Can I go swimming and fishing at Lake Glenmaggie, Victoria?

Lake Glenmaggie in the Gippsland region of Victoria lies north-east of Maffra. Swimming and fishing is allowed near the Sandy Point boat ramp.

Lake Glenmaggie in Victoria, Australia, is a man-made lake created by the Glenmaggie Dam on the Macalister River. The lake is in the Gippsland region, to the north-east of Traralgon and north-west of Sale.

The town of Glenmaggie is on the north-western shore of the lake, while Maffra is a short drive to the south-east.

Picnic areas at Lake Glenmaggie, Victoria

Lake Glenmaggie is primarily used as a reservoir, and the water levels can change substantially throughout the year. To most visitors, it’s about recreation rather than irrigation and water supply, however.

There are several picnic areas around the lake, the most fun of which is at the dam wall. The views of the hydro-electric station aren’t exactly stunning, but elsewhere around the lake are green rolling hills.

There are also toilets and barbecue facilities at the Glenmaggie Dam wall. Full facilities are explained on the Southern Rural Water website.

Can I swim in Lake Glenmaggie, Gippsland?

If you want to go for a swim, however – and most people coming to Glenmaggie probably do – head to Sandy Point instead. Swimming is permitted at Sandy Point, which is also home to the lake’s boat ramp.

Sandy Point is at the south-eastern corner of the lake, and thus more easily accessible from Maffra and Sale.

The other popular activity at Lake Glenmaggie is fishing. The lake is well stocked with trout, carp and bass.

Lake Glenmaggie is by no means an essential tourist attraction. There are several other man-made lakes in Victoria which serve much the same purpose. The problem is that it’s hardly the sort of place you’re likely to be passing by either. The road north goes to Mansfield, so Lake Glenmaggie is between the Victoria High Country and Gippsland Lakes. But that’s not a route many overseas visitors take.

More Victoria travel

How much does the Melbourne to Bairnsdale train cost?

How long is the Castlemaine to Bendigo drive?

Take the Raymond Island ferry from Paynesville to see the koalas.

Stay near the sea at NRMA Eastern Beach in Lakes Entrance.

Drop by Cann River on the drive from Lakes Entrance to Mallacoota.