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Blue Lake, Plenty Gorge
Swimming Hole Heaven in Melbourne

An impressive quarry wall overlooks a largely unappealing bush swim in water typically more green than blue. I know it is lauded as a popular swimming hole, but I would only swim here as a last resort in the cooler months of the year, when the suspended algae is not as prevalent in the water.

Swimming in Blue Lake, Plenty Gorge

Above: Overlooking the green Blue Lake at Plenty Gorge from the clifftop (Order this image)

If you decide you would like to swim here, there is a little peninsula at the southern end of the lake that provides the easiest entry into the water, and a place to set down your gear. This swim has the advantage of being largely protected from the wind by the quarry wall and that it is surrounded by bush. Inflatables would be useful, because the water becomes deep fairly quickly away from the shore.

The disadvantages are however the long steep walk down the hill from the nearest car park (which can leave you puffing on the way back up on hot days), and the combination of poor visibility and poor water quality in the water. The lake has no substantial local catchment, so the water tends to stagnate. The more the water warms up in summer, the greener it becomes, and the more that algae accumulates around the shore.

Swimming in Blue Lake, Plenty Gorge

Above: Blue Lake from the southern end of the lake (Order this image)

The northern end of the lake offers an alternative entry point to the water, with steps down to a little cleared area set back slightly from the shore. There were however more underwater hazards here, with boulders and a fallen submerged tree that are difficult to detect before you brush into them in the water. Similar to the southern end, this spot also had significant mats of algae along parts of the shoreline.

Swimming in Blue Lake, Plenty Gorge

Above: The northern end of Blue Lake (Order this image)

A visit to Blue Lake is not all bad. The walk through the bush is reinvigorating for anyone escaping the surrounding urban sprawl, as is the view of the quarry wall and the various views of the lake.

On my visits here, there were plenty (no pun intended) of people out enjoying the walk on what is a wide, gravel track that allows you to walk side by side and have a chat with your walking companions. I have seen friends and family groups on social outings together, as well as solitary walkers finding some time for quiet reflection.

Here is a video of my swim at Blue Lake in early summer after a relatively cool spring, so the algal growth at that time was arguably not as prolific as it would be in mid to late summer. The video gives you some further insights into the good and not-so-good features of this swim, including getting into the water.

This swimming hole did not make it into my top 50 in Victoria for the reasons outlined above. Whilst I do not like being negative about swims that others seem to enjoy, I am not recommending you swim here. Parks Victoria concurs with multiple signs on site that swimming is not advised. If you want to swim in the outdoors around Melbourne, why not try some of my other swims which did make it into the top 50 of my guide to Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Plenty Gorge Park, off Goldsworthy Lane, Plenty, 30 km north-west of the Melbourne CBD.
Latitude: -37.669494 Longitude: 145.086378
Getting there: The access roads to the eastern side of the park where Blue Lake is located are accessible from Yan Yean Road, which is off the Greensborough Bypass. A GPS or map is recommended as there are a few turns involved, but Goldsworthy Lane is off Memorial Drive. Once you enter the park, head towards the car park at the Yellow Gum recreation area.

From there it is a 600 metre walk along a well defined path past the picnic area and viewing platform, down to the water.
Facilities: No facilities at the lake. The Yellow Gum recreation area, 600 metres up the hill, has a car park, open field, toilets, public bbqs, covered and uncovered picnic tables.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Murky
Under foot: Rock with a mixture of silt and gravel
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no cats, no pets, no motorbikes, no camping, no firearms, no drones without a permit, no horses, no fires.
Sun shade: Limited to no shade in the water. Shade available out of the water
Opening times: Always open except for park closures for safety reasons during extreme weather
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets, but no wheelchair accessible paths down to the water
Managing authority: Parks Victoria
Nearby attractions: Explore the rest of the Plenty Gorge Park or for a swim try Laughing Waters in Eltham, 15 km to the south east.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority states that swimming is not advised and that there are submerged objects, submerged rocks, deep water, cold water, no lifesaving service, and cliff edges.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park at the Yellow Gum recreation area. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Comments:

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming hole, please fill in the comment box below. I'm particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in swimming conditions. Views different to my own experience are also welcome. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

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