The Stranger Pond is a series of two artificial lakes sourced from stormwater discharge from urban and rural areas, that are both located in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, within the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. The Upper Stranger Pond is located in the suburb of Isabella Plains. The Lower Stranger Pond is located in the suburb of Bonython.[a] The two ponds are connected by a pipe that is normally closed, located under Drakeford Drive.[3]
| Stranger Pond | |
|---|---|
 Looking northwest over (Lower) Stranger Pond, 2007 | |
  Stranger Pond Location of the lower pond in the ACT | |
| Location | Bonython and Isabella Plains, Australian Capital Territory |
| Coordinates | 35°25′47″S 149°4′11″E / 35.42972°S 149.06972°E |
| Type | Artificial lakes |
| Urban and rural stormwater | |
River sources | Murrumbidgee River, in times of flood only |
| 3.57 km2 (880 acres) | |
| Built | 1989 |
Surface area | 8.5 ha (21 acres)
|
Surface elevation | 576 m (1,890 ft) AHD |
| References | [1][2] |
| Location | |
 Interactive map of Stranger Pond | |
Features
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Stranger Pond was created by the construction of a dam in 1989 across a natural drainage channel, coinciding with urban development in the district. The ponds were built as sediment traps for soil and debris, and to improve the quality of the water flowing into the Murrumbidgee River.[4] Upper Stranger Pond comprises a surface area of 4.4 hectares (11 acres), while Lower Stranger Pond comprises a surface area of 4.1 hectares (10 acres).[1]
Native wildlife, such as pelicans, swans, kangaroos, and wombats, can be found in and around Stranger Pond. In the pond, European carp and redfin can be caught; carp have been recorded up to 8 kilograms (18 lb) and can be caught on corn; redfin can be caught on celtas and small softplastics, as well as flies.
In 2017, the Upper Stranger Pond was drained as part of a project to reduce the impact of European carp on native fish species.[5] In 2018, the pond was restocked with Murray cod and golden perch.[6]
See also
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Notes
edit- ↑ Lower Stranger Pond is widely known simply as 'Stranger Pond'. Google Maps only labels one of the two ponds – that being the one in Bonython and calls it 'Stranger Pond.'
References
edit- 1 2 "Carp management objectives and preliminary life history and conceptual models for carp habitat use" (PDF). Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach. 2012. p. 9. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
- ↑ "Lake Tuggeranong Site 10C: Upper Stranger Pond and Surrounds" (PDF) (Map). Environment and Planning. Australian Capital Territory Government. n.d. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ O’Reilly, W.; Brademann, A.; Ferronato, B.; Kellock, D.; Lind, M.; Ubrihien, R. (2021). "Catchment Health Indicator Program: Report Card 2020" (PDF). Canberra: Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch. p. 106. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ "Lower Stranger Pond" (PDF). Parks and Recreation: Management of specific lakes and ponds. Government of the Australian Capital Territory. August 2001. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
- ↑ Allen, Craig (6 April 2017). "Carp clean-up underway in Canberra's south as part of waterway rejuvenation plan". ABC News. Australia. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ "Carp-free local pond to be re-stocked with native fish" (Press release). Government of the Australian Capital Territory. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2026.