Explore some of Victoria’s best boating destinations
Get your boat ready and make a splash in some of Victoria’s most beautiful waterways.
Boating is one of Australia’s most popular recreational activities, and Victoria does not disappoint when it comes to delivering breathtaking waterways to enchant every kind of boating enthusiast.
From stunning coastlines and picturesque lakes to meandering rivers, there is plenty of enjoyment to be found on, under and around the water.
With so much on offer, we have narrowed down some of the fan-favourite destinations that offer diverse and unforgettable experiences for all the aquatically inclined.
Gippsland
For those seeking a boating holiday destination, the Gippsland region has everything you could ask for — and then some.
From coastal waters hemmed by beaches to expansive sheltered lakes to explore, not to mention a bounty of friendly townships within easy reach of the water, Gippsland is a treasure trove of boating experiences.
And just to make things even better, you’ll be able to enjoy the surrounding national parks and wilderness reserves either as a stunning backdrop during your day (or days) on the water or explore them on foot to truly soak in all this beautiful region has to offer.
Destinations such as Mallacoota are a boater and anglers paradise, with both river and ocean access.
If you’re coming from Melbourne or Sydney, the travel distance might make you think twice about hitching up your trailer boat for a weekend trip — but remember, you’re not the only one with such concerns and that tends to keep the crowds away.
The Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland region has approximately 500km of coastline and various waterways to explore. So, to help narrow down your destination, we recommend the Gippsland Lakes region.
Comprised of three key lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake King and Lake Wellington (with Lake Tyers further east), this area is one of Victoria’s most popular recreational boating destinations — and deservedly so. Paynesville, Metung and Lakes Entrance are excellent holiday spots that provide easy access to protected inland waters surrounded by a verdant national parks and reserves, separated from Bass Strait by little more than a vegetated strip of sand dunes.
There are plenty of spots to get started on the water, with various public jetties (most of which are equipped with basic facilities) and safe moorings, making it easy to motor from pub to hotel or coffee shop to restaurant. The bottoms are soft and sandy and there are no reefs and very few rocks to worry about. There are, however, some shallow waters.
The lakes hold a diverse range of fish species that can keep anglers busy indefinitely. The most common catches are bream, perch, flathead, salmon, whiting, mulloway, luderick and tailor.
If you do choose to venture out from the lakes and hit the coastal waters, you can motor through the man-made access channel at Lakes Entrance and explore the vast stretches of Ninety Mile Beach and find your own stretch of private paradise. While you’re out there, keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins and, if the time is right, a whale or two.
Lake Eildon
Heading inland, Lake Eildon can be found between the towns of Mansfield and Eildon, and within the Lake Eildon National Park. This expansive man-made catchment was completed in 1955, when existing dams were enlarged to increase capabilities of irrigating the Goulburn Valley.
But these days it is the playground for recreational boaters and anyone wanting to enjoy water sports and the beautiful natural surrounds. Additionally, Lake Eildon is known as being the only reservoir in Victoria that permits houseboats.
If your boat is less accommodating for extended stays, Eildon, Mansfield and Bonnie Doon have plenty of accommodation and supplies, or you can explore the variety of campsites around the lake. Further information about these campsites and how to book them can be found at Parks Victoria.
The expansive waterways are perfect for wakeboarding and waterskiing, enabling towboats to get up enough speed to satisfy even the most die-hard riders. Anglers can have a crack at hooking brown and rainbow trout, Murray cod and golden perch, along with several other species that can grow to monstrous proportions in the lake.
And if the itinerary calls for a day or two off the water, the Lake Eildon National Park contains some of the state’s most idyllic walking trails.
Port Phillip Bay
Port Phillip Bay is the largest bay in Australia, bounded by 264km of coastline that you can explore from the water, and is one of Australia’s most popular recreational destinations. The calm waters are popular with sailors and powered cruisers alike and offer the opportunity for keen skippers to pass between destinations such as Melbourne, Geelong, Queenscliff, Sorrento and Mornington.
And with plenty of marinas, jetties and spots to drop anchor and relax, there’s something to enthral every kind of water lover, both on and under the water.
Mornington Pier and its accompanying jetty is a favourite among anglers and boaters, and provides options for boat hire, shops and eateries just a short walk away. While the Queenscliff Boat Ramp on the Bellarine Peninsula is a popular choice for those hoping to enjoy water activities in Port Phillip, Corio Bay and offshore.
Popes Eye
One such unique boating location includes Popes Eye within the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Popes Eye is an artificial structure approximately 5km north-east of Portsea, with a depth of 1.5m within the ring, dropping off to around 10m on the exterior side. This structure allows safe anchorage for pleasure crafts and is a popular spot for divers and snorkellers of varying skill levels as there are many opportunities to spot colourful reef fish, octopuses, gorgonian corals, seals and more.
Marine national parks and sanctuaries
Port Phillip Bay is home to four marine national parks and sanctuaries: Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, Point Addis Marine National Park, Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. These areas host and protect a diverse marine life not found anywhere else in the world, and provide plenty of swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities for varying speed levels. The marine-protected marines also allow low-speed recreational boating, paddling and sailing. But before heading into these areas, be sure you know the boundaries and any restrictions — such as no fishing of any kind or taking or damaging animals, plants or objects — as harsh penalties apply. Further information can be found at Parks Victoria.
An angler’s paradise
But anglers need not despair — Port Phillip has a surface area 35 times the size of Sydney Harbour, so there are still plenty of other opportunities for fishing adventures in these waters. Whether you have trevally, snapper, squid, leatherjackets, salmon or bream in your sights, Patterson River Ramp is a popular place to start your journey. But there are many convenient options around the bay.
While your fishing gear is an obvious item to bring on board, the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app with its ‘Can I Fish Here?’ tool is a good point of reference to ensure you don’t drop a line in a restricted area, and allows you to easily buy a recreational fishing licence online.
Marine life
And while you’re on the water, be sure to keep an eye out for the marine wildlife, including whales, dolphins and seals.
Dolphins are more frequently found at the southern end of Port Phillip, and if you’re lucky you might spot a Burrunan dolphin — a unique species of Bottlenose dolphin that calls Port Phillip home.
For seal spotting, head to Chinaman’s Hat, a unique structure in the South Channel where the seals frequently bask in the sun.
Humpback and southern right whales can also be seen during their migration from May to October. For those already on the water, just keep your binoculars close by. But for those on land, Cape Woolamai, Pyramid Rock or San Remo Jetty are some fan-favourite places to spot these majestic mammals (with the help of binoculars).
Please note, while encounters with marine mammals is an exciting thought for many, it is important not to get too close to the animals when on the water, and to leave them alone if they show any signs of agitation, such as diving or quickly changing direction. Any possible encounters should be because the animal chose to approach you, and not the other way around!
A drop in the ocean
We’ve only dipped our toe into some of the stunning waterways that Victoria has to offer. From the Murray River to the Great Ocean Road, there’s always more to explore. But one thing can be said for certain — whether you’re seeking serene waters to unwind on or an exhilarating adventure, Victoria has you covered.
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