freshwater lake Lake Numalla is a freshwater lake located in the Mulga Lands bioregion of Western Queensland, Australia, at approximately 28°44′S 144°19′E. It sits within Currawinya National Park and is part of a Ramsar-listed wetland site known as the Currawinya Lakes. The lake is fed by the Paroo River via Carwarra Creek during flood events, which keeps it fresh and turbid. It is classified as semi-permanent, having dried out only three times since pastoral settlement, making it one of the more reliable water bodies in this arid region.

The lake's remote location in arid southwestern Queensland defines the paddling experience here. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Mulga Lands bioregion, with artesian springs — more than 70 have been identified in five broad groups — located mostly in the Hoods Range area to the east of the lake, with isolated springs also found in low dunefields to the east and south. Only 3 kilometres away lies Lake Wyara, a saline lake that contrasts sharply with Numalla's freshwater character; Wyara dries regularly into a vast saltpan, while Numalla retains water far more consistently.

Canoeing is among the recreational activities permitted within the Ramsar site, alongside fishing, camping, wildlife watching, and nature walks. The area's very dry climate features unpredictable and low annual rainfall, ranging from approximately 450mm to 650mm per year, which influences water levels and access. Paddlers should be aware that the lake's remote location means facilities and infrastructure are limited, and the area's nature-based, low-impact ethos applies to all activities on the water.

Wildlife is a significant draw for visitors. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the park, and the Currawinya Lakes are considered among the most important waterbird habitats in arid and southern Australia, supporting high numbers of waterbirds with notable consistency. The permanent water of Lake Numalla provides critical refuge habitat during drought conditions, meaning wildlife concentrations can be particularly high during dry periods. Migrating waders that travel across inland Australia also use the lake, adding to the diversity of birdlife a paddler may encounter on the water.