Melbourne, often referred to as "the unofficial sports capital of Australia," has several intriguing tourist destinations, including museums, parks, markets, and culinary outlets. For cricket fans, nothing beats a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the city's most famous monument.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia, and it also has a large number of lakes. It's possible to come find one of these lakes just about everywhere in the metropolis.
Since so many conveniences can be found along the beaches of these natural reservoirs, they are often visited by both residents and tourists.
How long has it been since you inhaled some fresh, unpolluted air straight from Mother Nature?
From the frantic pace of Melbourne to the tranquillity of the Lakes and a few more places in between, we have planned a journey just for you. Along the way, you'll make a series of stops designed to bring you closer to nature and help you relax.
We're certain that following this little tour, you'll feel considerably more at ease. The first order of business on any worthwhile road trip is to make sure you're well prepared. We made a list of things you may need to bring to help.
Beautiful Melbourne Lakes
Melbourne is home to a number of beautiful lakes, and we've compiled a list of best ones so you can plan your trip. The water supply for the city itself and its neighbouring suburbs relies heavily on these lakes
Albert Park Lake
Three kilometres from Melbourne's central business district, in the City of Port Phillip, is one of the city's nicest lakes. A total of 120 acres are devoted to the lake and its surrounding parks. The park has a variety of sporting facilities, including a golf course and a walking track.
The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is also a popular destination. Some say the big Red Gum Tree standing nearby is almost 300 years old and has seen many corroboree in its time. At any one time, the park will provide nine distinct picnic areas, each with its own grill, set of bathrooms, and set of canopies. Aside from its boating facilities, the park also has a playground and a walking route overlooking the lake.
- Location: City of Port Phillip
Lake Aura Vale
Water from this lake is a crucial component of Melbourne's water infrastructure. Being one of Melbourne's key lakes, the location plays a crucial role in the city's drainage system. While swimming is not recommended, other water sports such as canoeing and sailing are available.
Locals often have intimate gatherings and picnics in the park's surrounding region. In this location, you'll find a bunch of picnic tables as well as a few restrooms. Find a seat facing the beautiful lake and relax. Both of the parking rows here are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
- Location: Wellington Road, Selby
- Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Westgate Park Lake
Like many other natural phenomena, the existence of this pink lake has been explained by scientists. Day trips to Melbourne are a must for anybody spending the summer in Sydney or Brisbane. Only in regions with extremely high temperatures and few wet days can this extraordinary phenomenon occur.
The high salt content of the water, along with the warm temperatures, promotes the development of red algae, which leads to this phenomenon. It is this alga that is responsible for the water's pinkish hue, since it reflects sunlight.
Don't miss out on this amazing natural phenomenon if you happen to be in Melbourne, Australia, this summer. You can't help but be mesmerised by the vibrant colours of Melbourne's Pink Lake.
- Location: Todd Road is a 5-minute walk away.
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
This lake or river in Melbourne stands out among the city's numerous others. This urban reserve in Whitehorse is one of the city's few surviving patches of bushland. The area is home to ecologically valuable woodlands, abundant plant and animal life, a large lake, and well-kept hiking paths.
Throughout the year, this city hosts a wide variety of educational events geared on helping kids develop their skills. Pacific Black, Eurasian Coot, and Duck Chestnut Teal,are just a few of the numerous types of birds that may be seen here. If you're looking for somewhere to go to relax and soak up some peaceful nature, you've found the right spot.
- Location: City of Whitehorse
FAQs About Melbourne Lake
Taking a picnic, camping, witnessing flora and fauna and visiting some of the on-site restaurants are some of the lake water activities you can try in Melbourne.
The types of lakes in Melbourne are Artificial Lakes, Botanic Gardens Lakes, Ornamental Lakes, Park Lakes, Reserve Lakes, Swamp Lakes, and Wetland Lakes.
No, you cannot swim in protected lakes, reservoirs and lakes, which are meant for the drinking water sources in Melbourne.
Upper Yarra Reservoir is one of the safest and most popular lakes for camping in Melbourne.
