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8822-2 Lake Wau Wauka

Sites 8822 1 to 10 - Mallacoota to Cape Howe

This information has been developed from the publications:
    • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in Central Gippsland (1981) by Neville Rosengren, M.S McRae-Williams and S.M Kraemers.
    • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Gippsland Lakes Catchment (1984) by Neville Rosengren.
    • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in East Gippsland, Victoria (1981) by Neville Rosengren, M.S McRae-Williams
Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.


Location:
587445. The main body is 5 km west of Cape Howe and 1 km inland.

Image: East Gippsland Sites of Significance
Abandoned shoreline ridge (A) - Lake Wau Wauka.

Abstract:
Fresh water dune-blocked lake with fringing sedge and reed swamp.

Access:
Walking access only from the coast via Mallacoota or the Nadgee Nature Reserve (NSW).

Ownership:
Crown Land (Croajingolong National Park) and Crown Land (NSW).

Geology:
The lake basin is contained in Quaternary dune sands, muds and organic matter forming the lake floor.

Geomorphology:
Wau Wauku is a “leg of mutton” shaped freshwater lake which results from the impounding of a small stream system by transgressive coastal dunes. The lake is connected tot he sea by an intermittent outflow channel. The present open water section comprises only 1/3 of the total lake basin, the upper sections are now occupied by freshwater reed and sedge swamp. Several relict shoreline features indicate that higher lake levels and a more extensive open water surface existed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. These features include spits, abandoned cliffs and a lunette ridge on the eastern side of the lake where wave action due to westerly winds would have been more effective. Details of the lake bathymmetry, biology and water chemistry are unknown.

Significance:
State. The site is a rare example of a stream blocked by coastal dunes to form a lake with subsequent shallowing and swamp reclamation. Geomorphological and palynological studies are needed to determine the chronology of lake and swamp formation and to relate this to late Quaternary climatic and sea level changes. This site offers and important opportunity for these studies because of the lack of disturbance in the catchment and drainage system of the lake.

Management:
Protection of the catchment system from soil erosion and changes in water quality are necessary to preserve the significance of the site.

References:
Rosengren, N. J. 1978. The Physiography of Coastal Dunes, East Gippsland, Victoria. M. A. Thesis (Unpub.), University of Melbourne

8822 1 to 10
Sites 8822-1 to 10
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