St Georges Basin

Postcode: 2540

St Georges Basin is a large (12-km long) but shallow lagoon with a tree-covered shoreline. Several villages have developed around the edge of the lake, St Georges Basin township (187 km south of Sydney via the Princes Highway) and Sanctuary Point being the largest with a combined population of 4610.

The area was formerly occupied by the Dhurga Aborigines who called the lake 'Bherwherree'. Its European title was chosen in June 1828 by Thomas Florance who undertook an extensive survey of the district. Florance's name was presumably shaped by Cape St George which was named by Captain Cook.

The surrounding villages are essentially tourist-driven though a small fishing fleet is based in the village of St Georges Basin. They are connected by The Wool Road which runs off the highway through Basin View, St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point and on to Vincentia. This track was originally cut by convicts at the behest of Governor Gipps in order to establish a route from Braidwood to an ocean port for the wool that was earning good money in the early 1840s. It departs the highway just north of Bewong, or you can access it by driving south from Tomerong.

Boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking are available in the township of St Georges Basin. You will find a concrete boat ramp if you turn right into Island Point Road, the first major intersection as you enter the town from the west.

For more information about this town, click here