As the only inland lake in Victoria to allow houseboating, Lake Eildon is unique. Popular for holidays, relaxation and overall enjoyment, it is home to over 700 houseboats and is at the heart of the Victorian houseboat building industry.
Since 2020, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has been working in partnership with Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW), the houseboat community and stakeholders in a co-design approach to review and remake the Water (Lake Eildon Recreation Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2013 which were due to sunset (expire) on 11 June 2024.
These regulations are put in place by the Minister for Water and set out what houseboat owners must do to be allowed to operate a houseboat on the lake, including requirements for licencing and managing the impacts of houseboat wastewater on human health and the environment.
Following detailed consultation, the Water (Lake Eildon Recreation Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024 are now in place. Please visit the GMW website to learn more, access the Regulations and download a copy of the Closing the Loop report.