In the province of Victoria, there are around 50 lakes with a surface area bigger than 70 hectares.
Lake Caribbean
This is one of Melbourne's many lakes, and it's located in the Scoresby suburbs; it's 100 acres in size and has a full-fledged market in addition to the lake and surrounding gardens. A great spot for amusement where everyone may have a good time. Numerous picnic areas with lots of tables and grills can be found here, and they all benefit from the shade of towering Pine, Elm, and Gum trees.
The park has several rides, such as the toy train, the chairlift, and the jungle safari. This final one will carry you well over the lake, where you can take in the scenery from a bird's eye view. Every Wednesday and Sunday, thousands of vendors set up shop at the main market to sell their wares.
- Location: 25 miles from Melbourne is Scoresby.
Lillydale Lake
One of Melbourne's lakes, this man-made body of water has a leisure centre where visitors can unwind and have fun after a day seeing the city. Not only is there a designated picnic and BBQ area, but there are also many parks for kids, all of which have state-of-the-art playground equipment. There is a potential 10km of walking path.
The lake is also a great place to go boating and fishing. There is a communal space available for events and gatherings that guests may reserve in advance. Here, visitors in wheelchairs may enjoy a Liberty Swing, a one-of-a-kind swinging experience.
- Location: 45 kilometres separate Lilydale from Melbourne.
Cherry Lake
This lake, built in the 1960s as a flood retention precaution, is part of the well-known wetlands of coastal Altona and can be found in Melbourne's outer suburbs. Significant animal reserves surround the waterways, which attract tourists who use them as a base for outdoor leisure.
There are all the amenities necessary for a pleasant excursion, including a paved walking route, playground equipment, including rides for kids, picnic tables, covered pavilions, and clean bathrooms. The fishing and boating opportunities in the area are enhanced by the clear, risk-free water. After an exciting day, visitors may refuel at one of the numerous nearby restaurants, cafés, and snack stands.
- Location: Altona
Upper Yarra Reservoir
Reefton, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, houses the city's most important piece of its water distribution network. The Yarra River, which meanders across the area, makes for one of the most magnificent scenes imaginable. The walkways are a sight to see, what with the tall Eucalyptus trees along them.
The reservoir is breathtaking from a number of different vantage points. To that end, we have located a campsite. Campsite bookings are only available over the internet. Reconnecting with one's inner self may be achieved by activities such as walking, picnics, camping, or even just spending time alone. You can be sure that your time here will be filled with incredible memories.
- Location: East of Warburton
Yarra Yarra River
The Yarra River, sometimes known as the "Yarra Yarra," runs through the centre of Melbourne. Numerous tourist hotspots, including the Melbourne Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Herring Island Park, and many more, line the river's shores. The river is the site of several magnificent events, including the Melbourne Festival and the internationally renowned Rowing Festival, Moomba Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.
Following the course of the Yarra River, you'll find a plethora of shopping centres, outdoor markets, picnic spaces, and hiking paths of varying difficulty. Take a trip on a private boat or yacht, go on a river tour, or do both! If you're interested in the history and culture of the city, you really must pay a visit here.
Sugarloaf Reservoir
The Christmas Hills provide a beautiful location for a picnic, with the placid waters of the reservoir as a background. The 15-kilometre-long trail is perfect for hikers, as it provides excellent vantage points from which to take in the stunning scenery.
It's easy to have a wonderful time with loved ones at this park, since it provides all the comforts and conveniences you could want. The park is home to a number of rowing boats and sailing organisations. Simply said, it's a fantastic location for a number of joyful, memorable occasions with loved ones.
- Location: Northeast of Melbourne is Christmas Hills.
Dreamy Wild Swimming Places In Melbourne
Were you able to feel it? Getting some much-needed sun and seeing your Vitamin D levels start to climb again can't be beat. The weather in Melbourne is finally starting to warm up, and it's about time. After a long, bitter winter, city dwellers' demeanour changes, and the obvious solution is to pack up the kombi, put on their swimsuits, and go out into the woods in search of some pleasantly warm water to plunge into.
