Box Flat - a peaceful seclusion

Ngarkat Conservation Park

Box Flat in the north-eastern corner of Ngarkat Conservation Park is a shady wetland area that attracted Aboriginal people long before European settlement. It is a very special location, which today enchants visitors with a feeling of peaceful isolation.

Box Flat is an ephemeral wetland, which means it is seasonally inundated with water during winter and dries out in summer. This area was a favoured camping site for the local Aboriginal people due to the presence of water and abundant wildlife. During the years of pastoral occupation from 1871 to 1894, Box Flat was an outstation of Garra Station that was managed by Alan Baker. The main enterprise was sheep grazing, however many difficulties were encountered due to the impacts of wild dogs and competition by rabbits. The main walls and chimney of the three-roomed, local stone hut are all that remain in the park today. Access to these ruins is via a short walk from the day visitor car park.

Today, Box Flat is a favourite camping spot for many local families. Several camping sites are available ensuring visitors a peaceful respite and a quality wilderness experience.

An oasis in the wilderness, Box Flat fulfils an important role in the ecology of the sensitive mallee environment. With the opening rains falling between April and June, this area is transformed into a lush haven for wildlife. The flush of new growth provides an important food source for grazing animals, and a breeding area for waterbirds.

Opportunities to observe Western Grey Kangaroos and Emus coming in to water, as well as a huge diversity of birdlife will delight nature lovers and expose a new facet of the mallee for first time visitors.

Frogs are an important group of animals which rely on this wetland and its seasonal wetting and drying cycles. These fascinating amphibians burrow into the mud seeking refuge from the scorching summer heat. They emerge to lay their eggs in the mud after rain.

Tadpoles live in the flooded pools in winter and develop into frogs, thereby completing their lifecycle. The presence of frogs reflects the pristine nature of this ephemeral wetland ecosystem. Frogs are commonly used as an indicator species by ecologists worldwide to assess the health of an environment. Studies have shown that frogs are lacking from many ecosystems as a result of chemical use and modifications to flow regimes of wetland areas.

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Department of Environment and Heritage Information
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