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Lakes & reservoirs

Victoria has an abundance of lakes, ranging from small bodies of water in towns and suburbs, to huge lakes, either man-made or natural, covering hundreds of square kilometres.

Gippsland Lakes

The lakes that can be found around the Gippsland area are popular waterways for yacht enthusiasts and cruisers, due to their beautiful natural expanse and peaceful tranquillity.

The Gippsland Lakes used to be much shallower and once upon a time connected to the ocean. Over the years, and due to sand building up along the coastline, the lakes are now separated from the coastal strip by the area known as Ninety Mile Beach.

The Gippsland Lakes consist of three main lakes stretching from Sale to Lakes Entrance - Lake Wellington, Lake Victoria and Lake King. They are lined in certain areas by the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and The Lakes National Park which act as havens for hikers and adventurist visitors.

The lakes all have small islands along them that visitors often choose to reach by ferry. The most popular of the islands to visit is known as Raymond Island which is connected by a vehicular ferry to the mainland at Paynesville. Keep your eyes peeled for the well-known koala colony on nearby Rotamah Island, which is also duly famous for its bird life.

The main holiday town in the area is Lakes Entrance which has grown to be a popular spot for visitors to the Gippsland region to relax and rewind. Boasting Australia's largest network of inland rivers, Lakes Entrance offers up the natural wonders of the surrounding state forest, the delightful scenery of Lake Tyers, and is the self-proclaimed "seafood" capital of Victoria, as this is where trawlers loaded with fresh seafood usually dock to unload their wares.

Lake Eildon

One of Victoria's favourite lakes for holidays and recreation, Lake Eildon is situated north-east of Melbourne and surrounded by the towns of Alexandra, Eildon, Jamieson and Mansfield.

There's over 500 kilometres of shoreline, a large amount of which is surrounded by the Lake Eildon National Park. Enjoy the bush and picnic areas, stay at camping grounds, try a spot of fishing, take a boat out on the water, or spend a few days on a houseboat as you cruise around the huge expanse of this iconic lake.

Did you know that when full, Lake Eildon holds 6 times the amount of water than all of Sydney Harbour?

Other large lakes in regional Victoria

Blue Rock Lake - www.srw.com.au

Location: north of Moe, near Willow Grove.
This man-made reservoir has several recreation areas, BBQ shelters and picnic grounds.

Lake Buffalo - www.g-mwater.com.au

Location: south of Myrtleford
Located near the western slopes of Mount Buffalo, the picturesque lake has a large grassed area at its northern end with a boat ramp.

Lake Dartmouth - www.g-mwater.com.au

Location: at Dartmouth near Mitta Mitta
Dartmouth Dam is Victoria's largest constructed lake and is a great spot for fishing. Camping is permitted at designated areas around the lake.

Lake Eppalock - www.g-mwater.com.au

Location: near Bendigo and Heathcote.
A large lake surrounded by several caravan parks, camping grounds, foreshore reserves and public boat ramps.

Lake Glenmaggie - www.srw.com.au

Location: near Heyfield, Tinamba and Maffra
Providing an irrigation source to surrounding farmland, there is a recreation area around the dam wall and also at Sandy Point at the southern end of the lake.

Lake Hindmarsh - www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Location: near Jeparit and Rainbow
Victoria's largest freshwater lake is a haven for waterbirds and is surrounded by a recreation reserve with several beaches, camping areas and boat ramps.

Lake Hume - www.lakehume.org.au

Location: east of Albury and Wodonga
Straddling the state border between Victoria and New South Wales, there are many recreation areas and reserves around the lake, with popular activities including boating, fishing, walking and camping.

Lake Narracan - www.srw.com.au

Location: Moe.
Supplying water for cooling nearby power stations, the lake is a popular recreation area with boat ramps, a ski club, a designated swimming area and foreshore picnic grounds.

Lake Nillahcootie - www.g-mwater.com.au

Location: north of Mansfield near Lima South
An easily accessible lake which is suitable for swimming, boating and fishing.

Melton Reservoir - www.srw.com.au

Location: near Bacchus Marsh and Melton
Known also as Exford Weir, it provides an irrigation supply for farmland around Werribee and is a passive recreation area.

Melbourne's reservoirs

As well as providing water to the city and surrounds, Melbourne's reservoirs also function as recreation reserves. Enjoy a picnic or BBQ at parks along the shoreline, with some reservoirs even permitting fishing and restricted use of watercraft.

Reservoir	Surrounding suburbs or towns
Cardinia Reservoir	Beaconsfield Upper, Belgrave, Emerald, Narre Warren East
Greenvale Reservoir	Greenvale, Roxburgh Park
Maroondah Reservoir	Healesville
Silvan Reservoir	Monbulk, Olinda, Silvan
Sugarloaf Reservoir	Christmas Hills, Yarra Glen
Tarago Reservoir	Neerim South
Toorourrong Reservoir	Whittlesea
Upper Yarra Reservoir	Reefton, Warburton
Yan Yean Reservoir	Doreen, Yan Yean