Lake Eildon Recreation Guide

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Things to do

Fishing

Lake Eildon is one of Victoria's most popular freshwater fishing destinations for Redfin, Perch, Murray Cod and Trout. Fisheries Victoria keeps the lake and pondage stocked, so there's always a fish or two to be caught.

Try the Eildon pondage for a great day's fishing, with a purpose built pier and floating jetty with disability and wheelchair access.

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

Camping

Camping at Lake Eildon is only allowed in commercial caravan parks and designated camping areas located around the lake (see map). 

Boating

Lake Eildon is the only reservoir in Victoria where houseboats and cabin cruisers, with accomodation, can operate under licence or permit.

Hire and drive house boating is a great way for the family to see Lake Eildon and play with 13,000 hectares of water, there's plenty of room to play. 

There are 10 public boat ramps located around the lake (see map).

A 5 knot speed limit applies at any level within 50 metres of the water's edge; other vessels, navigation aids, swimmers and fixed or floating structures; and within 100 metres of vessels displaying a dive flag.

Keep a lookout at all times for hazards and other vessels.

Refer to the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook at the transport Victoria website.

Lake Eildon Interactive Map

Water levels

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.

Blue-Green algae

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.

About Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon location in map of Victoria

Lake Eildon is one of the state's most important inland waterways, supplying about 60% of the water used in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District.

The lake is also used by 25% of all Victorian inland boaters visiting each year. 

A two-hour drive from Melbourne, Lake Eildon is surrounded by national parks and is known as the the gateway to the high country.

Facilities

Lake Eildon has facilities to suit every visitor, including;

  • caravan parks,
  • picnic areas with electric barbecues and public amenities,
  • ten boat ramps,
  • public and private marinas, 
  • lake viewing areas, and
  • access to the dam wall.

The beautiful national park surrounds are perfect for site seeing and the Delatite Arms Reserve, Fraser Camping Grounds and Jerusalem Creek Campground have large and very popular campsites with basic facilities. 

More information on the full range of facilities at Lake Eildon can be found on these websites

Events

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

Don't forget your Water Smarts

Caring for Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon 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
  • dogs must be on a lead and/or under control at all times and aren’t allowed in the lake. Please clean up after your pets.

Review GMW’s recreational by-law 

Staying safe

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.

Facilities Map

  Detailed map of the facilities at Lake Eildon

Please Remember

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