Lake Moodemere is a natural billabong of approximately two square miles, abundant with native birds and wildlife, surrounded by a red gum forest of approximately 400ha. It is accessible via river tracks, suitable for cycling and walking, that connect to trails along the Murray River.

Before white settlement it was called Bulegeaba (meaning Black Swan) and was the encampment and ritual site of the Whroo people. Ceremonies, the barter of brides, and violent clashes with neighbouring tribes took place here. Before white settlement the Whroo tribe hunted and fished all along the river. Many of Lake Moodemere’s old red gum trees show evidence of bark having being removed for making canoes and shields. The name ‘Moodemere’ is from the aboriginal ‘Mhuda’ or ‘Moodah’. Mere is from the Anglo Saxon meaning of lake.

Lake Moodemere is part of Bangerang Country.  Uncle Dozer Atkinson, elder of the Bangerang, and direct descendent of Tommy McRae, describes Lake Moodemere as a place of celebration and happiness. He believes that is why, when we gaze over the beauty of the pristine environment of Lake Moodemere, we have a strong feeling of contentment.

​Lake Moodemere is home to Australia’s longest running rowing regatta. Attracting over 650 competitors from as far as Dubai and voted most popular 3 times during the last 5 years, the regatta is Indigo Shire’s biggest sporting event. The 1863 regatta included the ‘Canoe Race’ in which indigenous competitors raced in bark canoes. In 1864 it was reported that during the regatta there were campfires and canoes all about Lake Moodemere, and boomerang throwing for spectators.

The ‘King of the Tribe’, Australia’s most important 19th Century Aboriginal artist, Tommy McRae, lived at Lake Moodemere. He established an area of around 20 acres, substantially fenced, with horse, buggy, fowls and turkeys. He was born around 1835 of the Kwat Kwat people. His drawings observed aspects of traditional Aboriginal life using European materials. Tommy McRae’s work is exhibited in National Galleries and Libraries around Australia.