Bool Lagoon Games Reserve with Ron Kandelaars: In the Limestone Coast region of South East South Australia

Drive along the main highway between Naracoorte and Mount Gambier and you pass through lush pasture country renowned for it's beef cattle, prime lamb production and dairy farms.

But just over a low rise a little south of Naracoorte and about ten kilometres west of the Riddoch Highway, is an impressive expanse of water which says a lot about how the Limestone Coast once looked before the many drains were dug at the turn of last century.

Without the tourist signs pointing the way to Bool Lagoon many travellers would have no idea an internationally-recognised systems of freshwater lagoons exists in the State's south-east.

But those who arrive by air have known about the place for thousands of years. Whether it's a trio of Brown Bitterns or a solitary Turn, most are in search of one thing - food.

Postcards visited Bool Lagoon in spring - a time when the mums and dads are on the wing hunting for food as another batch of youngsters wait somewhere in the reeds and tea tree. It's a frenzy of activity.

After several dry years Bool Lagoon is back to it's best and the word is out among those who plod, fly and hop.

“It is a very rich wetland area,” explained Ranger, Pat Bourne. “There's a lot of insects and lots of little critters in the water too. And there are frogs as well. If you are lucky you might hear a Marsh Frog croaking or even a Growling Grass Frog - which really does growl.”

To really experience the magic of Bool Lagoon you need to head out on the boardwalk. “It takes you five hundred metres out over the water and amongst the tea tree.” said Pat. “It almost makes you feel like you're walking on water.”

The graceful swans are breeding well - feeding on water ribbon while their grey-coloured cygnets explore their new home. But it wasn’t that long ago that several harsh seasons meant the waterbirds of southeastern Australia were looking much further afield.

“From 1996 to 2003, Bool Lagoon was empty, which made life pretty tough for the birds who rely on this as a refuge from drought. In good years up to one hundred and fifty bird species have been recorded here. Many rare and endangered and many from parts far, far away.”

Now, at the bird hide at the end of the boardwalk, a sea of green has replaced what was a grass paddock during the dry. We watch quietly as the birds cruise into the many hundreds of nest scattered throughout tea trees - some of which may be up to five hundred years old.

Come to Bool Lagoon in summer and you're likely to spot other birds like sandpipers and green shanks from the Northern Hemisphere.

“They are desperately hungry. So the feeding grounds at the muddy flats here are just what they need because they'll eat enough to double or even treble their weight before they head back for their breeding season. They only come out for the summer.”

And that means that now, with plenty of water, any season offers a feast for the committed bird lover at Bool Lagoon.

It's 24 kilometres southwest of Naracoorte. Just look for the signs on the Riddoch Highway. For the latest information on the state of the lagoon contact the Naracoorte National Parks office on 8762 3412. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
24 kilometres ex Naracoorte
Look for signs off Riddoch Highway
For details contact (08) 8762 3412