Trees and landscape
The lake is framed by Moreton Bay figs (Ficus macrophylla), Port Jackson figs (Ficus rubiginosa f. glabrescens) and peppercorn trees (Schinus molle). Along Driver Avenue, a row of Hill’s weeping figs (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) creates a formal boundary, while to the south, a striking double avenue of Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis) provides a dramatic setting.
History
The water body was named Lake Kippax in 1888 in honour of William Kippax, a Sydney alderman from 1863 to 1889. Before then, the area was known as Billy Goat Swamp. It was converted into a pond and lined with concrete so the water would not drain away. Over time, the edges were reshaped from soft natural swamp banks to hard-paved edges, giving the lake a more urban character.
Fountain and sculpture
A fountain and central sculpture designed by Diana Hunt was added to the lake in 1967. This work is dedicated to Australian sportswomen and remains a distinctive feature of the site.
Wildlife
Kippax Lake supports a rich community of aquatic birds. Visitors can often see black swans, hardheads, Pacific black ducks, Australasian grebes, Eurasian coots and ibis. To support breeding, a nesting pontoon for black swans was installed in December 2015.
