Lake Bonney

Lake Bonney is a large freshwater lake adjoining the town of Barmera in the Riverland region of South Australia, within the Berri Barmera Council area. Connected to the River Murray system, it is the central natural feature of Barmera and a major inland recreation destination. Notable for its expansive foreshore reserve, water sports, birdlife and lakeside parklands, it supports swimming, boating, fishing and community events and forms the scenic focus of the town.

Visitors can expect a large, shallow freshwater lake with a developed foreshore directly adjacent to Barmera township. The lake edge features sandy beaches, grassed parklands, a jetty, walking paths, picnic areas and playgrounds with views across open water. The setting is flat and semi-arid Riverland landscape with river red gums and wetland birdlife. Visitors can swim, fish, launch boats, sail, water-ski, walk the foreshore trail, picnic and photograph sunsets over the lake.

Lake Bonney Riverland was named after pastoralist Charles Bonney who explored the area in 1838. The lake and its connection to the River Murray became central to the development of the Barmera irrigation settlement in the 1920s as part of the Riverland soldier settlement schemes. The lake has long supported irrigation, recreation and town water supply and remains a defining feature of Barmera's history as a Riverland irrigation town.

The lake lies on the traditional lands of the Ngawait people and holds significance as a natural water source and gathering place. Today it is a focal point for community life in Barmera, hosting local events, markets and water sports that reflect Riverland river and lake culture.