About Mildura Weir
Mildura Weir
Mildura Weir is operated by Goulburn-Murray Water on behalf of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.
History
Construction of the Mildura Weir and Lock 11 began in August 1923 and was completed four years later in 1927.
The weir comprises 24 steel trestles, each weighing approximately 11 tonnes. The trestles can be winched from the river to allow maintenance, or to allow the safe passage of flood waters.
Mildura Weir is the only trestle weir in Australia, after the Torrumbarry Weir was upgraded between 1993 and 1996.
Lock 11 is one of several similar structures built along the Murray to enhance navigability while weirs provided stable pools for irrigation development. The lock is a concrete chamber 61.5 m long, 17.1 m wide and 7.6 m deep. Each of the four steel lock gates is 9.4 m long, 6.9 m high and weighs 18 tonnes. The lock is filled by opening the four butterfly valves (0.9 m - 1.8 m) that are located upstream of the two upstream lock gates. Water enters the lock chamber via two 2.4 m x 1.5 m tunnels and the chamber can accommodate approximately 4.5ML. The lock chamber is drained by opening four butterfly valves near the downstream gates, which are operated by hydraulic cylinders. The difference between the river levels upstream and downstream of the weir is normally 3.7 m.
The first paddlesteamer passed through the completed lock on 2 August 1927.
The lock is the only one in Australia that the public are allowed to walk across.
Operations
Mildura Weir provides a stable pool for diversions to Lower Murray Water's Mildura and Red Cliffs districts, and numerous private diversion customers. The construction of the weir also improved water quality in the Mildura region by preventing undue percolation of groundwater.
Mildura Weir and Lock 11 are unique by being the only site on the River Murray where the lock and weir are separated by an island. The 15 ha of bushland on the island provides a habitat for native animals and is a popular tourism site.
Lock 11 Operating Hours
Downstream lockage is operated on the hour and upstream lockage is operated on the half hour (with a boat booking).
Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8am - 11am | 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Sunday 8am - 11am | 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Public Holidays 8am - 11am | 12.30pm - 4.30pm
For assistance in using the Lock call 03 5055 3402
Location
Mildura Weir and Lock 11 are located on the Murray River at Mildura in north-western Victoria.
Recreation and Tourism at Mildura Weir
Facilities Available
Large Grassed Area
Car Parking
Fishing
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
There is a constant flow of boating along the river, with between 3,000 - 3,500 vessels passing through the lock each year.
The downstream side of the weir provides locals and tourists with ample fishing opportunities for mainly perch, bream and carp.
Please note: No dogs, camping or fires are allowed on the island.