Lake Tyrrell - the sky mirror

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.

Lake Tyrrell is the biggest salt lake in Victoria and supports a commercial salt harvesting industry. It brings a lot of tourists to the area as well, which has seen the addition of some infastructure including viewing points, a pedestrian walkway over the salt crust, and a sky lounge where you can lay back and watch the night sky.

Visiting Lake Tyrrell

Maybe the best time to visit the lake is in the July/November period when there is a chance of water in the lake. The still water produces spectacular reflections. Anytime of the year at sunrise and sunset is also a popular viewing time. There is a tour that is run on a regular basis, or you can just visit the official viewing area that is sign posted off the highway north of Sea Lake.

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.

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