If you love a dip in the water, there’s so many choices for you here in Victoria. From the beaches in Melbourne and beyond, to freshwater swimming holes and stunning waterfalls, there’s lots of inviting ways for you to keep your cool. Take a trip around the state, and spend an idyllic day by some tranquil lakes in Melbourne and Victoria. Hire a boat and paddle out on the water, go for a swim, or simply walk a lap around these serene spots. In no particular order, here are some peaceful lakes for you to discover on your next adventure in Victoria.
1. Emerald Lake Park
The idyllic Emerald Lake Park, just an hour away from Melbourne, is a perfectly tranquil place to spend the day. When you’re not riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, hire a paddleboat and head out onto Lake Treganowan. The lake is also good for fishing, and it’s stocked with rainbow trout in July and September each year. While swimming is not permitted, there is an outdoor pool available during the summer months. When you’re not by the water, enjoy a barbeque or picnic, and take a stroll along the walking tracks. Find more details here.
đź“ŤEmerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782
2. Lysterfield Lake
This popular spot, about 40 minutes away from Melbourne, is great for canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Head out on the water and keep a look out for waterbirds that you can’t see from the land. On a calm day, Lysterfield Lake is also a good spot for stand-up paddleboarding. The 82-hectare lake also has two beaches suitable for swimming, however, they’re not patrolled by lifeguards. Located at the southern end of the lake, this is the only area where swimming is permitted. When you’re not in the water, go for a walk or a bike ride on the circuit trail, and keep a look out for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas.
Please note: Due to recent storms, Lysterfield Park is currently closed until further notice. Keep an eye on updates and conditions here.
đź“ŤHorswood Rd, Lysterfield VIC 3156
3. Lake Daylesford
The tranquil Lake Daylesford is an easy stroll away from the town centre. Just 90 minutes away from Melbourne, this man-made lake was originally a site for gold diggings. Construction of the lake began in 1927, and now, it’s the perfect place to relax with the family. Amble along a trail around the lake, cook something up at the barbeque and have fun in the playground. The elegant Boathouse Restaurant is also on the banks of the lake, so you can indulge in a feast while taking in picturesque views.
đź“ŤLeggatt Street, Daylesford VIC 3460
4. Lake Wendouree
In the heart of Ballarat, you’ll find the wonderful Lake Wendouree. This beautiful spot has been a popular recreational area for over 150 years. Situated right next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Lake Wendouree has a six kilometre walking track, cycling trails, playgrounds and picnic and barbeque facilities. The lake hosted plenty of rowing events during the 1956 Olympics, and continues to host competitions to this day. Get out on the water with a bit of fishing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.
đź“ŤLake Wendouree VIC 3350
5. Gippsland Lakes
The majestic Gippsland Lakes are a network of lakes, marshes and lagoons. Thought to be the largest inland waterways in Australia, this lovely part of Victoria stretches across over 600 square kilometres. The Lakes are separated from the ocean by Ninety Mile Beach, and cover plenty of destinations from Lakes Entrance to Seaspray. The area is made up of three key lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake King and Lake Wellington. Hire a boat and discover little islands and lakeside towns. Keep an eye out for rare dolphins while you’re there.
đź“ŤGippsland
6. Lake Eildon
If you love watersports, you’ve got to add Lake Eildon to your to-do list. This massive lake in the High Country has 500 kilometres of shoreline, bays and swimming areas for you to explore. Spend a day canoeing, waterskiing, sailing, boating, fishing and swimming in this stunning destination. When you’re not on the water, go for a walk along the trails, and look out for native wildlife like kangaroos, wombats and birds. Stay overnight in one of the campgrounds, or hire a houseboat for a relaxing getaway.
đź“ŤLake Eildon VIC 3713
7. Lake Weeroona
The lovely Lake Weeroona and surrounding parklands were once an old mining site in Bendigo. It was transformed into a picturesque lake and reserve in the 1870s. The space was designed by William Guilfoyle, the same person behind Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Go for a gentle, 20 minute walk around the lake, and grab a bite to eat from one of the nearby eateries. You can also enjoy a picnic or use the barbeque facilities. There’s a playground for the kids, and you’re welcome to go fishing too.
đź“ŤLake Weeroona, Bendigo VIC 3550
8. Lake Nagambie
Drive 90 minutes away from Melbourne to the popular Lake Nagambie. Created in 1891, this destination was made by damming the Goulburn River. Go for a walk, enjoy a picnic, and make a splash with swimming, canoeing, water skiing, fishing and sailing. Explore the town of Nagambie, located on the shores of the lake, or hop on a river cruise to some local wineries.
đź“ŤNagambie VIC 3608
9. Lake Elizabeth
Nestled deep in the Otways, about two hours away from Melbourne, you’ll find the intriguing Lake Elizabeth. Over 50 years ago, the valley was flooded, creating the lake you see today. Within the calm waters, you’ll find plenty of petrified tree trunks. Drift among the trees on a canoe or kayak, and keep an eye out for platypus. You can also go fishing, walking or biking. If you like, you can pitch a tent and stay overnight at the campground.
đź“ŤForrest-Apollo Bay Road, Barramunga, VIC, 3249
10. Lake Bellfield
The Grampians in western Victoria has a variety of cool lakes for you to explore on a hot day. One of them is Lake Bellfield. Just five kilometres away from Halls Gap, this lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Take in the view of the surrounding mountains while enjoying a bite to eat in the picnic area. Then, go for a swim in the designated swimming area.
đź“ŤGrampians Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381