Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a 26-hectare urban bushland reserve in Blackburn, in the City of Whitehorse, eastern Melbourne, Victoria. Centred on Blackburn Lake, a former orchard dam, the sanctuary protects remnant indigenous forest, wetlands and open water. It is notable for its walking trails, boardwalks, diverse birdlife and community-led conservation history, offering an accessible natural retreat within a suburban setting and serving as an environmental education hub.

Visitors can expect a tranquil bushland setting centred on a large lake with boardwalks, lake-edge tracks and forest trails. The sanctuary features a visitor information centre with displays, bird hides, picnic areas and a playground. Surroundings are predominantly native eucalypt woodland and wetland vegetation. Visitors can explore the Lake Circuit Walk, observe waterbirds and bush birds, and enjoy quiet nature photography and short walks within a suburban reserve.

The lake was originally created in 1889 as an orchard dam to supply water to local orchards. The surrounding bushland was later threatened by development, and community advocacy in the 1960s led to its protection as a sanctuary. The City of Nunawading (now City of Whitehorse) formally established the reserve, and the visitor centre was developed to support conservation and education.

The sanctuary is located on the Country of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. Today it is a valued community environmental and education site, managed with volunteer support, and used for nature appreciation, school programs and community events focused on indigenous flora and fauna conservation.