LAKE AWOONGA
Most noticeable at Lake Awoonga are the numerous species of birds (almost 200). This means that around 25% of Australia's bird species can be found in the region. The Southern Squatter Pigeon is listed as vulnerable and of conservation significance and a further fifteen bird species are listed on International Migratory Conservation Agreement Lists. Lake Awoonga is arguably one of the most important near-coast bird refuges on the East Coast of Australia.
Plants in the water and river banks maintain a wondrous array of small animals which support the fish, eels, turtles, platypus and birds. Further from the water's edge other species of birds and also reptiles, such as snakes, geckos and lizards, frogs and mammals can be found.
Enthusiastic anglers come to Lake Awoonga to catch its famed barramundi, of which over 2.4 million have been released into the lake. The largest caught by the end of 2005 weighed over 30 kilograms! Approximately 300,000 fish are released each year, including 200,000 barramundi, 100,000 mullet and some mangrove jack. In fact, Lake Awoonga is the highest stocked Lake in Australia for Mangrove Jack.
Located 30km from Gladstone in Central Queensland, Lake Awoonga boasts terrific recreation
facilities as well as spectacular lake and mountain views. Numerous shelter sheds and barbecues, walking paths,
playgrounds and a picturesque waterfall are provided free to the public, by the Gladstone Area Water Board.
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