Little Waterhouse Lake. 16/11/82; Tasmania; 57 ha; 40°52'S 147°36'E. Crown Land, Recreation Area. A coastal freshwater lagoon situated in the Waterhouse Conservation Area (north-east coast of Tasmania), receiving its water from local catchment runoff and also from a small drain (formerly a creek) known as Tobacco Creek. The lake is an excellent example of a small freshwater lake impounded behind coastal dunes. Its high floristic diversity, high biological productivity and near-natural condition contribute to it being considered a representative example of these types of wetland in the biogeographic context. The lake has well developed macrophyte flora and contains over 40 species of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. The site supports globally threatened species such as the endangered green and gold frog (Litoria raniformis). The Lake is also the site of early European settlement in the district and is used for recreational purposes including nature observation, fishing, boating, recreational vehicle use and hunting, research and monitoring. The surrounding area contains important Aboriginal sites and is used for recreational camping and livestock grazing, with water use for agricultural purposes. Ramsar site no. 260. Most recent RIS information: 2012.