Can you imagine a place where a swamp turned into a motor racing circuit, and then a flood retention basin? Cherry Lake, in Altona, Melbourne, is a captivating example of how the landscape can be transformed, reflecting both human and natural forces. The lake itself was created in the 1960s, but it was a motor racing circuit, called the Altona Circuit, in the 1950s. It was a thrilling sight for motor racing fans, but not for the Victorian Sporting Car Club who built the circuit. The swamp became a lake in 1955. The water submerged the circuit during winter. A new circuit was proposed on the same location in 1964, Altona Park, but it was eventually built in Sandown instead. At Cherry Lake, you can spot black swans, pelicans, and purple swamphens, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The lake has also been a frequent destination for boaters, windsurfers, and anglers. The environmental issues, such as the detergent spill in 2022, are a reminder of the responsibility we have to maintain this beloved habitat.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs