Wimmera Attractions - Waterfalls and Waterways


    Waterfalls    
 

 
MacKenzie Falls

There are several waterfalls in the Grampians, but by far the most popular is MacKenzie Falls.

Named by explorer Mitchell on the 21st July, 1836, the MacKenzie River rises in the higher reaches of The Grampians and flows north-westward through Zumsteins towards Mt Zero. The falls can be reached down a well constructed walk (approximately 1hr return) from the kiosk in the carpark just off Lake Wartook Rd. Steep in places, it follows the river to the base of the falls offering many opportunities for spectacular photographs.

After rain, enormous torrents of water cascade over 40m cliffs into a deep pool, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above a stunning gorge. The trail to MacKenzie Falls also passes lookouts to Broken Falls.

Just a few kilometres drive away lies Zumstein, a popular tourist area whose picnic area has become celebrated for its inquisitive kangaroos.

The base of the falls can also be reached along a track beside the river at Zumsteins, and there is a lookout point along a short track about 200m from the MacKenzie Falls car parking area on MT Victory Rd, just past the Wartook turnoff.

Wannon & Nigretta Falls

These two falls are linked by a scenic road and are best seen during the Winter or Spring. Located 19km west of Hamilton adjoining the Glenelg Highway.

Kalymna Falls

These falls are at their best in Winter and Spring.
 

 
MacKenzie Falls is by far the most
popular waterfall in the Grampians.
    Rivers and Streams    
   
Wimmera River


The majestic Wimmera River rises in the Pyrenees Ranges near Ararat, flows through the towns of Horsham and Dimboola on it's way to Lake Hindmarsh near Jeparit.

The river takes its name from the Aboriginal word for a device for throwing spears (Woomera).

Each Labor Day long weekend (March) the Horsham Apex Fishing Contest attracts thousands of competitors who compete for major prizes. The Wimmera River and lakes system abound with fish, and have produced 4 current major inland fishing records. Fish caught include Trout, Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Redfin, Blackfin and Tench. Yabbys are also prolific.
 
   
    Lakes and Reservoirs    
 

 
Lake Bellfield


Only four kilometres form Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield provides an excellent location for bank fishing with Redfin and Trout being the predominant species. Internal combustion engines are not permitted on the lake, but rowing and electric powered boats may be used. Camping and accommodation facilities are close by.

Lake Wartook

Another great location for anglers to catch Brown Trout and redfin is the wonderfully picturesque Lake Wartook. A longtime favourite for Trout anglers, whether fishing with artificial fly, spinning or using bait, Lake Wartook is the oldest rural reservoir in Victoria. Fishing off the wall section of the lake is permitted providing comfortable bank fishing. The maximum motor rating for boats is 8Kw (10HP) and a maximum speed of 8km/h applies. There is a boat ramp and camping facilities at nearby Smiths Mill campground.

Lake Fyans

There is excellent fishing at Lake Fyans which is located near Halls Gap and Stawell. The lake is regularly brimming with Rainbow and Brown Trout as well as Redfin. There is a boat ramp and the lake is popular for swimming, skiing and yachting with plenty of room for anglers.

Dock Lake

Covering an area of 215 hectares, Dock Lake provides excellent fishing for Rainbow Trout and Redfin along with swimming and boating. Situated just north of Green Lake, 10kms from Horsham.

Green Hill Lake

Green Hill Lake, 4kms east of Ararat, covers some 217 hectares and is well stocked with Redfin and good sized Trout. A special feature of the lake is it's canoe channels and there are good waters for skiing and swimming. The northern end is an aquatic playground and contains an abundance of birdlife.

Green Lake

Only 10kms from Horsham, this lake while used for a variety of water sports, is one of the regions most productive native fishing waters. Covering some 174kms, the lake has good fishing for Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Redfin, as well as being ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and water skiing.

Lake Charlegrark

Covering some 40hectares Lake Charlegrark is 25km from Garoke and is renowned for it's Murray Cod fishing, Redfin and Yabbying. The lake is also suitable for boating activities including water skiing and windsurfing.

Lake Hindmarsh

Nearby the town of Jeparit is Lake Hindmarsh, the largest inland freshwater lake in Victoria providing four miles of beach. Popular for camping and all watersports the lake is also a popular site for fishing.

Lake Lonsdale

While being relatively shallow, Lake Lonsdale has a large surface area and during the wetter years has good fishing for Redfin and Trout. The lake provides water for the Wimmera Mallee Channel system and can be dry for long periods of time.

Lake Wallace

Situated in the town of Edenhope, Lake Wallace is considered one of the best fly fishing waters in the Wimmera as well as providing good fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Tench. The lake is also popular for yachting, boating, water skiing and swimming.

Natimuk Lake

A nature lover's paradise the lake is popular for all kinds of water activities and provides the prospect of Trout, Redfin and Yabbys. On the western side Mt. Arapiles provides an attractive backdrop for a plenitude of wildlife, which includes the rare freckled duck, pelicans, spoonbills, cranes and many more. The lake is subject to low water levels during some summer periods.

Pine Lake

Pine Lake is part of the Wimmera - Mallee water supply system and covers an area of some 734 hectares. There are wonderful opportunities for Brown and Rainbow Trout throughout the year as well as good yabbying in the summer.

Rocklands Reservoir

Located at the base of the Black Ranges, the Rocklands Reservoir was built in 1953 to feed the Wimmera/Mallee Stock and Domestic Supply Scheme. The dam wall is over 100 ft high and 70ft thick and rises some 66ft above the river bed. The reservoir supplies farms in an area covering 11,000 square miles and is carried along earthen channels for some 6900 miles.

Taylors Lake

Situated 18kms from Horsham, Taylors Lake was once regarded as the most popular Murray Cod waters in Victoria. The lake is used for boating, water skiing, and swimming, and provides good fishing for Redfin, and Golden Perch.

Toolondo Reservoir

A short distance south of Horsham, Toolondo Reservoir is a fisherman's paradise with catches of Giant Brown and Rainbow Trout and Redfin for the taking. The lake covers an area of 1,444 hectares and is also popular for swimming and boating activities.



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