
Thomson Dam – Melbourne’s Secluded Water
The spectacular, secluded waters of the Thomson Dam have provided drinking water to the people of Melbourne since 1983
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Lake Tyrrell is near the little town of Sea Lake in Northern Victoria. When the lake is full of water, it is famous for its spectacular sky reflections – hence the locals call it a “sky mirror”
When we visited the lake in late April after a dry summer it was just a salt crust covering the lake area. But we weren’t disappointed with what we saw.
The lake itself is quite ancient and may have been formed by drifting sand blocking the passage of Tyrrell Creek. Over time it became a giant salt basin due to the flow of subterranean saline water and the run-off from Tyrrell Creek.
There is also evidence of the indigenous occupation of the area over the last 45,000 years.
The Royal Hotel at Sea Lake serves excellent meals and we found a good breakfast at the Bottom Cafe in the main street.

The spectacular, secluded waters of the Thomson Dam have provided drinking water to the people of Melbourne since 1983

Relax by the cozy fire, have a ride on a tourist train, visit a gold mine, wander through the historic cemetery – it’s a great weekend away in Walhalla.

The Art Silos at Brim in Western Victoria celebrate the local famers who have lived and worked in the area for generations.

Ksar Oulad Soltane, near Tataouine, is an excellent example of a Berber plains village used by the semi nomadic tribes.

The Agra Fort dates from around 1565. It has been a fort and a palace, and then a garrison for the British, so things have been built, changed, and built again.

The Reporters Memorial in Bayeux is an avenue of white remembrance slabs of stone, each seven feet high, and each recording the names of reporters who were killed reporting conflict.