Buffalo River - Lake Buffalo
There are a multitude of water sports available at Lake Buffalo including water skiing, wake boarding, towables, fishing all year round plus swimming, boating and canoeing during summer.
Use one of the gas barbeques while the kids enjoy the playground. Facilities include boating facilities, car park, lawns / gardens, picnic area and toilets.
Marshalls Ridge Recreation Area on the western side, accessible from Buffalo River Road, and the main recreation area on the north eastern lake fringe each offer a public boat launching area, picnic facilities and public toilets.
The lake is surrounded by bushwalking, birdwatching and hiking areas, as well as plenty of four-wheel drive tracks. If you're a cyclist, there's a number of cycling trails around the lake which are child-friendly or through the cool alpine valleys.
Fishing
Lake Buffalo is a great spot to throw in a line, and Redfin, Macquarie and Golden Perch, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Murray Cod and River Blackfish can all be found. Try using yabbies, worms and crickets as bait. Don't forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!
Boating
Lake Buffalo is a popular spot for boating and a range of water sports. Boats can be launched from the main boat ramp near the dam wall. The Marshalls Ridge boat ramp is opened seasonally depending on the water level of the lake.
A 5 knot speed limit applies at any level within 60 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.
Swimming
There are two designated swimming areas where boats are not permitted, near the recreation areas in the north eastern part of the lake fringe and near the Marshalls Ridge Recreation Area on the western side. Generally the lake is fairly shallow with clear water with the Marshalls Ridge swimming area having less weeds. The Marshall's Ridge area can be closed over winter until late spring.
Camping
Camping is not allowed on the foreshore of the lake, but there are a range of accommodation options throughout the region.
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; and nausea. If unsafe blue-green algae levels occur, warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas around the storage.
Recreational users can still boat, sightsee and enjoy other activities that don't involve direct contact with the water. Blue-green algae warnings can be found online or by phoning the 24 hour GMW blue-green algae hotline on (03) 5826 3785.
Cost:
Free entry and open at all times.
Access for Dogs:
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.
Directions - From Myrtleford, turn off to the Buffalo River and travel through the Pretty Valley which was once home to a great deal of the region's tobacco. The road follows the route of the Buffalo River through Nug Nug and then to Lake Buffalo.
Location
Buffalo River Road, Buffalo River 3737 Map
Web Links
→ Lake Buffalo Brochure (Goulburn Murray Water)
