A weekend at Lake Eildon

Less than three hours' drive from Melbourne, Lake Eildon extends its multiple arms in all directions through the verdant valleys of the High Country. Formed by the construction of a dam on the Goulburn River, this lake is the second largest body of water in the state. It is also a place of incomparable beauty, perfect for a weekend getaway from Melbourne! If you’re keen to explore regional Victoria, make sure to take a trip to Lake Eildon, the perfect introduction to the many wonders of the High Country.

The perfect introduction to the High Country

Summary

The High Country
What to do around Lake Eildon
Staying near Lake Eildon

The High Country

In the north-east of Victoria, the High Country is a region of hills and mountains stretching from the Yarra Valley to the border with New South Wales. This is where the closest winter sports resorts to Melbourne are located, such as Mt Buller for example. Further east, Mount Bogong is the highest point in the state, at 1986m above sea level. Finally, this region is home to several national parks, such as the Alpine National Park, Mt Buffalo National Park, or Lake Eildon National Park.

Coming from Melbourne, Lake Eildon is at the very beginning of the High Country, just after the Yarra Valley. It takes less than two and a half hours of driving to reach the small town of Eildon on its south shore. This is where the dam on the Goulburn River which created this lake was built between 1915 and 1929, providing both electricity and water for the region. The national park which protects much of the lakeshore is the perfect place to spend a pleasant weekend and get a first glimpse of the many wonders of the High Country.

Mt Buller

What to do around Lake Eildon

Given the surface area of ​​the lake (more than 13,000 hectares) and its jagged outline with arms extending in all directions, it would take several days to go all the way around it. I have myself only seen a small part of it close to Eildon, but enough to make me want to go back, and enough to write this article to encourage you to explore it! If you have more tips about what to see and do in the area, please send me a message to let me know.

Arriving in Eildon, begin with this famous dam, that you can observe from the Eildon Spillway lookout. The difference in altitude between the lake on one side and the Goulburn River on the other is quite impressive. And for good reason: the dam is no less than 84.5m high!

Even more impressive is the stunning view from Foggs lookout. Named after the engineer James Fogg who designed the dam, this summit at an altitude of 503m (more than 200m above the lake) offers an exceptional panorama, one of the most beautiful in Victoria.

You can enjoy other fantastic views along the aptly named Skyline Road to the north of Eildon.

Hiking lovers will find several trails along the lake, notably around Devil Cove in the northern part of the national park. Find more details on these trails by consulting the Visitor Guide. Who says lake also says water activities! Fishing, kayaking, paddle, water skiing, you will be spoiled for choice. Lake Eildon is also the only lake in Victoria on which houseboats are permitted, the opportunity for an original and pleasant stay on the water.

Finally, a few kilometres from Eildon, don't miss the magnificent Snob Creek Falls. Between these waterfalls and the truly deafening noise of the giant cicadas that live in the area, the atmosphere of this place is really special!

Staying near Lake Eildon

You will have several accommodation opportunities around Lake Eildon, notably in Eildon or in Mansfield, on the northeast side. But it’s also a place that lends itself particularly well to camping. I recommend the Lakeside campground about twenty kilometres north of Eildon. You can pitch your tent or park your van just a few steps from the shore! The campground is equipped with several campfire spots, ideal for a barbecue, and the toilets are quite clean. As for wildlife, you might see kangaroos, possums and many kinds of birds. Get ready to be woken up by the laugh of kookaburras, which can be very early in the morning!

Like all campsites in Victoria's parks, the Lakeside campground is free between 1 December 2024 and 30 June 2025.

Large parts of Victoria can be prone to bushfire during summer. Always check the conditions on Vic Emergency before you go.

Find all the practical information on Lake Eildon National Park by downloading the Visitor Guide.

What are your favourite spots around Lake Eildon? Send me a message to let me know!