Lake Eildon

Water Storage Levels

Last Updated 05/04/2020
42.9%
39.9%
37.3%
35.8%
36.0%
Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
Current Volume 1198498
% of Capacity 35.95
Capacity (ML) 3334158

Recreational Facilities

Large Grassed Area Car Parking Boat Ramp Fishing Camping BBQ - Woodfired Toilets

Facts & Figures

Name Lake Eildon
Stream Goulburn and Delatite Rivers
Year of Completion 1956
Construction Earth and Rockfill
Full Supply Level 288.9 m AHD
Capacity 3,334,158 ML
Area Submerged 13,832 ha
Main Embankment Length 1,085 m
Main Embankment Height 84.5 m
Hydro-electric Generation 135 MW

About Lake Eildon  

Location

Lake Eildon is located on the Goulburn River in its upper catchment, immediately below the junction with the Delatite River.

History

Lookout on Eildon from Jamieson Road October 2013Harnessing the river catchments in the vicinity of the present Lake Eildon began in the early 1900s. Development of this water resource was undertaken by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SR&WSC) to provide irrigation water for what was a vast uncultivated area on Victoria's northern plains. This region has since developed into the largest area of irrigated farmland in Australia and is known as the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District (GMID).

Construction of the original storage, which was known as Sugarloaf Reservoir, took place between 1915 and 1929. It was modified in 1929, and again in 1935 to increase the storage capacity to 377,000 ML. However, this reservoir was still limited in its capacity to meet the growing demand for water in the Goulburn Valley and to protect farmers during drought years.

Following a detailed feasibility study of all possible storage sites on the Goulburn River, it was decided that the existing dam site was the most suitable for construction of a larger dam. In 1951, work began to enlarge the storage to its present capacity (3,334,158 ML) which is six times the size of Sydney Harbour. The enlargement was completed in 1955 and the storage was renamed Lake Eildon.

The enlargement plans also considered Victoria's electricity needs. The original 15 MW hydro-electric generation capacity at the Sugarloaf Reservoir was increased to 120 MW through the installation of two 60 MW turbines. The oldest turbines were renovated in 2001 to provide a generation capacity of 135 MW.

Operations 

Since construction of Dartmouth Dam, the Goulburn and Murray components of the GMID have been operated separately with regard to water allocations for irrigators. On average, 91% of water released from Lake Eildon is diverted for irrigation purposes and the lake supplies about 60% of water used in the GMID. The capacity of Lake Eildon has been designed to allow for irrigation supplies to be provided over at least two drought seasons. Although not intended as a flood control storage, Lake Eildon does have considerable potential to mitigate floods in the Goulburn River, downstream of the storage.

Operation of the power station during the irrigation season (August to May) is governed mainly by release of water to meet irrigation demands, but it may also be operated during winter and spring when flood releases can be used to generate electricity. The power station can also be used to meet short term emergency power needs resulting from industrial disputes or plant breakdown elsewhere in the State's power grid. A 5,200 ML pondage below the dam temporarily detains water discharged from the power station and regulates releases downstream to minimise variations in flow due to intermittent power generation. In 1995 a small hydro-electric station with 4.5 MW output was installed on the pondage.

An information phone service is available:

Eildon storage and flow advisory recorded service (03) 5774 3928. http://www.g-mwater.com.au/subscribe/

Recreation and Tourism at Lake Eildon

Facilities Available

Large Grassed Area Large Grassed Area
Car Parking Car Parking
Boat Ramp Boat Ramp
Fishing Fishing
Camping Camping
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

Lake Eildon is one of Victoria's most popular holiday resorts.  It has 515 km shoreline and stores six times as much water as Sydney Harbour at full supply level.  Abutting the lake is the Lake Eildon National Park .  Eildon has been a popular holiday destination for many years and is home to a substantial houseboat fleet.  In spring and summer, the lake's long quiet reaches and deep waters attract trout fisherman, water skiers and houseboaters.  The lake has both public and private harbours where hundreds of craft are moored.

Water sports are very popular at Lake Eildon due to its large surface area and extensive shoreline which is accessible by boat. Common activities include boating, swimming and fishing. Releases from the Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery ensure that the lake is well stocked with trout and other native fish.

Facililties around the lake include caravan parks, camping grounds, motels, houseboat hire and services, picnic areas and public boat ramps.

Lake Eildon Recreation Guide and Map  

   Lake Eildon recreation guide thumbnail            Lake Eildon Map thumbnail  

Lake Eildon Fact Sheet

Lake Eildon Fact Sheet thumbnail

 

Click here to view the operating levels for Lake Eildon boat ramps.

Camping & Fires

Fires and camping are not permitted in any area around Lake Eildon, except in the designated camping areas.  Unregulated campfires are not only a potential hazard for bushfires, but also pose a risk to water quality along with discarded rubbish from camping activities. To minimize these impacts, Parks Victoria provides defined areas where camping and fires are permitted. Visit http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/ or phone 131 963 for further information.

On declared days of Total Fire Ban ALL SOLID FUEL CAMPFIRES, PORTABLE GAS APPLIANCES AND KEROSENE LANTERNS ARE PROHIBITED.  This includes all gas stoves, gas lights, and gas fridges (including use inside tents).  Fixed gas stoves may be used in houseboats with extreme caution. For information on fire and Total Fire Ban requirements visit http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au (Fires & Incidents Warnings & Advice) or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL): 1800 240 667.     

Click on the map below to view boating and camping facilities. For more information visit the TSV website.


Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Accommodation

For information on local camping grounds, caravan parks and accommodation, please contact the local tourist information centre.

Land and On-Water Management Plan

The Lake Eildon Land and On-Water Management Plan aims to bring together key agencies, stakeholder groups and the community to realize the potential of the waterway's environmental, cultural and recreational values.

The Plan is implemented by the Lake Eildon Land and On-Water Management Plan Implementation Group. 

Click here for a copy of the Lake Eildon Land and On -Water Management Plan.

Click here for a copy of the Lake Eildon Plan Action Schedule.   

Lake Eildon Implementation Committee

Click here to meet the Lake Eildon Implementation Committee members.

Lake Eildon Recreational Boating Facilities Improvement Plan

Together with the Lake Eildon Land and On-Water Management Plan Implementation Group, GMW, Murrindindi Shire and Parks Victoria, the Mansfield Shire has developed the Lake Eildon Recreational Boating Facilities Improvement Plan, which aims to improve recreational boating safety and accessibility for all user groups.

Click here for a copy of the plan.

Houseboats and Maintaining Water Quality

Lake Eildon is the only reservoir in Victoria where houseboats and cabin cruisers with sleeping accommodation are permitted.  To prevent the risk of water pollution, strict rules regarding sanitation must be observed.  Such craft are required to have sewage holding tanks and be licensed by Goulburn-Murray Water.  There are sanitation stations for pumping out sewage from the holding tanks of houseboats.   Goulburn-Murray Water sanitation barges are located at Point Worner and Jerusalem Creek.  Sewage is pumped from these points to on shore treatment systems.  It is an offence to discharge sewage or garbage into the Lake .

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

For more information on Houseboats on Lake Eildon, please visit the Lake Eildon Houseboat webpage

Jetties

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