Lake George New South Wales
We have driven past Lake George in New South Wales on the Federal Highway numerous times but never stopped. However with recent rains (during 2024), the water level is high, so we took the opportunity to stop see the views and look at the three different rest stops for VC recipients.
Lake George
Located next to the Federal Highway, around 40km from Canberra, Australia, Lake George is an endorheic lake which means it has no outflow of water to rivers and oceans. Originally, small streams drained its catchment into the Yass River, but then the Lake George Escarpment rose due to major crust movement along a strong fault line, blocking this drainage and forming the lake. Due to high levels of evaporation and only a small catchment area the lake never overflows.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system. It is awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy” to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It has no been superseded by the Victoria Cross for Australia.
Badcoe VC Rest Area
Between 23 February to 7 April 1967, Badcoe repeatedly performed extraordinary feats. While under fire he attacked across open ground; he rescued an American adviser; he captured a machine-gun; he led attacks; and he provided leadership and an example to wavering troops. He was eventually killed by a burst of enemy fire as he rose to throw a grenade. “His valour and leadership were in the highest traditions of the military profession and the Australian Regular Army.” He was buried at Terendak Cemetery, Malaysia.
Badcoe was awarded the Victoria Cross, service medals for the Vietnam War, the United States Silver Star, the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the South Vietnamese Wound Medal.
Wheatley VC Rest Area
On 13 November 1965 Wheatley and Warrant Officer Ronald Swanton, were operating in the Tra Bong valley. Their platoon came under heavy fire and Swanton was shot. Although he knew his mate was dying, Wheatley refused to leave him. Again urged to withdraw, Wheatley would not. Instead, he pulled the pins from two grenades and waited for the enemy. Two explosions were heard, followed by bursts of fire; both men were killed. Wheatley’s refusal to leave a mate was seen to be in the highest traditions of gallantry. His body was returned to Australia for burial.
Wheatley was awarded the Victoria Cross, the General Service Medal (for Malaya), service medals for the Vietnam War, the United States Silver Star, and South Vietnamese awards.
Anderson VC Rest Area
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in command of the 2/19th Battalion against the Japanese invading force at Muar, Malaya in January 1942.
Cut off, surrounded and without support, Anderson led attacks against road-blocks, and enemy positions and organised his troops’ forced retreat to Singapore. Anderson was taken prisoner by the Japanese along with the remnants of the 2/19th – just 180 men from a full strength of 900. He was held captive for three years, first in Changi prison then on the Thai-Burma railway. He returned to Australia in 1945, resuming his life as a grazier, but also entering federal politics.
What Did We Think
These were all well maintained rest areas with nice views over the lake. With places to sit they make a great place to recover while on a long drive. As a bonus you get to read about the gallantry of some of Australia’s service personnel.
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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
