The Patawalonga Lake

The Patawalonga Lake system – locally nicknamed “The Pat” – is an artificial lagoon managed by the State Government, and plays an important role in local flood prevention, stormwater management, and marine ecology.

Where “The Pat” meets St Vincent’s Gulf, a boat lock operates to maintain water levels within the system. This important facility is owned and managed by Council, and allows fishing and leisure boats to pass between the gulf and the sheltered marinas within.

• Life-threatening: 000 (all hours)

• Flood events (S.E.S): 132 500 (all hours)

• Environmental (E.P.A): 8204 2004 (all hours)

• Life threatening: 000 (all hours)

• To report a faults: (08) 8406 2600 (all hours)

• General Operational Information: (08) 8229 9999 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm)

There is no need to worry as they regularly swim into the Pat when the lock is open to look for prey. There are eight weir gates that open twice a day and the clever creatures are able to make their way in and out as they please.

• Dolphins are regularly seen in the Patawalonga, it is not a problem they visit the Patawalonga 4-5 times a year.
• Dolphins often swim into the Pat when the barge is open, looking for fish.
• Dolphins are very capable in this environment and have the ability to find their way out when they need to.

There are eight weir gates that open twice a day, except for a dodge tide, to enable the dolphins to make their way in and out of the Patawalonga.