Lake Eppalock

There is currently a blue-green alage warning in place for Lake Eppalock. The Box Ironbark Forest and Dry Forest that surrounds Lake Eppalock are distinctive to central Victoria providing an important habitat for native species. They also help to protect water quality and stabilise the lake foreshore. The lake covers over 3,000 hectares and is the largest water storage in central Victoria. Construction of Lake Eppalock commenced in 1960 and was completed in 1964 to provide irrigation from the Campaspe River, and to supply water to Bendigo. In 1962 the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (now known as Goulburn-Murray Water) agreed to proposals for the development of recreational facilities on the marginal land around the lake. The lake supplies irrigation, environmental and stock and domestic water to entitlement holders as far north as Echuca as well as providing urban supplies to Bendigo, Heathcote and other central Victorian towns including more recently Ballarat. In years of plentiful water resources, water from Lake Eppalock is used to supplement the Waranga Western Channel that supplies customers in the Rochester and Pyramid-Boort irrigation areas. Lake Eppalock is located on the Campaspe River, near Bendigo in central Victoria. Name Lake Eppalock Stream Campaspe River Year of Completion 1964 Construction Earth and Rockfill Full Supply Level 193.91 m AHD Capacity 304,651 ML Area Submerged 3,011 ha Main Embankment Length 700 m Main Embankment Height 47 m Hydro-electric Generation MW Please observe all signs and directions around our storages for information on recreational activities. Lake Eppalock is one of the most popular recreational inland waterways in Victoria and is frequently visited for activities including waterskiing, fishing and boating. Walking and cycling along the O’Keefe Rail Trail is also a popular recreational activity. The lake provides numerous health and wellbeing benefits to the community and helps to fosters social connections by providing a space for family and friends to spend quality time together. Confine vehicles and motor bikes to formed public roads. Take your rubbish home. Lake Eppalock is a beautiful natural resource. You can help care for the lake so it can be enjoyed now and into the future. camping and campfires are prohibited in GMW reserves and on foreshore and lakebed areas electric barbecues are available at some reserves (see map below) refer to your local council for landfill services and consider the environment when disposing of your litter. Penalties apply for illegal dumping of rubbish don’t take plants from the foreshore, or bring any in don’t feed the animals or wildlife, or interfere with their habitats boat wash can cause erosion, keep to 5 knots within 50 metres of the water’s edge vehicles and trail bikes are only allowed on public roads within the reserve all vehicles and trail bikes must be registered and users must be licenced keep the waterway healthy by not using soap, toothpaste or detergent in the lake 1. Launching and retrieving vessels must occur from the designated boat ramp/s. 2. To avoid congestion, complete any preparation prior to launching, or when returning from the water, away from the ramp. 3. Parking is only permitted in designated areas. 4. Ensure all safety equipment is on the vessel and operational, and that lifejackets are always worn. 5. Be aware and comply with all waterway vessel operating zones. 6. Always keep a lookout for waterway hazards and operate your vessel in line with weather and waterway conditions. 7. Ensure no one is in or on the vessel when moving to and from the ramp. 8. Shade structures are not permitted within 50 metres of either side of boat ramps. 9. Stay clear of dam infrastructure. Lake Eppalock is home to Redfin, Golden Perch, Murray Cod and Trout. Red Fin can be found in the Derrinal & Kimbolton pools north of the lake. The mouths of the Coliban & Campaspe Rivers is the place to fish for Murray Cod and Gol