Patawalonga Lake System
The Patawalonga Lake System, locally known as ‘the Pat’, is a critical piece of urban infrastructure that manages stormwater and flood risk on the metropolitan coast of Adelaide. Its best-known feature, the Patawalonga Lake is a 1.6km artificial ribbon lake that runs parallel to the coast nine kilometres west of Adelaide. Water from a catchment size of more than 230km2 meet at the Pat, with flows diverted to the Gulf via the Barcoo Outlet.
The lake supports a healthy marine environment for fishing, boating, and kayaking. A 145-berth marina offers mooring for boats with access to the Gulf via a lock managed by the City of Holdfast Bay. It is not unusual to spot dolphins in the Pat visiting the lake to feed.
A walkway circuiting the Pat is popular with cyclists and pedestrians, with infrastructure on the south end providing a connection for foot traffic between North Glenelg and Glenelg.
To view current water levels in the Pat, visit WaterConnect.
The Pat has an important role in managing stormwater. The actions we take in and around our homes can affect stormwater quality. Find out more about what we are doing to keep rubbish out of Adelaide's waterways and what you can do to help at Green Adelaide.
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