Blue Rock Lake, Willow Grove

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Of the two designated swimming areas at Blue Rock Lake, the one at the boat ramp and picnic area west of Willow Grove is by far superior. Here you can walk across lawn right up to the water's edge, then step down onto the bed of reasonably smooth gravel and continue wading carefree out into the water. Take in the mountain views to the north or catch the early morning mist on the water for your swim. Above: The designated swimming area at Blue Rock Lake (Order this image)

The designated swimming area is about 50 metres wide, with no fishing or boating in this area. The hills to the south are bare and barren, so if you are doing laps up and down, do your breastroke heading north to take in the views, and keep your head down when heading south. In front of this swimming area is a large lawn with picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets, as well as a car park within sight of the water.

If you are coming with a boat as well, the ramp is a couple of hundred metres to the north of the swimming area. You can also combine your swim with a walk around part of the lake via the Blue Rock Lake walking track that heads all the way back to Willow Grove along the foreshore. Above: The lawn and picnic facilities at the designated swimming area (Order this image)

The other picnic area near the dam wall, east of Willow Grove, is still ok for swimming, but the bank in this area is a bit eroded and there are large bluestones scattered in the water that you have to negotiate when wading out to deeper water. The facilities are similar, but you have to park further away from the water, often at the top of a steep hill, so lugging your picnic and swimming gear is a bit harder. Head here only if the western picnic area is full.

Here is a video of my swim at Blue Rock Lake on a wonderfully calm morning, with beautiful sunshine piercing through a light mist on the water.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. The marker indicates the approximate location of the picnic area at Blue Rock Lake. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map Here is one comment from a Gippsland resident:

"Hiya, have just been swimming out at Blue Rock, your description was pretty good - thanks." - Lu from Churchill, Victoria, 1/1/2019.

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