Golden Point - Expedition Pass Reservoir
Expedition Pass Reservoir is a lovely place for a swim with family or friends on a hot summer day. Other activities include having a picnic, fishing or paddling a canoe. Fishing is possible all year round for holders of a Victorian recreational fishing licence.
The surrounding forest, which was almost completely cleared during the goldrush, has regenerated significantly, making it a great spot for bushwalking and birdwatching.
Please note that there is only a small car park on Golden Point Road (1.7km north of the Pyrenees Highway) which fills up quickly on warm weekends and school or public holidays. For your own safety, do not park on the roadside. Why not park at the Monster Meeting Site or the Welsh St carpark (near Welsh Village and Nimrod Reef Mine) and walk or cycle to the reservoir from there?
The reservoir can be accessed by the Chinamans Point to Expedition Pass Walk.
There are no facilities, including bins. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.
Swimming
Swimming is a very popular activity during the warmer months. The main swimming area is along Golden Point Road at the southern end of the dam wall. In this location there is a gap in the reeds where you can easily access the water via a gravelly beach. After a short distance the water becomes deep and quite cold. This means it is not very suitable for inexperienced swimmers. Bring something to float on to really enjoy the area.
There is another area which can be used for swimming if this beach is full. At the northern end of the dam wall you can cross over the spillway (provided water is not flowing across the spillway). Around the corner is an area with shady trees where there is an area clear of reeds. The water is also deep here away from the shore.
Help prevent bank erosion by not sitting on the tree roots and taking care when entering the water or launching a canoe.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs may be walked on a lead along the Forest Creek Trail between Castlemaine and Expedition Pass but are not permitted in the reservoir itself.
Photos:
Location
Golden Point Road, Golden Point 3451 Map
