Learning Centre » For community groups » Recreational areas

Recreational areas

For operational and safety reasons, most of our facilities are normally closed to the public. However, some of our reservoirs allow limited access for walking, fishing, birdwatching, mountain biking, sightseeing and picnicking. 

To maintain our high standards of water quality, water sports such as swimming, boating, canoeing and kayaking are not permitted at any of our reservoirs.

Image shows a stone bridge over the West Barwon outlet channel, downstream of the dam.

Some of our most important drinking water reserves are also beautiful locations for sightseeing. Pictured is the West Barwon outlet channel, downstream of the dam and a short walk from picnic facilities, barbecues and public toilets.

 

West Barwon Reservoir

The West Barwon Reservoir, in the Otway Ranges National Park, is one of Geelong's most important water sources, and also one of our most picturesque sites.

The reservoir has ample parking, a free barbecue and public toilets. There are numerous walking and mountain biking trails around the park.

Fishing is permitted from the dam wall. 

Mountain biking is permitted on designated tracks.

The entrance to the reservoir reserve is on the Forrest–Apollo Bay Road, south of Forrest.

  Map of West Barwon Reservoir

 

Wurdee Boluc Reservoir

Wurdee Boluc Reservoir is Geelong's largest water storage.

Fishing is allowed along a well marked section of the reservoir, accessed from the car park.

There is a small picnic area with tables and a public toilet.

The reservoir is about 37 kilometres from Geelong on the Cape Otway Road, near Winchelsea.

  Map of Wurdee Boluc Reservoir

 

Bostock Reservoir

Bostock Reservoir offers picnic areas and fishing.

The entrance to the reservoir reserve is off Shaws Road, Ballan. 

  Map of Bostock Reservoir

 

Bolwarra Weir

Bolwarra Weir is open for fishing from the bank only (not along the weir wall).

Entry is via Dehnerts Road, north of Ballan.

  Map of Bolwarra Weir

 

Upper Stony Creek reservoirs

The three Upper Stony Creek reservoirs are about 40 kilometres from Geelong on the Geelong-Ballan Road, north of Anakie.

Public toilets are available at the Jack Dillon Reserve, located at the entrance to Upper Stony Creek Reservoir No. 1.

There is no public access to the reservoirs and fishing is not permitted.

  Map of Upper Stony Creek reservoirs

 

 

Fishing

Many of our reservoirs support health populations of fish. 

To ensure our catchments remain safe and clean, please observe these simple rules when fishing at our sites:

  • No boats.
  • Fish from the shore only (no wading).
  • No cleaning of fish on site.
  • No berleying, ground baiting, or digging for bait.
  • Don't litter. Please use the bins provided or take your rubbish home.
  • Recreational fishing licence required. Fisheries officers regularly check our reservoirs for illegal fishing. 

Fishing is only permitted at designated sections of West Barwon, Wurdee Boluc, Bostock and Bolwarra dams. No other sites are open for fishing.

 

 

Events

If you wish to hold a formal event at one of our sites, you will need to seek our permission first. A permit may be required. Contact us for more information.

  Contact us


Page last updated Wednesday 6 March 2013

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