers and Walrus aircraft as well as Catalinas. The Commercial Hotel in Lake Boga also houses a collection of memorabilia dating from those war days. Visit the museum.

Old Tresco Pump

Another feature of Lake Boga's early history is an Old Tresco Pump from the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, originally installed in 1904 to supply irrigation water to Mallee farms.

Bests' St Andrews Winery

Here visitors, on the guided tours, can see the wine-making process; from the age-old method of maturing wines in oak casks to modern methods of crushing and bottling. It was established in 1930 as the first winery in the district and makes its own pot still brandy.

Planetarium and Observatory

A recent attraction is the Planetarium and Observatory in Murray Valley Highway.

Burrabliss Farms

The farm features Sharlea ultra fine wool sheep and a bed and breakfast in peaceful and beautiful surrounds. It has an award winning garden and is the perfect spot for that special break.

Birdwatching and wildlife

Lake Boga and District is a paradise for birdwatchers with 68 species of birds having been identified in the area. Flora and fauna abound with the turtle lagoon complex being a favourite place for bird watching. On the west side of town is Round Lake with its varied birdlife and rare fish. The Little Murray is close by and is a delightful spot for a touch of fishing or a leisure cruise in a small boat.

Art and Craft

Art and craft have always been a way of life in the country and Lake Boga boasts some of the best examples around.

The Lawn Bowling Club

The Lawn Bowling Club has two rinks and welcomes visitors and new members.

Lake Boga Accommodation

The caravan park has lake side sites and camping around the lake in designated areas. You'll can also enjoy Burrabliss Farms B&B hosted by Tricia & Bruce Pollard

Lake Boga History

Aboriginal people occupied the lakes of the district for thousands of years before the arrival of Major Sir Thomas Mitchell in June 1836. The Koorie culture can be evidenced by the hundreds of middens or cooking ovens which scatter the region and the totem of the Wamba Wamba people is the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo. The Moravian Mission was opened in 1851 on the south side of the lake, but was closed in 1856 after the missionaries Taeger and Spieske returned to Europe "after labouring in vain in the wilderness of Lake Boga."

Between 1858 - 1863 squatter Browne had his head station on the high cliffs at the southern end of the lake. He went broke due to bad seasons and left the district to become a Magistrate in the NSW goldfields. He later wrote the well known book, "Robbery Under Arms" under the pseudonym of Rolfe Boldrewood.

Come to Lake Boga and discover our wonderful waterlands and history. You'll be surprised!!! Source Graham Gardner

Swan Hill (Down River) - Kerang (Up River)