Lake George: Landscapes, wineries and views

Lake George is in southeastern New South Wales, north of the border between New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The area is bordered by the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan catchments to the west, and the Hawkesbury and Shoalhaven catchments to the east.

A large, shallow basin

The lake is 25 kilometres long, 10 kilometres wide and very shallow. It has no surface outflow; water is lost through evaporation and underground seepage. Lake George is a large endorheic basin that formed five million years ago when the Lake George Escarpment was uplifted. The landscape is shaped by the lake’s extent as well as its geology and water balance.

Scenic drives through the landscape

Tourist Drive 8 runs from the Federal Highway alongside Lake George to Goulburn. It passes through picturesque landscapes and villages such as Bungendore and Tarago. For sweeping views across the lake, stop at Weereewa Lookout. From there, Tourist Drive 8 heads south along Bungendore Road to the region’s cool-climate wineries and the village of Bungendore. Check road conditions before setting out.

A description of the Wine, Water, Wonder route, published in July 2022, takes in Collector, Lake George and its surroundings, Bungendore and Tarago, and includes visits to several wineries. Before setting out, check current route conditions and which businesses are participating.

The two route descriptions focus on different things: Tourist Drive 8 highlights the connection from the Federal Highway to Goulburn, the villages and the lookout. Wine, Water, Wonder is described in terms of the places listed and visits to several wineries. When choosing, consider whether you want to follow a road connection or a described route with a focus on wine.

Weereewa Lookout: views of the lake and wind farms

Weereewa Lookout offers uninterrupted views across Lake George and the wind farms beyond it. The lookout is on the western boundary of Queanbeyan-Palerang, about a 30-minute drive north of Canberra’s city centre. The Southern Lights have also been observed from the lookout. Check local access conditions before your visit.

Wineries at Lake George

Lerida Estate Winery is at the foot of the Cullerin Range near Lake George and is dedicated to distinctive wines that reflect the site. Lake George Winery is a family-owned and family-operated winery on the lake’s shore in the Canberra District wine region. Their locations differ: Lerida Estate is at the foot of the Cullerin Range, while Lake George Winery is on the lakeshore.

Lerida Estate Winery, at 87 The Vineyards, Lake George, New South Wales 2581, has a café and a cellar door. Check current access and visiting hours before you arrive.

If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Lake George, the landscape, routes or wineries can shape the focus of your stay. Views from Weereewa Lookout, a drive through the villages mentioned, and the region’s wine connections offer different ways to explore.

Discover more destinations: Ilford, Pottsville, Raleigh, Canowindra, The Channon, Cobar, Ulmarra, Fernbank Creek

For the broader travel guide: New South Wales.