Lake Eppalock

Water Storage Levels

Last Updated 01/05/2026
Current Volume (ML) 102157
Current Level (m AHD) 185.00
% of Capacity 33.53
Capacity (ML) 304651
40.1%
37.3%
35.8%
33.6%
33.5%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May

New speed limit for Metcalfe Pool and Madden Reach

Lake Eppalock is approaching the trigger level for boating restrictions, with water levels expected to fall to 185.0 m AHD (36% capacity) tomorrow (Saturday 2 May 2026)

As lake levels reach 185.0 m AHD (36% capacity)  and below, a 5 knot speed zone will come into effect for all waters upstream of The Strait, including Metcalfe Pool and Madden Reach. This activates the Emergency Safety Rule for these areas at Lake Eppalock.

There is currently a blue-green alage warning in place for Lake Eppalock.
For more information visit the blue-green algae warnings webpage

About Lake Eppalock

Lake Eppalock is situated on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples on the Campaspe River in central Victoria. It is approximately 20 minutes drive from Heathcote, 30 minutes from Bendigo and 90 minutes north west of Melbourne.

The Box Ironbark Forest and Dry Forest that surrounds Lake Eppalock are distinctive to central Victoria providing an important habitat for native species. They also help to protect water quality and stabilise the lake foreshore.

The lake covers over 3,000 hectares and is the largest water storage in central Victoria.  

Lake Eppalock is one of 23 lakes, storages and weirs managed by GMW to capture, store and deliver 70% of Victoria's stored water across a region about the same size as Tasmania. 

History

Construction of Lake Eppalock commenced in 1960 and was completed in 1964 to provide irrigation from the Campaspe River, and to supply water to Bendigo.  In 1962 the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (now known as Goulburn-Murray Water) agreed to proposals for the development of recreational facilities on the marginal land around the lake.

Operations

The lake supplies irrigation, environmental and stock and domestic water to entitlement holders as far north as Echuca as well as providing urban supplies to Bendigo, Heathcote and other central Victorian towns including more recently Ballarat. 

In years of plentiful water resources, water from Lake Eppalock is used to supplement the Waranga Western Channel that supplies customers in the Rochester and Pyramid-Boort irrigation areas.  

Find out more about  how Lake Eppalock is managed here: Managing water levels at Lake Eppalock - Goulburn Murray Water

Urgent Safety rule for Lake Eppalock

Location

Lake Eppalock is located on the Campaspe River, near Bendigo in central Victoria.

Facts & Figures

Name Lake Eppalock
Stream Campaspe River
Year of Completion 1964
Construction Earth and Rockfill
Full Supply Level 193.91 m AHD
Capacity 304,651 ML
Area Submerged 3,011 ha
Main Embankment Length 700 m
Main Embankment Height 47 m
Hydro-electric Generation MW

Recreation and Tourism at Lake Eppalock

Facilities Available

Car Parking Car Parking
Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
Fishing Fishing
Camping Camping
BBQ - Electric BBQ - Electric
Toilets Toilets
Please observe all signs and directions around our storages for information on recreational activities.

Further Information

Lake Eppalock is one of the most popular recreational inland waterways in Victoria and is frequently visited for activities including waterskiing, fishing and boating. Walking and cycling along the O’Keefe Rail Trail is also a popular recreational activity. The lake provides numerous health and wellbeing benefits to the community and helps to fosters social connections by providing a space for family and friends to spend quality time together.

Public areas provide facilities for day visitors including toilets, boat ramps and picnic and barbecue facilities. Additionally, there are approximately 35 sites around the perimeter of Lake Eppalock occupied under leases of up to 30 years. Leases are held by 31 recreational clubs, four caravan parks and the Country Fire Authority. Public access may be restricted, or conditions applied in areas that are under an occupation agreement subject to the terms of that agreement.

Please Remember

  • No camping or fires allowed on GMW foreshore land.
  • Confine vehicles and motor bikes to formed public roads.
  • Take your rubbish home.

Recreational Area Map

Lake Eppalock Map

Lake Eppalock is a beautiful natural resource. You can help care for the lake so it can be enjoyed now and into the future.

