9. Gold Creek Reservoir

A tended, geometric grass slope extends upward at an angle that dwarfs the human scale. At its crest, Gold Creek Reservoir reveals itself with an overwhelming acoustic panorama. It is as if the reservoir is gathering in the sound of the hills around it, the surface of the lake like some enormous acoustic mirror.

The first dam in the world to utilise a cascading spillway, the Gold Creek Reservoir exists in a parallel dimension. To feel so removed from urbanisation within 30 minutes of a capital city is remarkable.

Bellbirds illuminate the curving hills of Eucalypt forests and scrub. From one side of the reservoir, they seem to chart out a spatial depth that extends beyond the visual horizon, hinting at the sprawl of the D’Aguilar National Park beyond. Whipbirds’ voices echo from one side of the lake to the other; pairs of bird engaged in amplified territorial displays.

Close to the lake’s edge a wind’s presence tickles the body of water into agitation. Trees shiver into a chorus of white noise. As quickly as it arrives, it has departed. In its wake, the papery pulse of dragonflies’ wings fill the air. Shadows are long across the land. A lone frog begs for the night to arrive. It does. A chorus of frogs celebrate in discordant song.

– Lawrence English