Discover Lake George: lake, views and wine

Lake George is a vast, very shallow basin and also a landscape where lookouts, wineries and driving routes offer different highlights. It lies in south-eastern New South Wales, north of the border between New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. To the west are the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan catchments, and to the east, those of the Hawkesbury and Shoalhaven. Lake George can therefore be explored both through its distinctive landscape and by taking scenic drives and visiting wineries.

A large basin with distinctive drainage

The lake is 25 kilometres long, 10 kilometres wide and very shallow. Lake George is a large, internally draining basin: it has no surface outflow, and water is lost through evaporation and underground seepage. The basin formed when the Lake George Escarpment was uplifted five million years ago. This geological history and unusual drainage give the lake its distinctive geological and scenic character.

Wineries with different settings

At the foot of the Cullerin Range near Lake George, Lerida Estate Winery makes distinctive wines that reflect its location. On the lake shore, in the Canberra region wine area, is Lake George Winery, a family-owned and family-operated winery. A wine route can therefore take in two different settings: Lerida at the foot of the Cullerin Range and Lake George Winery on the lake shore.

Lerida Estate’s café and cellar door are at Lerida Estate Winery, 87 The Vineyards, Lake George, New South Wales 2581. If you are planning a visit, check the latest access information and opening hours in advance.

Wine routes and scenic drives

A description published on 25 July 2022 outlines the Wine, Water, Wonder route through Collector, Lake George and the surrounding area, Bungendore and Tarago. The route includes visits to several wineries. Before setting out, check current road conditions and, if you plan to stop for a tasting, which businesses are participating.

Tourist Drive 8 starts at the Federal Highway near Lake George and passes through scenic countryside and villages such as Bungendore and Tarago on its way to Goulburn. The route recommends stopping at Weereewa Lookout to enjoy views across the lake. From the lookout, it continues south on Bungendore Road to the region’s cool-climate wineries and the village of Bungendore. The two drive options have different stated highlights: visits to several wineries on Wine, Water, Wonder, or a scenic drive through villages with a lookout on Tourist Drive 8.

Views from Weereewa Lookout

Weereewa Lookout offers uninterrupted views across Lake George and the wind farms beyond it. The Southern Lights have been observed at the lookout. It lies on the western boundary of Queanbeyan-Palerang and about a 30-minute drive north of Canberra city centre. Check local access conditions before visiting.

Plan your stay around your priorities

When choosing accommodation, start with the kind of day you want: are views from Weereewa Lookout your main priority, are you interested in visiting several wineries, or are you planning a scenic drive towards Goulburn? These priorities can help you shape your trip around the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mogo, Gemalla, Molong, Wildes Meadow, Yass, Hat Head, Guildford, Tuncurry.

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