Lake Fyans, Victoria: Why visit this Grampians lake?
Lake Fyans in the Grampians, Victoria, is more a base for locals on a family holiday than a must-see for overseas visitors. But there’s good fishing and a perimeter walking circuit to enjoy.
Lake Fyans, just outside the Grampians National Park in Victoria, is not really an attraction aimed at overseas visitors. It doesn’t pretend to be a bucket list place, and no-one should be under any impression that it is.
This small, man-made lake is the sort of place that makes an easy break from Melbourne for families. And there’s nothing wrong with that. For Australians wanting somewhere pleasant to go fishing, waterskiing or sailing, Lake Fyans does an admirable job.
Where is Lake Fyans?
Lake Fyans is just to the east of Halls Gap, the main tourism hub town of the Grampians region. Along the Western Highway past Melton and Ballarat, Lake Fyans is just under a three hour drive from Melbourne. On the drive from Melbourne to Halls Gap, Halls Gap Zoo is roughly halfway between Lake Fyans and Halls Gap.
If you’ve got a limited time in the Grampians region, then you’re better off seeing the Halls Gap kangaroos, driving to the Boroka Lookout, walking to MacKenzie Falls and enjoy the fine Grampians food and drink scene.
Pick the right Grampians tour from Melbourne
- Small group eco-tour – including Silverband Falls and Mackenzie Falls.
- Great Ocean Road AND the Grampians – two day tour.
- Private Grampians tour – pick which sights you want to include.
- Small group hiking tour – with three hiking trails.
Where Lake Fyans comes into its own is as a base for exploring the Grampians if you’ve got plenty of time. For families coming from Melbourne for a few days away, or people taking a several month trip around Australia, the lake suddenly becomes a viable holiday spot.
Lake Fyans Holiday Park
The main hub of energy at the lake is the Lake Fyans Holiday Park. You don’t have to stay at the holiday park to enjoy the facilities – just pay a few dollars at the reception desk. This will allow you to use the toilets, playground and beach on the shore of the lake.
There is, however, another beach on Lake Fyans that you can access free of charge. Kelley’s Beach is on the south-western side of the lake.
Waterskiing and sailing are popular activities on the lake, but you need your own boat and waterskis. That’s realistically going to rule out the vast majority of overseas visitors, who should stick to fishing and walking instead. Anglers will enjoy the hefty stocks of brown trout and rainbow trout, while walkers can take on the 9.6km circuit around the lake’s perimeter.
More things to do in Victoria
Climb the Round The Twist lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road.
Go walking in the Mt Disappointment State Forest.
Hire a bike for the day from Yarra Valley Cycles.
Take a scenic train ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
Go on a husky-sledding tour at Mount Baw Baw.