For a good time in the summer, nothing beats a good old-fashioned beach excursion, but things may become unpleasant and the wet sands. Here are the top eight places to go swimming and cooling down within a day's drive of Melbourne, should you be seeking for a more exciting way to spend your summer there.
Falls Turpin, Langley
Swimming at the hard-and-high-rock-coddled Turpin Falls on the Campaspe River, famous for its passive-aggressive snakes and cliff-diving escapades, is a delightful twelve clicks outside of Kyneton and about an hour from the CBD.
The latter isn't allowed due to an increase in injuries, hence it's no longer popular. Even so, Turpin is among the most invigorating places to escape the heat because of its granite ledge, flowing waterfalls, and refreshing billabong waters.
Narre Warren, Lysterfield Lake
The freshwater swimming experience at Lysterfield Lake is one of the cleanest, though not precisely 'wild,' in the metro area, despite the occasional outbreak of blue-green algae.
Lysterfield, a water treatment facility constructed in the 1930s to meet the needs of the Mornington Peninsula, is now a popular destination for canoeing, picnics, and a wide variety of water-based activities. Well done!
Warrandyte, Pound Bend
To reach a popular Yarra River swimming spot near the tunnel's entrance, one has to go 24 kilometres to Warrandyte State Park.
You may ancestors for creating such a wonderful water pond, since the Tunnel was built to redirect water and enable gold mining in the Yarra's redirected tributary.
Eltham's Laughing Waters
If you set your course towards Eltham and take a leisurely ride down some sandy roads and through a farm or two, you should eventually find yourself in the grips.
There aren't many places to go swimming, but this stretch of the Yarra is one of them, and it has a delightful network of pools connected by little rapids. A lot of the river is not swimmable since it is utilised as a storm drain, a drain for irrigation, and a place for septic tanks to empty.
At Laughing Waters, you may take a bath in the sun in forest solitude at a site that is cradled by natural vegetation and the occasional picnic area.
Strathbogie's Polly McQuinns
A little swimming hole with a rich history, Polly McQuinns may be reached in approximately half an hour from Euroa through the Creeks and sunny Strathbogie. One early immigrant who became infamously known as "Polly" due to his inability to grow.
According to legend, Polly fell over the nearby bridge with a jinker horse and perished in the same body of water. And because Polly's corpse was never recovered, the water hole is supposed to be bottomless. Just keep all that in mind if you plan on going swimming here at night.
Fairy Cove, In The National Park Of Wilsons Promontory
If you're looking for stunning natural scenery and some greatest swimming, go no farther than Wilson's Prom. Even while it would make for a good day excursion, you could get more out of this experience if you set up a whole weekend for it.
You may get there by taking a sled down which will lead you to Fairy Cove, a hidden and picturesque haven in the middle of the Promontory's magnificent coastline.
Wingan River, Croajingolong National Park
You'll burn through gas faster than usual, but this destination is well worth the effort. Croajingolong National Park, covering an area of 88,355 acres, is located in extreme East Gippsland, not far from the Mallacoota inlet.
This 100-kilometre length of eucalypt woodland and heathland is home to several swimming holes and billabongs, including the breathtaking Wingan River Rapids and the intriguingly named Elusive Lake.
Best Kayaking Spots In Melbourne
A great place to go kayaking may not be as far away as you think, especially if you live in Melbourne. There are several reasons why Victoria, the capital of Victoria, is a fantastic spot to go kayaking.
Lower Yarra River, Melbourne
The Yarra River is an iconic feature of Melbourne's CBD and a popular destination for a wide range of watersports. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the lower Yarra, which flows through the city's geographic centre. Your boating adventure may begin in the Botanic Gardens, next to Morrell's Bridge, and take you to Herron Island or the Docklands.
Felt hesitant to take the initiative? Paddling a kayak around the city is a great way to explore the attractions in a unique and enjoyable manner. City Sights is $82, while the famous Moonlight Tour costs $99 (including all paddling gear, water, a guide, and chips and fish for the nighttime cruisers).
