A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: The Rich Wildlife of Swan Lake on Phillip Island

swan lake reserve, phillip island

Swan Lake, Phillip Island, is the only freshwater lake on the island and home to an abundance of birdlife. It is accessed off Ventnor Road, 7kms before the Penguin Parade and near the Nobbies. The pleasant walk starts from the small unpaved carpark and, at only 1.7kms long, is a leisurely 40-minute return.

The Walk

The swan lake trail is slightly undulating and a pleasant stroll, thus making it ideal for prams and wheelchairs. It is also bicycle-friendly, and picnic tables are provided. The gravel path weaves through open bushland and gives way to a boardwalk across ecologically sensitive areas as it nears the lake edge. Next to the boardwalk are two bird hides.

Welcome Swallow nest at one of the bird hides
Welcome Swallow nest at the entrance to one of the bird hides.

Historically, Swan Lake was a significant food source for the Bunurong Aboriginal people. Historians believe the Bunurong people previously lived in the area and fed on the wetland birds, fish, eels and plants, as evidenced by the ‘Middens’ items made from shells and charcoal that have been found there.

wildlife
Cape Barron Goose
Cape Barron Goose

On the day we visited, apart from the Black Swans, we also saw Cape Barron Geese, various ducks and Welcome Swallows. The Welcome Swallows were abundant in the trees alongside one of the hides. They also had a nest in the corner of the door leading into a bird hide. Watching them, they darted around and stopped to perch on the branches for us. Very accommodating of them. We also spotted a Swamp Wallaby as we continued our walk.

welcome swallows at swan lake
Welcome Swallows
Swamp Wallaby
Getting There

The reserve is located on Ventnor Road. Keep an eye out for the Swan Lake guest house as you approach the penguin parade carpark. The carpark is situated to the left, before the penguin parade carpark and just a few metres past the guest house. Swan Lake is open daily.

black swan at swan lake
Black Swan
NOTE

Unfortunately, Swan Lake has no toilets, and dogs are not permitted. The track also offers no shade, save for when in the bird hides, so a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended (though the mosquitos weren’t as bad as elsewhere on the island)

Days Mill Murchison
Prev Step Back in Time: Exploring the Historic Days Mill
Next Frank Hurley: From the Antarctic to the Great War
Frank Hurley

One Comment

  1. Ahhhhh. I remember those mosquitos elsewhere on the Island, horrible it was. But everything else was fabulous. Great post GF

Leave a comment

© Bevlea Ross