The 10 Cleanest Lakes in Victoria

If you’re looking for clean lakes in Victoria, Australia, look no further! Lakes and other large bodies of water can quickly develop bacteria and unsafe water conditions. Below, you will find the 10 best lakes in the area. 

Whether you’re looking for a place to beat the summer heat or a quiet getaway to camp with the family, you’re bound to find a location to make your next destination! 

1. Lake Eildon

It’s no surprise that Lake Eildon ranks as one of the most well-liked lakes in Victoria. This lake, just shy of four hours from Melbourne, has 310 miles of shoreline. Lake Eildon has more water kept in its basin than you’ll find in the entirety of the Sydney Harbor. 

On the lake, visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and taking a reprieve from the toasty weather in Australia. You can explore the surrounding Lake Eildon National Park as well. Camping is one of the most popular activities here, along with hiking in nature! 

2. Silvan Reservoir

Silvan Reservoir’s water is used to fill reservoirs in metropolitan Melbourne, mainly from Somerton to Emerald. Water from Silvan can be delivered further to the west to communities like St. Albans and Werribee. To do this, it must be mixed with water from Sugarloaf Reservoir.

On the edge of Dandenong Ranges National Park, bordering Monbulk and Mount Evelyn, sits this charming reservoir. It’s the perfect location for an outdoor getaway with the whole family because it’s just an hour away from Melbourne. 

There are numerous lodging alternatives scattered around the shore, though, if you’d like to spend some time by its tranquil shores for a little while.

3. Lake Hume

Albury Wodonga is only a 15-minute drive away from Lake Hume, a large body of water that is protected by an incredible dam wall. The water is clean and safe to swim in. Water skiing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more are popular activities here. 

For those who prefer a more relaxing day at the lake, the foreshore is the ideal location for a picnic, grilling, and catching up with loved ones while taking in the mountain scenery. For years, anglers have thrown their lines into Lake Hume. 

Try your luck catching one of the area’s prize freshwater fish. Make sure you have a fishing license from Victoria that includes Lake Hume before you head out! 

4. Sugarloaf Reservoir

Sugarloaf, tucked away in the Christmas Hills, is a peaceful location with breathtaking views of the lake. This makes this location perfect for an autumn stroll in the woods or a summertime picnic. 

This is yet another one of the cleanest lakes in Victoria. Locals love fishing for trout right on the shore of Sugarloaf Reservoir. Work up a sweat by hiking on one of the paths found inside or outside the park, such as the Sugarloaf, Chris Phillips, or Ironbark Walking Tracks. 

It is a fun and thrilling pastime to go boating at Sugarloaf.  Visitors can use the launching sites on Sundays and federal holidays by contacting the nearby club. It’s important to keep in mind there may be a launch fee for non-club members.

5. Lake Buffalo

If you’re looking for a clean lake in Victoria, look no further than Lake Buffalo. The lake is located at the base of Mount Buffalo National Park, and the lake offers a clear view of the mountain’s craggy peaks.  

Lake Buffalo provides a variety of sporting options, making it a great area for having a barbecue with friends and family after spending an afternoon paddling on the water. It is also a popular location for fishing, water skiing, and other water sports. 

A territory the size of Tasmania is home to 16 water storages operated by GMW, one of which is Lake Buffalo. This is a wonderful family vacation spot since the water is clear and not too deep for kids. 

6. Yan Yean Reservoir

Since 1857, the city has received water from this reservoir, which was Melbourne’s first reservoir. The old bluestone valve house and stone water channel serve as historical markers for the reservoir. 

Individuals can enjoy serene picnic spots, an array of walking trails, and spectacular panoramic vistas of Melbourne’s earliest water reservoir at Yan Yean Reservoir Park. Visit the vast marshes to observe the plethora of birds that inhabit this area. 

Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this serene, historic location by strolling the easy walking routes along the lake for views over the water’s edge and across the mountains that surround it. 

7. Gippsland Lakes

Gippsland Lakes is easily one of the best networks of lakes in all of Victoria. Over 130 square miles of lakes, swamps, and lagoons make up the Gippsland Lakes system. Ninety Mile Beach, a stretch of coastal dunes, separates the Lakes from the ocean. 

Here, there is a thriving bird and aquatic ecosystem, with lake dolphins and birds of paradise all over! Not only is the water clean, but there are also endless activities here. Lakes King, Victoria, and Wellington are connected by rivers from the high country. 

The lakes have numerous tiny islands that are easily accessible by ferry or boat taxi. The lakes also have a number of island wildlife refuges. Rotamah Island is only accessible by boat and is home to a variety of local creatures, including wallabies, kangaroos, and birds. 

8. Pink Lakes of Murray-Sunset National Park

You may look at these lakes and wonder if they’re clean due to their Barbie hue. You can stroll on paths that wind in and out of pink lakes in Murray-Sunset National Park, which is home to some of Victoria’s most distinctive lakes. 

These lakes can be either pastel pink or vivid magenta based on the time you visit. These salt lakes’ rose hue comes from red algae, making it a favorite destination for photographers. In the spring, wildflowers blossom all around the lakes, adding the ideal finishing touch to these lovely lakes.

During the summer, the lake’s evaporation leaves thick salt crusts atop the black mud. Because Murray-Sunset National Park is the largest national park in Victoria, you can spend an entire weekend here without getting bored. When visiting this special place, you’ll never run out of things to do outside! 

9. Lake Elizabeth

One of Victoria’s loveliest lakes, Lake Elizabeth is hidden away in the Otways. Soaring tree trunks that pierce the river and serve as a challenging test for paddlers were formed 50 years ago following a flood. 

Bikers and tourists who wish to take in the lake and the neighboring Barwon River can do so on the surrounding pathways. If you want to stay for a weekend, feel free to go camping! The campground is tucked away behind thick 

Eucalyptus trees on the east side of the Barwon River. It takes 20 beautiful minutes to stroll to Lake Elizabeth. Wake up in the early morning hours for the chance to spot an elusive platypus here! 

10. Albert Park Lake

No list of lakes in Victoria is complete without mentioning Albert Lake Park. Albert Park Lake is located in the center of Albert Park, and both locals and visitors may be seen taking use of this haven close to Melbourne during the day and into the evening. 

Initially, Albert Park was an extension of the enormous Yarra River Delta, which had wetlands and some massive lagoons. One of these lagoons was the one that developed into Albert Park Lake.

For close to 200 bird species, including permanent residents and migratory birds, this area is home! The park is host to numerous amphibians and reptiles, including the marbled gecko. As you may expect, there are some freshwater fish species that live in the lake. 

Summary of the Cleanest Lakes in Victoria