Centenary Chat - Graeme Barrow 'Magnificent Lake George'

Lake George has excited the interest of countless people since it was discovered by British explorers in August 1820. Before that, Aboriginal people had visited or lived around the lake for thousands of years. The lake puzzles many because it regularly fills and empties, meaning that on numerous occasions it has been completely dry or close to it.

Graeme Barrow will talk about the origins of the lake, why its waters disappear, Aboriginal life around it, and its discovery by Joseph Wild. He will discuss European occupation of the lake, grandiose schemes to use its waters, and the terrible loss of life that has occurred when people have ignored the dangers it presents for the unwary.

Graeme Barrow is a Canberra journalist who has lived here since 1969. He retired from full-time work in 1999 and has since produced numerous bushwalking guides and local history studies through his business, Dagraja Press, formed in 1977.