  • camping and campfires are prohibited in GMW reserves and on foreshore and lakebed areas
  • electric barbecues are available at some reserves (see map below)
  • refer to your local council for landfill services and consider the environment when disposing of your litter. Penalties apply for illegal dumping of rubbish
  • don’t take plants from the foreshore, or bring any in
  • don’t feed the animals or wildlife, or interfere with their habitats
  • boat wash can cause erosion, keep to 5 knots within 50 metres of the water’s edge
  • vehicles and trail bikes are only allowed on public roads within the reserve
  • all vehicles and trail bikes must be registered and users must be licenced
  • keep the waterway healthy by not using soap, toothpaste or detergent in the lake

View the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 

Local boating rules are posted at all public boat ramps.

  1. Launching and retrieving vessels must occur from the designated boat ramp/s.
  2. To avoid congestion, complete any preparation prior to launching, or when returning from the water, away from the ramp.
  3. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.
  4. Ensure all safety equipment is on the vessel and operational, and that lifejackets are always worn.
  5. Be aware and comply with all waterway vessel operating zones.
  6. Always keep a lookout for waterway hazards and operate your vessel in line with weather and waterway conditions.
  7. Ensure no one is in or on the vessel when moving to and from the ramp.
  8. Shade structures are not permitted within 50 metres of either side of boat ramps.
  9. Stay clear of dam infrastructure.

Don't forget your Water Smarts

Dogs must be on a lead and/or under control at all times. Please clean up after your pets.

Lake Eppalock is home to Redfin,  Golden Perch, Murray Cod and Trout. Red Fin can be found in the Derrinal & Kimbolton pools north of the lake. The mouths of the Coliban & Campaspe Rivers is the place to fish for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.

For the latest information on fishing in Victoria, contact Fisheries Victoria on  136 186, and don’t forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!

Lake Eppalock is home to Redfin,  Golden Perch, Murray Cod and Trout. Red Fin can be found in the Derrinal & Kimbolton pools north of the lake. The mouths of the Coliban & Campaspe Rivers is the place to fish for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.

For the latest information on fishing in Victoria, contact Fisheries Victoria on  136 186, and don’t forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!

Boating Victoria ramp cameras

Boating Victoria ramp camera photos are automatically updated every five minutes. The images are to give an indication of how busy the ramp and carpark may be and are displayed at a resolution not to reveal boat ramp user identities.
These pages also include information such as weather conditions, maps and alerts.

Lake Eppalock - Kimbolton Ramp 1

Boating Maps

Click to enlarge the boating maps of Lake Eppalock at 179.99m AHD and below as well as 180.0m AHD and above.

Lake levels 180.0 meters and above, link opens in a new window

  Lake levels 179.99 metres and below, link opens in a new window

Boat ramp operating levels

This table shows at what level boat ramps at Lake Eppalock can be used. The percentage indicates the lowest the storage can get before the ramp becomes unusable.
Boat ramp Operational when storage is above
Kimbolton Pool No 1 15.7%
Kimbolton Pool No 2 - concrete 79%
Kimbolton Pool No 2 - gravel 56.7%
Kirrang Point 44.33%
Point King 76.8%
Moorabbee Foreshore concrete ramp 52.58%

GMW's customers use the water in our storages to produce food and fibre, supply towns and businesses, and protect and improve waterway health.

Visitors need to be conscious of potential hazards and consider their own safety and the safety of other users at all times. Water levels (high or low) can prompt increased safety measures, and changes to access for recreational areas and boating.

Safety information and  alerts will be signposted at public areas and boat ramps.

Find out more about   current water level information.

At times, the level of blue-green algae in storages can exceed safe limits. When this happens you should avoid direct contact with the water as the algae can cause;

  • skin rashes
  • itchiness
  • sore eyes, ears and nose
  • nausea.

If unsafe levels occur, warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas.

Online Blue-green algae warnings are available or by calling the 24 hour GMW blue-green algae hotline on  (03) 5826 3785.

 Camping at Lake Eppalock is only allowed in commercial four caravan parks located around the lake (see map). 

In addition to the parks there are plenty of B&Bs and holiday houses available year round. For more information see the  Bendigo Tourism website.

Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Accommodation

For information on local camping grounds, caravan parks and accommodation, please contact the local tourist information centre.

The Lake Eppalock Recreational Area Management Plan (the plan) provides operational guidelines for managing recreational activities at Lake Eppalock while minimising impacts on water quality, the environment, cultural heritage values, and GMW assets and operations.

Lake Eppalock Recreational Area Management Plan

For more information on jetties please visit our  Occupation Licences page.

GMW’s lakes, dams and reservoirs are ideal places for events. Find out more about hosting an  event at one of our storages.