Centenary Lakes.
The picturesque Centenary Lakes are situated on Morayfield Road, Caboolture in Queensland, Australia. The area lies just south of the city of Caboolture and is a veritable oasis, complete with manicured grounds, mature trees, walking paths, picnic spots, a mini rainforest with beautiful waterfalls, a playground for children and of course, the lake itself.
The day I visited this peaceful parkland was beautifully fine. The sun was shining the ducks, geese, swamp hens and even a pelican or two were gliding across the lake like a graceful, floating community. And......the birds were singing in the background. Well, technically I don't think I can call the loud, screeching noise of hundreds of white corellas 'singing', as their combined, high pitched chorus was more like a chaotic cacophony of unruly kids running amok and unchaperoned in a playground.
It was however, a happy sound and as I was visiting their territory, I quickly adjusted to the background noise and enjoyed my day immensely. If they weren't foraging on the ground for seeds and insects they were up in the trees getting cosy. (It was springtime afterall.)
Corellas are a subgenus of the white cockatoos and three of the six species are only found in Australia. The little Corellas (like these ones below) often like to play and get up to a manner of amusing antics. Such as perching on the blades of windmills and spinning around and around, falling off and then going back for more. It is not unusual to see these birds hanging upside down, holding on with their beaks.......just for fun.
There were many healthy looking muscovy ducks roaming around or resting on the lush grass or swimming. Muscovy ducks are generally docile and friendly but there was a warning sign advising visitors to not get too close to them (especially during breeding season) as they do not appreciate being picked up. The drakes are known to become quite aggressive at times and do not make good pets.
The Centenary Lakes are situated on the banks of the Caboolture River and as such, the wildlife are attracted to this area. For walking enthusiasts, this lake is registered in Moreton Bay Region's 10,000 Step program.
It begins from the Springfield Road entry and then loops around the circumference of the park, goes behind the Sports Centre and through Apex Park. The 2.1 kilometer (or 2625 step walk) takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.
The walk takes in many scenic views of the lakes and the river. In adition to the walking loop, the area has a variety of free public fitness gear available.
The trees are magnificent and are much valued features of Centenary Lakes.
This beautifully shaped Poinciana tree resembles a huge of scarlet umbrella during summer and as the petals drop to the ground, they lay a carpet of red around the tree trunks creating a bright and colourful display
The lakes are a popular venue for weddings and perhaps this is why this place is so special to me, as my youngest son was married here and the photos from that wonderful day were fantastic.
It's always refreshing to hear the sound of rushing water and this mini waterfall softens the sound of the squawking Corellas.......a little.
This duck seems to be sizing up a much smaller coot as he swims past without a care in the world.
And these two teenage boys paused for a while to enjoy natures treats on their way home from school.
This white-eyed duck (Aythya Australis) was enjoyng drying his feathers in the sun. They are also known as Hardhead or Copperhead ducks. They live in many parts of Australia and it is interesting to note that the females have dark eyes but the males have white eyes.
This fountain was trying to compete with the trees at the edge of the lake to see which one was the tallest.
Centenary Lakes is not far from where I live in Brisbane so I look forward to my next visit and will make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enhance my experience. As I left to go home, I took one last glimpse behind me and through the middle of the picnic shelter I saw a young mother wheeling her baby in a pushchair along the footpath. It was a most pleasing sight.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
