Ditch the overcrowded beaches and water parks this summer and discover the Grampians region's great lakes and outdoor pools.
The Grampians is renowned for its spectacular national park, known also by its indigenous name, Gariwerd. The region has diverse experiences in and around the park, from the award-winning and historic wine region to the all-new Grampians Peaks Trail, which is attracting hikers worldwide.
What locals have been keeping on the down low is the wide range of water activities the region offers for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be a dip in a sandstone bathing pool, a paddle around the reeds on a canoe tour with Absolute Outdoors, or a wild ride on a sailboard.
The Grampians region offers some of Victoria’s top spots for swimming and water activities. So however you make a splash, do it The Grampians Way.
Here are some highlights and tips for those looking to enjoy this unique summer experience:
If lake waters are not your thing, Ararat has a fantastic outdoor 50m pool with a splash area and waterslides. Also in the shire is the gorgeous Willaura Outdoor pool, where you won't need to fight for space to put your floating ring in. We love it.
Green Hill Lake offers a delightful spot for water-based activities, including wind surfing and wake-boarding, and provides a refreshing escape on warm days for visitors, campers, and locals alike. Families can enjoy splashing around with the kids and cooling off after a waterside picnic or just enjoy a bush walk around the water's edge.
With lawned picnic areas, BBQs, playgrounds, pontoons and picturesque mountain ranges as a backdrop, Green Hill Lake is a perfect place to relax and unwind or get a little adventurous.
Known as the 'home of aquatic sports, ' Lake Bolac has it all; swimming, skiing, sailing, fishing and camping. If you're up for water sports and swimming, you can settle in and set yourself up here for a day or two. While fishing and camping are prevalent along the 20 kilometre shoreline, there are plenty of picnic areas, BBQs, shelters and designated swimming beaches for an enjoyable day on the water. Lake Bolac also has an outdoor swimming pool with plenty of shade and a toddler pool for beginners.
Lake Fyans, situated between Stawell and Halls Gap in the Grampians region, is a gem for those seeking a natural swimming spot that also offers a range of recreational activities, including water skiing, boating, fishing and sailing.
Known for its stunning, unspoiled mountain views, sandy beaches and calm, clear waters, Lake Fyans is a popular holiday destination for families, thanks in part to the legendary Lake Fyans Holiday Park.
There are two main beaches at Lake Fyans that both offer extending shallows:
Lake Bellfield, just a short drive from Halls Gap, offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Grampians region while cooling off in its pristine waters.
To find the best swimming spot at Lake Bellfield, continue past the dam wall for approximately one kilometre until you reach the Lake Bellfield Picnic Area. Here, you'll discover a designated swimming area with a gently sloping beach. This location is ideal for families and those seeking a relaxed swimming experience.
Many staying at the world-class Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park adjacent to Lake Bellfield will bring up a camp chair to sit in the water, open a cold local brew, and enjoy the serenity. If mountain waters are not your thing, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park has two pools comfortably heated year-round.
Venus Baths in Halls Gap is a natural wonder worth exploring, offering a refreshing escape and an easy-walk destination.
The bathing holes have been naturally formed in the sandstone rock and are perfect for cooling off on a hot day or after a hike while immersing yourself in the area's natural beauty.
To reach Venus Baths, you can take a leisurely stroll through the Hall Gap Botanical Gardens, which showcases a haven of plants endemic to The Grampians. If you wish to dip your toes in a more secluded spot, there are other water holes further up the trail toward Splitters Falls.
For those who prefer the nostalgic comforts of a public swimming pool, Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre boasts a 25m outdoor pool with not one, but two waterslides! An indoor pool and spa together with a gym and multi-purpose sports stadium means there’s something for everyone. While in Stawell, don’t miss Grampians Ale Works for freshly-brewed beers and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Lake Hamilton has always been a popular destination for water enthusiasts. While kids have a blast wading in the waters, it's best known for activities like water skiing, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
For those looking to relax by the water, the grassy banks on Mill Road near the boat ramp are ideal. Here, you can enjoy a barbecue, use the playground, access toilets, and picnic with family or friends.
