Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon 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

Lake Eildon is one of Victoria's most popular freshwater fishing destinations for Redfin, Perch, Murray Cod and Trout. Fisheries Victoria keeps the lake and pondage stocked, so there's always a fish or two to be caught.

Try the Eildon pondage for a great day's fishing, with a purpose built pier and floating jetty with disability and wheelchair access.

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

GMW wishes to remind owners of their responsibilities when bringing dogs onto GMW recreational areas. There has been past reports of dogs attacking wildlife and also being a nuisance to other boat owners. When a dog is within a GMW recreational area they must be:

• Under proper control on a leash; and
• Effectively restrained from causing injury or annoyance to people, damage or interference to property and disturbance or injury to wildlife.

Parks Victoria have also asked us to remind all visitors that dogs are prohibited within all of Lake Eildon National Park with the exception of the Parks Victoria camping area at Jerusalem Creek.

Off Road driving and trail bike riding is only permitted on formed roadways that are above the lake full supply level and open to the public.   All vehicles must be roadworthy, registered and you must be fully licensed.  Off road driving and trail bike riding is not permitted on the exposed areas of the shores or the lake bed or in the National Park. 

Lake Eildon is the only reservoir in Victoria where houseboats and cabin cruisers, with accomodation, can operate under licence or permit.

Hire and drive house boating is a great way for the family to see Lake Eildon and play with 13,000 hectares of water, there's plenty of room to play. 

There are 10 public boat ramps located 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.

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.

JERUSALEM CREEK RAMP

DETHRIDGE POINT ALLIANCE RAMP ONE

Boat ramp operating levels

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 at Lake Eildon is only allowed in commercial caravan parks and designated camping areas located around the lake (see map). 

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 the Victorian Park Web website 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 the CFA website (Fires & Incidents Warnings & Advice) or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL): 1800 240 667.     

For more information visit the Safe Transport Victoria website.

Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Accommodation

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

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.

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

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