Laanecoorie Reservoir
Laanecoorie Reservoir is located on the Loddon River, 40 km south-west of Bendigo. Laanecoorie Reservoir's function is to control flows in the Loddon River downstream of Cairn Curran and Tullaroop Reservoirs.
Work on the original reservoir began in 1889 and was completed in 1891. The embankment was substantially reconstructed after major flood damage in 1909, and the reservoir was enlarged to its present capacity in 1935.
Facilities
Recreation facilities include large grassed areas, car parking, boat ramp, fishing, camping, wood fired BBQ and toilets. Note that water from taps in the reserve is not safe for drinking.
Things to do
Fishing
The Loddon River is home to many varieties of fish, including Redfin and Carp. The reservoir is also regularly stocked with Golden Perch and Brown Trout, meaning there's always a healthy supply. You can try your luck for Murray Cod in shallow areas.
Handy hint: Try fishing for Murray Cod at night with surface lures. Don't forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!
Camping
The Laanecoorie Lakeside Park is set on 45 acres of natural bush setting that's home to a large range of native wildlife. Activities available at the park include fishing, cycling, water skiing, canoeing, gold prospecting and bush walking.
Boating
Laanecoorie is a popular spot for power boating, jet skiing, rowing and canoeing. The southern end of the reservoir is often quite shallow with aquatic water weed so a speed limit of 5 knots applies. High
speed boating is allowed at the northern end of the reservoir. Vessels can be launched from public boat ramps around the reservoir.
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.
Swimming
There is a designated safe swimming area located at the Brownbill Reserve on the left side of the boat ramp which is suitable for all swimming experience levels. Experienced swimmers can also swim at any part of the reservoir.
Wild Duck Hunting
Wild duck hunting is also a popular activity on Laanecoorie Reservoir during the declared duck hunting season, generally from mid-March to early June.
Review:
There are two different access points for the reservoir. The north-east side and the weir are accessed using Weir Road. It's interesting to see the weir but there are limited facilities on this side of the Loddon River - only a picnic table. The north-west side is accessed using Brownbills Road. This area has a boat ramp, swimming areas, shelters, tables, BBQs and nice swimming areas.
The Brownbill Recreation Area has gates which are opened at designated times:
1st October - 1st March, Gates Open 8.00am - 9.00pm
2nd March - 30th September, Gates Open 8.00am - 6.00pm
Gates are locked promptly at closure time. Camping is not permitted in this reserve and glass bottles are not permitted.
Location
Brownbills Road, Laanecoorie 3463 Map
Web Links
→ Laanecoorie Reservoir (Goulburn-Murray Water)
→ Laanecoorie Recreation Guide and Map (PDF)
→ Laanecoorie Lakeside Park