Williamstown
Moving from the river to the sea is as simple as taking a 25-minute drive to Williamstown, where you'll find the ideal conditions for some leisurely kayaking in the placid waters of Port Phillip Bay. As Melbourne's first port, this location is ideal for novice paddlers. It was founded in 1837.
Point Gellibrand is surrounded by very placid, protected seas, making for a relaxing paddle (though dolphin sightings are always a possibility). You may also round the corner to Williamstown Beach and use the ramp at the Williamstown and Newport Anglers' Club.
After you've worked up an appetite on the water, return to shore and enjoy of the best fish and chips in the region.
Gippsland Lakes
Getting there from Melbourne requires approximately a 3.5-hour trip, but you'll be glad you did since you'll get to enjoy the greatest kayaking in the area. There are several launch sites around the country where you may launch a kayak for a day or two of paddling.
Many people visit the well-known Ninety Mile Beach to go scuba diving, snorkeling, or to engage in any number of other water activities since it is one of the longest stretches of unspoilt sand in the world. Given the abundance of marine life around, you could even get a glimpse of some seals or dolphins having a good old time. Launch your boat at Lakes Entrance and spend the day relaxing on the placid water.
St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
St. Kilda is closer to the heart of the city, and its closeness to the water, vibrant nightlife, and thriving café culture make it a favourite destination for both residents and visitors. Take a sea kayak out for a guided tour and paddle around the pier and then go towards the breakwater to see if you can see the local small penguin population.
Sailing over Hobson's Bay and Williamstown on a sunny day is beautiful even if you don't see any cute seagulls.
Lake Nagambie
This lake hosts a number of kayaking competitions annually, so you may feel confident launching your craft there.
About an hour and a half north of Melbourne is Lake Nagambie, where you can go boating on placid waters and see many of native species. Having so many fun things to do makes it a great destination to spend the day with the kids.
After you've gotten your fill of kayaking, you can take advantage of the moderate climate by visiting some local wineries or the bustling lakeside town of Nagambie.
Conclusion
Melbourne is home to several scenic lakes, and to help you organise your visit, we've produced a list of the greatest ones. We've made a trip that spans the whole country, from the bustle of Melbourne to the peace of the Lakes and beyond. Whitehorse's urban reserve is one of the city's few remaining areas of natural vegetation. Forests, a huge lake, a variety of plant and animal life, and well-maintained hiking trails make this region ecologically significant. Anyone spending the summer in Sydney or Brisbane should make a day trip to Melbourne.
With the Yarra River winding through the landscape, this place is quite breathtaking. The "Yarra," another name for the Yarra River, flows right through the heart of Melbourne. Its banks are lined by parks and other attractions popular with visitors, such as Melbourne Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Herring Island Park, and many more. As the peaceful waters of the reservoir serve as a picturesque backdrop, a picnic in the Christmas Hills is a lovely idea. Gold was mined in the Yarra's diverted tributary when the Yarra Tunnel was constructed to divert water.
The river is heavily used as a storm drain, an irrigation drains, and a septic tank dump. Therefore, much of it is unsafe for swimming. However, if you are a kayaking enthusiast living in Melbourne, a fantastic kayaking spot may be farther away than you think. One of the most recognisable features of Melbourne's central business district, the Yarra River also serves as a popular setting for various watersports. Towards the end of East Gippsland, close to the Mallacoota inlet, you'll find Croajingolong National Park. At 90 miles long, Ninety Mile Beach is one of the world's longest expanses of pristine beach.
Paddle a sea kayak around the pier on a guided tour. Lake Nagambie is another option, with its calm waters and plenty of local wildlife.
Content Summary
- Melbourne often referred to as "the unofficial sports capital of Australia," has several intriguing tourist destinations, including museums, parks, markets, and culinary outlets.
- For cricket fans, nothing beats a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the city's most famous monument.
- Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia, and it also has a large number of lakes.
- Melbourne is home to some beautiful lakes, and we've compiled a list of the best ones so you can plan your trip.
