Lakes & reservoirs

Cardinia Reservoir

Cardinia Reservoir is the largest reservoir in greater Melbourne, located near the city's south-eastern fringe at Emerald.

The Cardinia Reservoir Park features several picnic areas, native bushland and a walkway across the dam wall.

Further information:
- Cardinia Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Greenvale Reservoir

Located in Melbourne's northern suburbs, Greenvale Reservoir has extensive parkland including picnic areas, BBQ shelters, playgrounds, walking and bicycle tracks.

Further information:
- Greenvale Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Maroondah Reservoir

Maroondah Reservoir is located on the Watts River, to the north-east of Melbourne in the scenic Yarra Valley town of Healesville.

The Maroondah Reservoir Park can be found along the southern shoreline of the dam and has some interesting gardens with both native and exotic trees. Springtime is particularly colourful with rhododendrons and azaleas. The park includes picnic and BBQ areas, rotundas and a playground.

Further information:
- Maroondah Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Melton Reservoir

Also known as Exford Weir, this reservoir is located on the Werribee River between Bacchus Marsh and Melton. It provides an irrigation supply for farmland around Werribee.

There is a picnic area at the dam's southern wall with BBQ facilities and a playground.

Further information:
- Melton Reservoir

Silvan Reservoir

Silvan Reservoir is located on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park between Monbulk and Mount Evelyn.

The reservoir's park, can be found at the dam's northern wall and it includes landscaped picnic areas and lawns which are surrounded by eucalypt forests.

Further information:
- Silvan Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Sugarloaf Reservoir

Sugarloaf Reservoir can be found in Melbourne's far north-east at Christmas Hills.

There are several parks located around the reservoir and a 15 kilometre walking trail that circumnavigates the dam. Boats can only be launched at the sailing club and they must be non-powered. Enjoy shoreline fishing for redfin or carp in designated areas.

Further information:
- Sugarloaf Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Toorourrong Reservoir

Toorourrong Reservoir is located on Melbourne's north-eastern fringe near Whittlesea, on the Plenty River.

The scenic reservoir park offers many picnic areas and a number of short walks which pass through areas frequented by eastern grey kangaroos.

Further information:
- Toorourrong Reservoir Park

Yan Yean Reservoir

Yan Yean Reservoir, located on Melbourne's north-eastern fringe, is the city's oldest reservoir, dating 1857.

The parkland at the reservoir include picnic and BBQ facilities, walking tracks and extensive wetlands with abundant birdlife.

Further information:
- Yan Yean Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Blue Rock Lake

Located north of Moe, near Willow Grove, this man-made reservoir has several recreation areas, BBQ shelters and picnic grounds. Fishing, boating and swimming is permitted in the lake.

Further information:
- Blue Rock Lake

Lake Buffalo

Situated at the base of the western slopes of Mount Buffalo, south of Myrtleford, this picturesque lake has a large grassed area at its northern end with a boat ramp. Visitors can enjoy fishing and water skiing on the lake.

Further information:
- Lake Buffalo

Lake Dartmouth

Dartmouth Dam is Victoria's largest constructed lake and is a great spot for fishing and other water sports. Camping is permitted at designated areas around the lake.

Further information:
- Lake Dartmouth

Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon is one of Victoria's favourite lakes for holidays and recreation. Located north-east of Melbourne, it is surrounded by the towns of Alexandra, Eildon, Jamieson and Mansfield.

There is over 500 kilometres of shoreline, a large amount of which is surrounded by the Lake Eildon National Park. Enjoy the bush and picnic areas, stay at camping grounds, try a spot of fishing, take a boat out on the water, or spend a few days on a houseboat as you cruise around the huge expanse of this iconic lake.

When full, Lake Eildon holds 6 times the amount of water than all of Sydney Harbour.

Further information:
- Lake Eildon National Park
- Lake information

Lake Eppalock

This large lake is located between Bendigo and Heathcote. It is surrounded by several caravan parks, camping grounds, foreshore reserves and public boat ramps.

Further information:
- Lake Eppalock

Lake Glenmaggie

Providing an irrigation source to surrounding farmland of Heyfield, Tinamba and Maffra, there is a recreation area around the dam wall and also at Sandy Point at the southern end of the lake.

Further information:
- Lake Glenmaggie

Lake Hindmarsh

Victoria's largest freshwater lake is located in the west of the state near Jeparit and Rainbow. It is a haven for waterbirds and is surrounded by a recreation reserve with several beaches, camping areas and boat ramps.

As the lake levels are highly seasonal, it can remain dry for years at a time.

Further information:
- Lake Hindmarsh

Lake Hume

Lake Hume straddles the state border with New South Wales on the Murray River east of Wodonga. It has over 370 kilometres of shoreline.

There are many recreation areas and reserves around the lake and popular activities include boating, fishing, walking and camping.

Further information:
- Lake Hume

Lake Mulwala

Lake Mulwala was created by the construction of the Yarrawonga Weir across the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Mulwala in 1939. This provided a valuable water storage which could be used by irrigators.

This large lake is a major tourist attraction in the area, and is a popular venue for boating, fishing and water skiing. There are large areas of foreshore parks and regular sightseeing cruises on the lake.

Further information:
- Lake Mulwala / Yarrawonga Weir

Lake Narracan

Supplying water for cooling nearby power stations, this lake at Moe is a popular recreation area with boat ramps, a ski club, a designated swimming area and foreshore picnic grounds.

Further information:
- Lake Narracan

Lake Nillahcootie

Lake Nillahcootie is located on the Broken River between Benalla and Mansfield. The lake has picnic and boating areas and is popular with water skiers.

Further information:
- Lake Nillahcootie

Tarago Reservoir

Located between Jindivick and Neerim South, Tarago Reservoir is surrounded by bushland and there is an attractive picnic area with sloping lawns.

Further information:
- Tarago Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information

Thomson Reservoir

Thomson Reservoir accounts for 60% of Melbourne's total water storage capacity. It is located on the edge of the Baw Baw National Park.

As well as providing water for Melbourne, it supports agriculture and hydroelectricity generation.

Further information:
- Thomson Reservoir

Upper Yarra Reservoir

The Upper Yarra Reservoir is located within the Yarra Ranges National Park, north-east of Warburton.

There are well-maintained gardens and picnic areas surrounded by native bush. Camping is permitted and there are several short walks which feature lookouts over the reservoir.

Further information:
- Upper Yarra Reservoir Park
- Reservoir information