Overview

Victoria's winding rivers and waterways are the lifeblood of the region's diverse natural landscapes, and serve as a backdrop to some of Melbourne's iconic attractions. Whether you're looking for meandering streams, lakeside beaches, riverside parks or lagoons that serve as wildlife refuges, there's much to explore.

Riverside destinations

In Melbourne, walk alongside the Yarra River to view some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the MCG, Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as some of the most scenic parklands.

Up north, the mighty Murray River forms the border between Victoria and New South Wales, and welcomes golfers, anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. Spend the day on one of the river's famous sandy beaches, ride a paddle steamer, or observe the river's diverse native wildlife.

Lake getaways

Comprising four main lakes alongside a network of smaller lakes, marshes and lagoons, the Gippsland Lakes are Victoria's aquatic jewels. Spend a day or two where the waterways meet the ocean at Lakes Entrance and Ninety Mile Beach. Kerang, the Lakes District of Victoria, is a great spot to set out a picnic or watch for native birds. For a camping experience out under the stars, hit lush Lake Eildon National Park, and for more adventure visit Lake Hume to experience sporting thrills and spills on the water.

Wetlands

Victoria has 12 wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (commonly called the Ramsar Convention).

These fresh- and saltwater sites support diverse vegetation, birds and wildlife:

  • Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula
  • Western District Lakes
  • Lake Albacutya
  • Hattah-Kulkyne Lakes
  • Gunbower Forest
  • Kerang Wetlands
  • Barmah Forest
  • Gippsland Lakes
  • Corner Inlet
  • Western Port
  • Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay
  • Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands

For more information, see the Significant Wetlands page at water.vic.gov.au.

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