Lake Buffalo

Lake Buffalo 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 Buffalo is a great spot to throw in a line, and Redfin, Golden Perch, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Murray Cod and River Blackfish can all be found. Try using yabbies, worms and crickets as bait.

Macquarie perch (Maccas) are present, but can’t be caught or targeted by recreational fishers from any waterway in Victoria, giving wild populations the best chance to re-establish.

Inadvertently caught Maccas must be returned to the water quickly and safely.

For more information on the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s efforts to recover Macquarie perch, visit  www.vfa.vic.gov.au/recoveringmaccas

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

Lake Buffalo is a popular spot for boating and a range of water sports. 

Boats can be launched from the main boat ramp near the dam wall (see map). The Marshalls Ridge boat ramp is opened seasonally depending on the water level of the lake.

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.

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  Visit Myrtleford website or the  Parks Victoria website.

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

Lake Buffalo Recreational Area Management Plan