BBQ
Here are some particularly excellent places to take kids swimming across the region.
Rokewood Swimming Lagoon, Rokewood
Pack a picnic or barbecue lunch and spend an afternoon at the Rokewood Lagoon, a gorgeous swimming hole run by community volunteers just half an hour from Ballarat.
This is a great spot for all ages and swimming abilities! A shallow beach area makes a great spot for young children to have a splash, while the deeper areas are great for swimming and floating on pool inflatables.
The picturesque lagoon is surrounded by picnic facilities, gardens and bench seating, with plenty of shade available.
Remember to pop in to the general store and pay the small entry fee (or grab a season pass) before you go.
Find out more about the Rokewood Swimming Lagoon in Rokewood.
Englishs Bridge Streamside Reserve, near Bendigo
Englishs Bridge Streamside Reserve is a great swimming and camping spot along the Campaspe River, just half an hour from Bendigo.
The river here is a great spot for swimming, with a nice shallow section for children to paddle on one side of the bridge, and a deeper stretch of river for confident swimmers on the other.
Set up camp and take a dip alongside the bridge, bring the rods for an afternoon of fishing, or head off on a kayaking adventure down the scenic river.
Find out more about the Englishs Bridge Streamside Reserve in Goornong.
Crusoe Reservoir, Bendigo
Crusoe Reservoir is a local favourite for swimming, fishing, kayaking, bushwalking and photography.
Crusoe Reservoir is the best swimming spot in Bendigo, with a wooden platform on the shoreline and an island pontoon further out in the water.
The pontoon features a large platform and two ladders, providing plenty of space for a group of people and creating a great opportunity for diving.
Surrounded by bushland views and scenic walking tracks, this is a beautiful spot for recreation and relaxation.
Find out more about Crusoe Reservoir in Bendigo.
Goldfields Reservoir, Maryborough
Goldfields Reservoir is a peaceful lake on the outskirts of Maryborough which features a picnic area, nature playground, and a scenic walking track.
This is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, picnicking and bushwalking.
The best swimming area is located at the boat ramp and around the main picnic / parking area, but there are a few other good spots around the reservoir as well.
Find out more about Goldfields Reservoir in Maryborough.
Beaufort Lake, Beaufort
Beaufort Lake is a fantastic reservoir for swimming, boating, walking and picnics.
Bring a barbecue lunch and take a scenic walk around Beaufort Lake, enjoying the informative Koori Art Trail along the way.
Find out more about Beaufort Lake in Beaufort.
Expedition Pass Reservoir, near Castlemaine
Expedition Pass is a scenic reservoir in Golden Point, just a few kilometres from Chewton and Castlemaine.
This reservoir is fantastic for swimming, fishing, bushwalking, canoeing and birdwatching. The water is shallow close to the shore and gets steadily deeper as you walk out.
There are no facilities on site, so bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy a swim and a peaceful picnic lunch by the water.
Find out more about Expedition Pass Reservoir near Castlemaine.
Bealiba Reservoir, Bealiba
Set beneath the beautiful Mount Bealiba, the Bealiba Reservoir Recreation area is a fantastic spot for camping, picnics, fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching.
The Bealiba Reservoir is a great place for swimming and floating on inflatables, with good water levels well into summer.
Find out more about Bealiba Reservoir in Bealiba.
Cairn Curran Reservoir, Baringhup
Cairn Curran is a gorgeous reservoir between Baringhup and Joyces Creek which features a range of fantastic visitor facilities and plenty of space for fishing, swimming, boating, walking and photography.
Cairn Curran is a popular destination for swimming, with lots of great spots along the shore to set up for an afternoon in the water.
There is also a designated boat-free area for swimming alongside a grassy picnic area.
Find out more about Cairn Curran Reservoir in Baringhup.
Mount Cameron Gorge, Mount Cameron
Mount Cameron Gorge is a beautiful swimming and fishing spot just 25 minutes from Maryborough and 15 minutes from Clunes. Mt Cameron-Cotswold Road drops unexpectedly into a deep gorge before crossing the scenic Tullaroop Creek.
This area is great to bring kids swimming as there's a fair stretch of shallow water before it starts to get deeper.
Find out more about Mount Cameron Gorge in Mount Cameron.
Bland Reserve, Carisbrook
Bring the kids and spend an afternoon swimming, walking and picnicking at Carisbrook's Bland Reserve, a charming park along the bank of Tullaroop Creek, known locally as Deep Creek.
A playground and picnic tables are set along a grassy lawn, and several scenic walking tracks set out from here.
Find out more about Bland Reserve in Carisbrook.
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