Eildon
Quick facts
- Population approximately 700
- 138 kilometres north-east of Melbourne
- Gateway to Lake Eildon
- Some of Victoria's best trout fishing.
The construction of the Eildon Dam in the 1950s delivered life-sustaining irrigation waters to a large area of northern Victoria and dramatically changed the surrounding landscape. The Eildon township's subsequent growth has created a thriving and welcoming community.
From its early beginnings as a centre for dam workers and their families, Eildon has become one of Victoria's favourite holiday destinations. The town provides the perfect base for enjoying a host of recreation activities, from family fun on the lake and quiet fishing trips, to cycling, walking, horse riding, picnicking and camping in the parks around the lake.
With over 500 kilometres of shoreline, sheltered bays and safe swimming areas, Lake Eildon is one of Victoria's largest inland lakes. Its tranquil waters are ideal for exhilarating water sports such as water-skiing, kayaking and wakeboarding, as well as the more leisurely pastimes of fishing and houseboating.
Lake Eildon National Park, surrounding much of the lake's shore, is popular with bushwalkers, with hilltop panoramas over the lake and opportunities to view the abundant native wildlife.
The nearby forests and mountains are magnificent country for 4WD, mountain biking and horse riding, and the rushing mountain-fed rivers offer the thrill of canoeing and white water rafting, as well as some of the state's best trout fishing.
Accommodation ranges from welcoming and well-serviced caravan parks, bush campgrounds and charming B&Bs, to secluded retreats and country cottages.
Activities and attractions
- Hire a houseboat and explore Lake Eildon at your leisure
- Experience the thrill of water skiing and wake-boarding
- Drive along Skyline Road for scenic views over the lake and surrounding valleys
- Enjoy bushwalks and camping in Lake Eildon National Park
- Enjoy fishing in the Eildon pondage and Lake Eildon or, if you are unable to catch that illusive fish, visit a local trout farm.
Events
- Lions Club Monster Easter Market - Easter
- Trout River Opening Festival - September
How to get there
Eildon is 138 kilometres from Melbourne on the Goulburn Valley Highway. Follow the Maroondah Highway to Taggerty then take the turn off to Thornton, then the Goulburn Valley Highway.
