The HLC team have put together their favourite freshwater spots for water skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping and more this Summer!
CAMPASPE
Moama Beach
Moama Beach is a sandy stretch along the Murray River where visitors can swim, paddle, fish, picnic, or walk beside the water. It’s a quiet, open space with river red gums for shade and clear views along the river, offering a relaxed riverside experience close to town.
Greens Lake, Corop
Greens Lake is a summer favorite for campers and water sport lovers. Its free lakeside camping, calm waters, and space for water skiing, swimming, and kayaking make it perfect for a weekend escape. Throw in fishing and birdwatching, and you’ve got a destination that ticks every box.
CENTRAL GOLDFIELDS
Tullaroop Reservoir
A quiet retreat for paddlers and anglers, Tullaroop Reservoir is all about serenity. With electric motors only, it’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boating across calm waters. Surrounded by rolling farmland and bushland, this spot is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers. Fishing for trout and redfin adds to the charm, while scenic picnic areas make it ideal for a peaceful day outdoors.
*A blue-green algae warning is currently in place for Tullaroop Reservoir, please check the Goulburn-Murray Water website before visiting: Tullaroop Reservoir - Goulburn Murray Water
Bealiba Reservoir
For those who love camping under the stars, Bealiba Reservoir delivers. This bushland escape offers free camping right by the water, plus swimming, fishing, and bushwalking trails. Fire pits and picnic tables make it easy to settle in, while the surrounding gold-mining history adds a fascinating backdrop to your outdoor adventure.
GREATER BENDIGO
Lake Eppalock
Lake Eppalock is Central Victoria’s water-sport hotspot, offering boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing for golden perch, murray cod, and redfin. With picnic areas, campgrounds, and family-friendly facilities, it’s perfect for both day trips and weekend getaways, whether you’re chasing adventure or a relaxing lakeside escape.
Crusoe Reservoir
Crusoe Reservoir is a peaceful bushland retreat ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with a jetty and pontoon for easy water access. Surrounded by box–ironbark forest, it features a 3.3 km walking and cycling loop, picnic areas, and a bird hide. No powerboats, dogs, or camping keep this spot quiet and nature-focused.
Rocky Crossing, Campaspe River, Goornong
Rocky Crossing is a natural riverside escape with shallow pools, gentle rapids, and free bush camping along shaded grassy banks. Perfect for swimming, wading, kayaking, and fishing, it’s a family-friendly spot for picnics, birdwatching, and campfires (when safe). Just minutes from Goornong, it’s ideal for a day trip or an overnight adventure.
LODDON
Bridgewater on Loddon River
Bridgewater is all about river fun. Its swimming area and water-skiing opportunities make it a go-to for summer adventure. Add fishing, kayaking, and riverside walks, plus a local bakery and nursery, and you’ve got a destination that blends excitement with country charm.
Little Lake Boort
Little Lake Boort is where nature and culture collide. The lake offers calm waters ideal for kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, swimming and water-skiing, along with a 3.7 km walking and cycling loop that showcases wetlands, birdlife, and cultural sites. It features picnic areas, playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and easy access from nearby parks, making it a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail – Durham Ox
This trail is a paddler’s paradise. Glide along a 5 km stretch of Serpentine Creek, passing historic sites, scar trees, and abundant birdlife. With an all-abilities canoe ramp and interpretive markers, it’s a unique mix of adventure, education, and natural beauty.
MACEDON RANGES
Macedon Reservoir
Nestled in towering forest, Macedon Reservoir is a nature-lover’s dream. It’s ideal for quiet walks, birdwatching, and photography, with picnic spots scattered among the trees. The peaceful setting makes it a perfect escape for those seeking calm and connection with nature.
Lauriston Reservoir
Lauriston Reservoir is all about wide-open views and tranquil bushland. It’s a favourite for fishing and picnics, with plenty of space to unwind. Walking tracks weave through native forest, making it a great choice for a slow-paced day immersed in nature.
MOUNT ALEXANDER
Cairn Curran
Big, bold, and beautiful, Cairn Curran is made for adventure. With boating, water-skiing, kayaking, and fishing, it’s a playground for water-sport enthusiasts. Scenic picnic areas and birdlife add a relaxing touch, making it ideal for both action-packed days and laid-back afternoons.
Vaughan Springs
Historic charm meets natural beauty at Vaughan Springs. Swim in the Loddon River, sip mineral water from the spring, and explore bush trails dotted with gold rush relics. Shady picnic areas and grassy spaces make it a family favorite with a heritage twist.
Glenluce Mineral Springs
Glenluce is a hidden gem for history buffs and nature lovers. Taste fresh mineral water, wander quiet bush tracks, and discover remnants of Victoria’s gold rush. It’s a peaceful spot for picnics and birdwatching, with a unique cultural edge.
Water Safety Tips
Inland waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, and should someone get into trouble, there may be no one there to assist.
It’s important to be aware of the dangers and always take care around water. Before heading out, take some time to read the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Australia website: Inland Waterways | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
