Discover the many rivers and lakes of the Great Ocean Road region perfect for strolling, paddling, fishing or picnicking.
1. Anglesea River
The Anglesea River winds through the centre of town, providing instant inspo for fun times and a host of native wildlife experiences. Looking for a water adventure or some lazy down time? Join the locals in the idyllic setting.
2. Curdievale River
The Curdies River has a good estuary put in point at the boat ramp and jetty north of the Great Ocean Road (Irvine st). A good northern put in point can be found at Curdievale some 8km upstream. Best access is on the western bank and boat ramp car park although there is an informal jetty directly below the Boggy Creek Hotel. The river is currently navigable for around 4km upstream of this point.
3. Gellibrand River
The Princetown Boardwalk restores an historic link from the township to the recreation reserve and river mouth. It also connects the town to a lovely picnic area and fishing platform near a bridge over the Gellibrand River.
Access: Boardwalk is partially accessible for prams and wheelchairs from the car park on Old Coach Road West (near the Gellibrand River Bridge.) Watch the uneven connection from the roadside verge to the boardwalk.
4. Glenelg River
The Glenelg River is the central feature of the Lower Glenelg National Park. The Glenelg River is a great place for fishing, canoeing, camping and picnicking along the Glenelg River. Lower Glenelg National Park is located in the south-west Victoria adjoining the South Australian border.
5. Lake Bookar
Lake Bookar offers good bird watching opportunity over spring and summer presided over by the bulk of nearby Mount Elephant. Look for hoary headed grebe and freckled duck. Lake Bookar has several islands that are more evident in higher water levels, it is used extensively in local school education programs and is looked after by a local community group.
Access: Darlington Road, Bookar. Lake is viewable from the car
6. Lake Bullen Merri
Find your own space on this crystal clear volcanic lake on the southern outskirts of Camperdown. Lake Bullen Merri’s clover-like shape is a legacy of its volcanic past; the lake was formed from the remains of three adjoining craters. Dark volcanic sands frame the beautiful waterway providing a wonderful venue for picnicking, walking, boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming. Visit on the weekends for a hive of local activity or take some time out midweek to listen to the lapping of waves on her ancient shores.
7. Lake Colac
With a surface area of 2,778 hectares and a circumference of 33 kilometres, Lake Colac is the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. The lake has an average maximum depth of 2.5 metres, however in recent years the level has been much lower than this.
The lake is part of the Corangamite basin formed by early volcanic activity, which blocked the natural outflow of Deans Creek and Barongarook Creek.
Lake Colac is a popular location for fishing, water activities and other recreation along its shoreline.
8. Lake Elizabeth
Head to Lake Elizabeth hidden deep in the Otways and discover its inspiring beauty with heavily timbered flanks and calm waters punctuated by the trunks of dead trees, drowned when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago to form this “perched lake”. The elusive platypus can be found in the waters of the lake – wake up early or head to Lake Elizabeth at dusk to catch a glimpse of these shy Australian natives.
The campground sits on the bank of the east branch of the Barwon River sheltered by tall Eucalypts trees. A scenic 20 minute walk takes you to Lake Elizabeth.
9. Lake Purrumbete
Lake Purrumbete is an attractive volcanic lake with an average depth of 45m and a maximum depth of 60m, Visitors can enjoy views across the lake to the volcanic peaks of nearby Mt Porndon and the distant bulk of Mt Elephant. The lake is spring-fed and forms the source of the Curdies River which flows into the ocean near Peterborough. Boat access is available by entering through the caravan park.
Access: Good access for bank fishing, boats can now be launched from the new concrete ramp in the caravan park
10. Lake Tooliorook
Picturesque sand bottomed Lake Tooliorook is located 5km from Lismore. The lake offers good fishing and boating amenity and superb views across to Mount Elephant (near Derrinallum).
The lake fishes well for Brown and Rainbow Trout, Redfin and short finned eel.
Enjoy a sunset over the lake and stay overnight!
Access: Views of Lake and of Mount Elephant from the car. Accessible toilets.
