Waranga Basin

Water Storage Levels

Last Updated 14/09/2025
Current Volume 295122
Current AHD 118.83
% of Capacity 68.26
Capacity (ML) 432360
41.1%
52.0%
59.5%
63.5%
68.3%
May Jun Jul Aug Sep

About Waranga Basin 

Waranga Basin is situated on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and is located between the Goulburn and Campaspe River basins, eight (8) kms northeast of the town of Rushworth. 

It is an important off-river storage, where water is diverted from the Goulburn River at Goulburn Weir, via the Stuart Murray Canal and Cattanach Canal.  The basin has a small catchment area of its own with a capacity of 432,360 ML and is one of the largest storages in the Goulburn System. 

History 

The name Waranga is thought to have come from the word warranga (sing) in reference to the large bird population that inhabited the area.  In 1905 its formation commenced at the site of an original wetland (Gunn’s Swamp).

It was completed over three years using picks and shovels, and horse and drays to create an eight (8) metre high and seven (7) kilometre long embankment, and at the time of construction was described as the largest project of its kind in the world.  Between 1915 and 1921, the embankment was raised to its current level and maximum height of 12.2 metres. It was the first major dam constructed in Australia and is the fourth largest inland waterway in Victoria.

The storage inundated the original Echuca and Waranga Trust channel that had been constructed to convey water from the Goulburn River to the Murray at Echuca.

Operations

The water storage is off river and has a capacity of 432,360 ML. It supplies water to the Central Goulburn, Rochester-Campaspe and Loddon Valley irrigation areas and nearby towns of Rushworth, Kyabram, Stanhope and Tongala.

The water is directed to Waranga Basin from the Goulburn Weir.  Normally, only about three-quarters of Waranga Basin's capacity of 432,360 ML can be used by gravity flow from the Basin's two outlets. In April 2009 as well as 2002, 2007 and 2008, Goulburn-Murray Water pumped up to 90,000 ML of water from below the normal minimum operating level in Waranga Basin to assist drought stricken farmers in the Goulburn Irrigation System.

Pumping also occurred in 1926. The 2009 operation is estimated to have cost around $2 million. This project was a part of a range of measures Goulburn-Murray Water implemented to maximise the amount of water available for use in such a dry year.

Location

Waranga Basin is located between the Goulburn and Campaspe River basins, approximately 8 km north-east of Rushworth.

Facts & Figures

Name Waranga Basin
Stream Off-stream
Year of Completion 1915
Construction Earthfill
Full Supply Level 121.36 m AHD
Capacity 432,360 ML
Area Submerged 5,848 ha
Main Embankment Length 7,000 m
Main Embankment Height 12 m
Hydro-electric Generation MW

Recreation and Tourism at Waranga Basin

Facilities Available

Large Grassed Area Large Grassed Area
Car Parking Car Parking
Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
Playground Equipment Playground Equipment
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

The fourth largest inland waterway in Victoria, Waranga Basin is located between the Goulburn and Campaspe River basins, 8 km north-east of Rushworth and 12 km south-west of Tatura.

The basin was formed on the site of a natural wetland formerly known as Waranga or Gunn's Swamp. It is a family-friendly destination and one of the best kept secrets in Victoria.

Today the basin supplies irrigation and stock and domestic water to entitlement holders in the north and west of the state.

Waranga Basin is one of 23 lakes, dams and reservoirs managed by GMW to capture, store and deliver 70% of Victoria's stored water across the region.

Facilities along the reservoir's foreshore include the popular Lake Waranga Caravan Park and Holiday Camp, picnic areas and public boat ramps.

You can explore the foreshore on one of the many trails where you're sure to find a secluded spot to sit and relax, or head out birdwatching kite flying or cycling. Waranga basin is also popular for boating and on-water activities. 

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

Waranga Basin Recreational Area Map

Waranga Basin 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.

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

Waranga Basin is a prime fishing spot where you can try your luck for Redfin, Murray Spiny Crayfish, Murray Cod, Trout 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!

As one of the state's largest inland waterways tehre's plenty of space to play, so it's no surprise that boating is the most popular pastime for visitors.

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.

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.

HARRIMANS POINT RAMP, OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW

Boat ramp operating levels

This table shows at what level boat ramps at Waranga Basin can be used. The percentage indicates the lowest the storage can get before the ramp becomes unusable.
Boat ramp Operational when storage is above
Caravan Park Reserve - concrete ramp 41%
Caravan Park Reserve - low level ramp 23%
Sappling Point 41%
Harrimans Point - high level 41%
Harrimans Point - low level 24%

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 is not allowed on the foreshore of the lake but there are a range of accommodation options through out the region.

Find out more on the  Lake Waranga Caravan park website or the  Parks Victoria website.

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

Waranga Basin Recreational Area Management Plan

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


 If you require a printable version of recreation information at Waranga Basin, please phone GMW on 1800 013 357 and quote the reference A5000376.

Sunset at Waranga Basin
Waranga basin