Goulburn Weir

Water Storage Levels

Last Updated 18/03/2024
Current Volume 24768
% of Capacity 97.13
Capacity (ML) 25500
96.8%
97.4%
97.4%
96.4%
97.1%
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Recreational Facilities

Large Grassed Area Fishing Playground Equipment BBQ - Woodfired Toilets

Facts & Figures

Name Goulburn Weir
Stream Goulburn River
Year of Completion 1891
Construction Concrete and Masonry
Full Supply Level 124.24 m AHD
Capacity 25,500 ML
Area Submerged 1,130 ha
Main Embankment Length Weir: 127 m
Main Embankment Height 15 m
Hydro-electric Generation MW

NOTE: Goulburn Weir walkway is temporarily closed due to high water levels.

About Goulburn Weir

 
Goulburn Weir
Goulburn Weir

There is currently blue-green algae warnings that are confined to the Turner Island East & West Backwaters . Click here for more information.

Goulburn Weir raises the level of the Goulburn River so that water can be diverted by gravity along the Stuart Murray Canal, Cattanach Canal and the East Goulburn Main Channel.

Location

Goulburn Weir is located on the Goulburn River, approximately 8 km north of Nagambie.

History

The construction of a weir on the Goulburn River began in 1887, and was completed in 1891. The Goulburn Weir was the first major diversion structure built for irrigation in Australia and was considered very advanced for the time. Such was the regard for the structure, it appeared on the reverse of Australian half sovereign and ten shilling banknotes from 1913 until 1933.

Goulburn Weir is a concrete structure founded on bedrock, with its downstream face stepped with granite blocks quarried from the nearby Mt Black.

The metal superstructure of the original weir included 21 cast iron and wrought iron gates mounted between cast iron piers. The gates could be lowered into recesses in the weir crest to pass river and flood flows. Water‑driven turbines provided the power to lower and raise the gates.

The structure also contained one of the first hydro-electric turbines in the southern hemisphere. The electricity was used to illuminate the weir and visitors came from all over Victoria to marvel at the steady bright electric light and floodlit water spray when the gates were operated at night. Goulburn Weir became an important venue for social and recreational events.

Works to stabilise the deteriorating weir structure were completed in 1983, and in 1987 a major refurbishment was undertaken. The work included advice on architectural and heritage matters from expert consultants, and the engagement of specialist contractors.

As part of the works, the main weir superstructure was replaced with nine steel radial gates mounted between concrete piers forming the new structure. Two of the original gates and lifting gear, mounted on the angled western abutment, were retained to preserve part of this unique piece of engineering history.

In 1988, the refurbishment work was awarded the Engineering Excellence Award, Public Works Section ‘for stabilisation and reconstruction of a superstructure and retention of heritage value and charm' by the Institution of Engineers Australia (Victoria Division).

Operations

Goulburn Weir raises the level of the Goulburn River so that water can be diverted by gravity along the Stuart Murray Canal, Cattanach Canal and the East Goulburn Main Channel.

Diversions to the East Goulburn Main Channel supply the Shepparton Irrigation Area. The Stuart Murray Canal supplies part of the Central Goulburn Irrigation Area. Both the Stuart Murray Canal and the Cattanach Canals are used to divert water to Waranga Basin for further supplies to the Goulburn irrigation system.

Lake Nagambie

The weir also forms Lake Nagambie around which recreation, farming and housing developments have grown.

For more information on Lake Nagambie, go to the Strathbogie Shire website, opens in a new window.

Jetties

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

Recreation and Tourism at Goulburn Weir

Facilities Available

Large Grassed Area Large Grassed Area
Playground Equipment Playground Equipment
Fishing Fishing
BBQ - Woodfired BBQ - Woodfired
Toilets Toilets
Please observe all signs and directions around our storages for information on recreational activities. Refer to the Land and On-Water Management Plan (if provided above) for detailed information on the facilities available.

Further Information

The Goulburn Weir is an historic structure built in 1890 as the final major attempt to regulate water for irrigation in northern Victoria .  It is situated on the Goulburn River near Nagambie.  A picnic area with tables, electric barbeques and toilets is provided.

Lake Nagambie, formed by the weir, is famous for its water sports.  Several major sporting events are held annually on the lake, including rowing regattas and water skiing.  The lake is also a favourite spot for fishing.

Nagambie Waterways Recreation Guide, PDF opens in a new window

Goulburn Weir Fact Sheet

Goulburn Weir Fact Sheet thumbnail, link opens in a new window

 

 

 

 

 

WARNING - In the interests of public safety, swimming is prohibited in the storage upstream within 100 metres of the weir structure and totally prohibited downstream of the structure in the Goulburn River. 
Flows may change without notice and strong and unpredictable currents exist making this section of the river extremely dangerous.

Visitors are reminded that there are dangers associated with low water levels and are asked to exercise caution and adhere to all safety restrictions.

Shire of Strathbogie Nagambie Waterways Boating Guide 2007, PDF opens in a new window