Lake Tali Karng

Tucked away in the Alpine region of Victoria, Lake Tali Karng is a pristine natural lake worth exploring. At 14 hectares (35 acres) in area and 51 metres (167 ft) deep, it is the only deep lake in Victoria. Formed by a landslide over 1,500 years ago, the lake sits at an altitude of 1,509 metres (4,951 ft) above sea level.

Unlike most alpine lakes in the Snowy Mountains, Lake Tali Karng is unique, being the only permanent, deep, highland lake in Australia that is not of glacial or volcanic origin.

The lake was formed by debris falling from the Sentinel, which rises 700 metres (2,300 ft) above the surrounding valley. The landslide dammed the Wellington River, with the area of the landslide now known as the Valley of Destruction. The lake has no stream outlet and has never been known to overflow, with water seeping away through the Valley of Destruction.

Snowden Creek and Nigothoruk Creek feed the lake. Nigothoruk Creek is home to the Snowden Falls, a set of three waterfalls that collectively form an enthralling sight. There is no vegetation in the lake itself due to slightly acidic water. Its maximum depth is 51 metres (167 ft), and the minimal sunlight falling on it, along with the snow-melt that feeds it, keeps the lake cold throughout the year.

The Gunai Kurnai people are the traditional custodians of Tali Karng and hold it sacred. Uninitiated Aboriginal people are not allowed to visit the lake as per their law, but young Kurnai visit the lake with elders as part of initiation