- The water supply for the city and its neighbouring suburbs relies heavily on these lakes, kilometres from Melbourne's central business district, in the City of Port Phillip, one of the city's nicest lakes.
- The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is also a popular destination.
- This extraordinary phenomenon can occur only in regions with extremely high temperatures and few wet days.
- The water's high salt content and warm temperatures promote the development of red algae, which leads to this phenomenon.
- Don't miss out on this amazing natural phenomenon if you happen to be in Melbourne, Australia, this summer.
- You can't help but be mesmerised by the vibrant colours of Melbourne's Pink Lake.
- One of Melbourne's lakes, this artificial body of water, has a leisure centre where visitors can unwind and have fun after a day of seeing the city.
- The lake is also a great place to go boating and fishing.
- This lake, built in the 1960s as a flood retention precaution, is part of the well-known wetlands of coastal Altona and can be found in Melbourne's outer suburbs.
- All the amenities are necessary for a pleasant excursion, including a paved walking route, playground equipment, rides for kids, picnic tables, covered pavilions, and clean bathrooms.
- The Yarra River, sometimes known as the "Yarra Yarra," runs through the centre of Melbourne.
- Following the course of the Yarra River, you'll find various shopping centres, outdoor markets, picnic spaces, and hiking paths of varying difficulty.
- Take a private boat or yacht trip, go on a river tour, or do both!
- The weather in Melbourne is finally starting to warm up, and it's about time.
- Nothing beats a good old-fashioned beach excursion for a good time in the summer, but things may become unpleasant and the wet sands.
- Here are the top eight places to go swimming and cooling down within a day's drive of Melbourne, should you seek a more exciting way to spend your summer there.
- The freshwater swimming experience at Lysterfield Lake is one of the cleanest, though not precisely 'wild,' in the metro area, despite the occasional outbreak of blue-green algae.
- Lysterfield, a water treatment facility constructed in the 1930s to meet the needs of the Mornington Peninsula, is now a popular destination for canoeing, picnics, and a wide variety of water-based activities.
- Well done!To reach a popular Yarra River swimming spot near the tunnel's entrance, one has to go 24 kilometres to Warrandyte State Park.
- You may have ancestors for creating such a wonderful water pond since the Tunnel was built to redirect water and enable gold mining in the Yarra's redirected tributary.
- There aren't many places to go swimming, but this stretch of the Yarra is one of them, and it has a delightful network of pools connected by little rapids.
- At Laughing Waters, you may take a bath in the sun in forest solitude at a site cradled by natural vegetation and the occasional picnic area.
- A little swimming hole with a rich history, Polly McQuinns may be reached in approximately half an hour from Euroa through the Creeks and sunny Strathbogie.
- You may get there by taking a sled down, leading you to Fairy Cove, a hidden and picturesque haven in the middle of the Promontory's magnificent coastline.
- Croajingolong National Park, covering an area of 88,355 acres, is located in extreme East Gippsland, not far from the Mallacoota inlet.
- A great place to go kayaking may not be as far away as you think, especially if you live in Melbourne.
- There are several reasons why Victoria, the capital of Victoria, is a fantastic spot to go kayaking.
- The Yarra River is an iconic feature of Melbourne's CBD and a popular destination for a wide range of watersports.
- Paddling a kayak around the city is a great way to explore the attractions uniquely and enjoyably.
- Many people visit the well-known Ninety Mile Beach to go scuba diving, snorkelling, or other water activities since it is one of the longest stretches of unspoilt sand worldwide.
- Given the abundance of marine life, you could even glimpse some seals or dolphins having a good old time.
- Launch your boat at Lakes Entrance and spend the day relaxing on the calm water.
- St. Kilda is closer to the heart of the city, and its closeness to the water, vibrant nightlife and thriving café culture make it a favourite destination for both residents and visitors.
- About an hour and a half north of Melbourne is Lake Nagambie, where you can go boating on calm waters and see many native species.
- After you've gotten your fill of kayaking, you can take advantage of the moderate climate by visiting some local wineries or the bustling lakeside town of Nagambie.
