Lake Boga Recreation Guide

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Things to do

Fishing

People love fishing at Lake Boga. The lake is home to Redfin as well as populations of native fish including Golden Perch and Murray Cod.

For the latest information on fishing in Victoria, contact Fisheries Victoria on 136 186, and don’t forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!

Camping

Camping at Lake Boga is only allowed in commercial caravan and holiday parks located around the water storage. 

For more information contact the Visitor Information Centre on 1800 625 373 or visit Travel Victoria.

Boating

Lake Boga is a popular spot for power boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.

The designated boating authority for Lake Boga is the Swan Hill Rural City Council.

Boats can be launched from public boat ramps at a number of locations around the lake. (see map).

A 5 knot speed limit applies at any level within 50 metres of the water's edge; other vessels, navigation aids, swimmers and fixed or floating structures; and within 100 metres of vessels displaying a dive flag.

Keep a lookout at all times for hazards and other vessels.

Refer to the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook at the transport Victoria website.

Water levels

Lake Boga has a capacity of 37,794 megaliters. When full, the lake covers 940 hectares and is two meters deep in places. 

The water in the Victorian mid Murray storages is captured, stored and released into the Murray River to supply water users downstream. 

Generally, water flows into Lake Boga during winter and spring with water levels peaking in November and December. Water is then released during summer until the storage reaches minimum operating levels in April or May.

The water in Lake Boga belongs to GMW customers who use the water to produce food and fibre, supply towns and businesses, and protect and improve waterway health.

Visitors need to be conscious of potential hazards and consider the safety needs of themselves and others at all times. Water levels (high or low) can prompt increased safety measures, and changes to access for recreational areas and boating. Safety information and alerts will be signposted at public areas and boat ramps.

Up-to-date water level information is available - current water level information.

Blue-Green algae

At times, the level of blue-green algae in storages can exceed safe limits. When this happens you should avoid direct contact with the water as the algae can cause;

  • skin rashes
  • itchiness
  • sore eyes, ears and nose
  • nausea.

If unsafe levels occur, warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas.

Online Blue-green algae warnings are available or by calling the 24 hour GMW blue-green algae hotline on (03) 5826 3785.

About Lake Boga

Lake Boga location in map of Victoria

Lake Boga is one of the four Victorian mid Murray storages. It is located approximately 40 km north of Kerang and only 16 km southeast of Swan Hill.

Lake Boga is a safe, family friendly place highly valued by the community for its water based recreational activities, amenity and cultural heritage while also fulfilling its role as a water supply storage. 

During World War II it became the largest inland flying boat repair base with anything up to 1,000 air force personnel based at Lake Boga.

Facilities

Facilities along the foreshore include public boat ramps, a caravan park, picnic areas with electric barbecues, and public toilets.

Don't forget your Water Smarts

Lake Boga code of conduct

Lake Boga is a beautiful natural resource. You can help care for the reservoir so it can be enjoyed now and into the future.

  • camping and campfires are prohibited in GMW reserves and on foreshore and lakebed areas
  • electric barbecues are available at some reserves (see map below)
  • refer to your local council for landfill services and consider the environment when disposing of your litter. Penalties apply for illegal dumping of rubbish
  • don’t take plants from the foreshore, or bring any in
  • don’t feed the animals or wildlife, or interfere with their habitats
  • boat wash can cause erosion, keep to 5 knots within 50 metres of the water’s edge
  • vehicles and trail bikes are only allowed on public roads within the reserve
  • all vehicles and trail bikes must be registered and users must be licenced
  • keep the waterway healthy by not using soap, toothpaste or detergent in the lake
  • dogs must be on a lead and/or under control at all times and aren’t allowed in the lake. Please clean up after your pets.

Review GMW’s recreational by-law 

Staying safe

Local boating rules are posted at all public boat ramps.

  1. Launching and retrieving vessels must occur from the designated boat ramp/s.
  2. To avoid congestion, complete any preparation prior to launching, or when returning from the water, away from the ramp.
  3. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.
  4. Ensure all safety equipment is on the vessel and operational, and that lifejackets are always worn.
  5. Be aware and comply with all waterway vessel operating zones.
  6. Always keep a lookout for waterway hazards and operate your vessel in line with weather and waterway conditions.
  7. Ensure no one is in or on the vessel when moving to and from the ramp.
  8. Shade structures are not permitted within 50 metres of either side of boat ramps.
  9. Stay clear of dam infrastructure.

Facilities Map

 Detailed map of the facilities at Lake Boga

Please Remember

  • No campling or fires allowed on GMW foreshore land.
  • Confine vehicles and motor bikes to formed public roads.
  • Take your rubbish home.