In addition to the lake, Hamilton also has an indoor leisure and aquatic centre. This facility provides a convenient and controlled environment for swimming and other aquatic activities. There's also an outdoor pool with all the amenities you might need for a comfortable and enjoyable swimming experience.
Rocklands Reservoir, spanning over 6,700 hectares, stands as Victoria's second-largest lake. Situated north of Hamilton and a mere 15-minute drive from Balmoral, it offers a multitude of water-based adventures, including fishing, boating, canoeing, and leisurely splashing around.
The Reservoir boasts numerous idyllic picnicking spots, where kids can enjoy water fights with super soakers while parents cook up a summertime feast on the Weber grill. For those seeking a tranquil bush camping experience with quick access to the lake, Glendinning, located on the reservoir's western edge, is the go-to spot. Whether you're in the mood for active pursuits or simply wish to unwind in a serene natural setting, Rocklands Reservoir has something for everyone, making it the perfect escape destination.
Nigretta Falls is a popular natural attraction located in the Southern Grampians region. It's a great place for families to visit, as it offers not only the opportunity for kids to enjoy rock hopping and wading but also a chance for everyone to take in the natural beauty of the area.
While you're in the Hamilton region, call into local favourite The Roxburgh House for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks - ‘The Rox’ has you covered. And spend a night or few at the family-owned and operated AAT 28 Goldsmith Hotel, where guests are treated like family.
Horsham and the nearby regions are blessed with various natural water bodies like Taylors Lake, Green Lake, Lake Natimuk, Mitre Lake, Lake Wartook, Pine Lake, Lake Tooloondo, and Dock Lake. Not to mention the Wimmera River. And while you can’t beat being waterside in the great outdoors, sometimes you also can’t beat the kids begging and begging to go to the pool. The Horsham Aquatic Centre has five swimming pools and is well-equipped to cater for people of all swimming preferences and access needs. It's a popular choice among locals seeking a place to cool down and enjoy some aquatic fun. On the other hand, if fresh air, green grass and the tranquil sounds of native bird species is what relaxes you, dip your toes in mountain waters and feel instantly refreshed.
Green Lake, located just 10 kilometres from Horsham on the Western Highway, offers a range of water-based and recreational activities in a picturesque natural setting. Featuring a sandy shore, the reserve is perfect for a day of relaxation by the water, with visitors able to enjoy picnics, barbecues, and the convenience of boat ramps for easy access to the lake.
If you have a paddleboard, Green Lake is the ideal place to use it, as you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and enchanting bushlands. The lake's open expanse in the right conditions makes it an exciting spot for windsurfing enthusiasts. The Horsham Yacht Club is also located at Green Lake.
Green Lake is not only a hub for water-based activities but also a birdwatcher's paradise, with the lake attracting numerous bird species, including various water birds.
Taylor’s Lake, 20 kilometres southeast of Horsham, is always a popular spot for water activity, especially with its ample parking, toilet facilities, boat ramps, camping grounds, nearby picnic facilities and dog-friendly foreshores. The lake features a sandy beach that stretches several hundred metres, offering a wonderful place to relax and soak up the sun. The northern side of the lake is particularly noted for having the best sand.
If you're planning to spend time touring the lakes around Horsham, The Horsham Holiday Park or The Capital in Horsham are the best places to catch a few Zs before a big day out on the water.
By exploring the Grampians region this summer, you can enjoy a refreshing and peaceful escape in a stunning natural setting, creating lasting memories away from the crowds.
Remember to be water safe and be grateful for this beautiful Australian destination by minimising your impact on the environment. Pack up all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife, and stick to designated trails and camping areas to help preserve the natural beauty of the Grampians so generations can enjoy in years to come.
