Lake Boga

Water Storage Levels

Last Updated 25/03/2025
Current Volume 26758
Current AHD 68.31
% of Capacity 70.80
Capacity (ML) 37794
88.7%
91.0%
85.3%
78.4%
70.8%
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

About Lake Boga

Lake Boga forms part of the Victorian Mid-Murray Storages (VMMS).

News

Releases at Lake Boga

Thursday 13 February 2025
Goulburn-Murray Water has begun releasing water from Lake Boga to support irrigation demand and make room in the lake for inflows during winter and sp...

There is currently a blue-green algae warning for Lake Boga. Click here for further information.

History

Until the mid 1960s Lake Boga was part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System, and then it came to rely on floodwaters from the Avoca River and surplus flows from the River Murray when available.

Lake Boga now forms part of the Victorian Mid-Murray Storages (VMMS).  The VMMS includes Kow Swamp, Kangaroo Lake, Lake Charm and Lake Boga, with a combined active capacity of nearly 58,000ML.

The Lake Boga Coordination Group, (LBCG) a government agency group was formed and is responsible for the coordination and communication of key transition programs.

The LBCG released the Lake Boga Land and On-Water Management Plan in November, 2011.

Operations

The VMMS operational objective is to; capture, store and release water for the benefit of the Victorian Murray System users. Water will be harvested into the Victorian Mid-Murray Storages and then returned to the River Murray to supplement down stream bulk water demands.

Individual storages will now experience greater season fluctuations in water levels than in the past, but under the current operating regime the probability of Lake Boga drying up as it did in 2000 for a prolonged period is unlikely. Storage operating levels will be higher in the early months of the irrigation season, particularly October and November.

Goulburn-Murray Water will undertake VMMS operational manager function and will implement the VMMS ‘capture’, ‘store’ and ‘release’ objectives for the benefit of the Victorian Murray System users.

Location

Lake Boga is the most northerly of the Kerang Lakes and lies approximately 16 km south east of Swan Hill and 40 km north of Kerang.  Lake Boga is on the north eastern edge of Victoria’s Mallee Region.

Interesting Information 

Lake Boga has a fascinating history and began with its naming when Major Mitchell passed through the area; it also has a rich indigenous past and strong connections with the Moravian Mission.  During World War II it became the largest inland flying boat repair base with anything up to 1,000 air force personnel based at Lake Boga. 

Several books have been written about the area and two that have provided a great deal of valuable information are “Tresco Estate”, researched and written by John Jobson, 2007 and “Between the Rivers”, researched and written by Grant Angus with Colin Heggen and John Jobson, 2009.

Facts & Figures

Name Lake Boga
Stream
Year of Completion
Construction
Full Supply Level m AHD
Capacity ML
Area Submerged ha
Main Embankment Length m
Main Embankment Height m
Hydro-electric Generation MW

Recreation and Tourism at Lake Boga

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 - Woodfired BBQ - Woodfired
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

Lake Boga is one of the four Victorian mid Murray storages. It is located approximately 40 km north of Kerang and only 16 km southeast of Swan Hill.

Lake Boga is a safe, family friendly place highly valued by the community for its water based recreational activities, amenity and cultural heritage while also fulfilling its role as a water supply storage. 

During World War II it became the largest inland flying boat repair base with anything up to 1,000 air force personnel based at Lake Boga.

Please Remember

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

 

Lake Boga is a beautiful natural resource. You can help care for the reservoir 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.

View the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 

People love fishing at Lake Boga. The lake is home to Redfin as well as populations of native fish including Golden Perch and Murray Cod.

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

Lake Boga is a popular spot for power boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.

The designated boating authority for Lake Boga is the Swan Hill Rural City Council.

Boats can be launched from public boat ramps at a number of locations 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 Boga has a capacity of 37,794 megaliters. When full, the lake covers 940 hectares and is two meters deep in places. 

The water in the Victorian mid Murray storages is captured, stored and released into the Murray River to supply water users downstream. 

Generally, water flows into Lake Boga during winter and spring with water levels peaking in November and December. Water is then released during summer until the storage reaches minimum operating levels in April or May.

The water in Lake Boga belongs to GMW customers who use the water 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 the safety needs of themselves and others 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.

Up-to-date water level information is available -  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 Boga is only allowed in commercial caravan and holiday parks located around the water storage. 

For more information contact the Visitor Information Centre on  1800 625 373 or visit  Travel Victoria.

Facilities Map

  Detailed map of the facilities at Lake Boga

 If you require a printable version of recreation information at Lake Boga, please phone GMW on 1800 013 357 and quote the reference A5000364.

Catalina flying over Lake Boga
Catalina flying over Lake Boga