← Back stroke

Green Lake, Horsham
Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Green Lake is one of four lakes dotted along the Western Hwy east of Horsham in Western Victoria. The lake has a sandy beach several hundred metres long and about 15 metres wide (depending on how full the lake is) that provides a soft, gradual entry into this shallow lake. The lake is most popular with water skiers and sailboats, with an active local club for these activities.

Swimming in Green Lake at Horsham

Above: The beach at Green Lake (Order this image)

Facilities at the lake were upgraded in 2013 and now include sheltered bbqs in the car park adjacent to the highway. If you are looking for a break from your drive along the highway, this is a nice place to quickly stop and stretch your legs along the beach.

Like the name suggests, Green Lake is genuinely green in colour and has suffered from fairly regular blue-green algae outbreaks. This is largely because it does not receive regular inflows, and the quality of water occasionally delivered into the lake from a nearby channel is often poor.

For swimmers, the lake also has mussels on the bed, so unless you know the local conditions well, you need to wear sandals in the water, particularly when the lake levels are drawn down in dry years.

Swimming in Green Lake at Horsham

Above: A picnic table by the water's edge at Green Lake (Order this image)

This swimming hole did not make it into my top 50 in Victoria. The main reason being the poor water quality, so if you are passing by, just enjoy it for the walk along the beach and the view. Several swimming holes in the Horsham region did make it into the top 50, so if you are looking for a swimming hole near Horsham in cleaner water, grab a copy of the guide to Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Western Hwy, 12 km south east of the Horsham town centre and 290 km (approx. 3 hr 20 mins) drive north west of the Melbourne CBD.
Latitude:-36.787129 Longitude:142.297280
Getting there: From Melbourne head out along the Western Fwy. Green Lake is on the left hand side, right next to the highway, shortly before you reach Horsham.
Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables and barbecues, toilets, car park, boat ramp

Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Murky
Under foot: Sand. Mussells can also be a problem, so you need to wear sandals if you are going in the water and are unfamiliar with where the mussells are.
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no camping.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Yes
Managing authority: Horsham Rural City Council
Nearby attractions: Grampians National Park, including Venus Baths

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the location of the beach next to the car park at the 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

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. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

← Back stroke

Victoria	Western VIC
Water Safety	Map
List of Lists	Suggest a Swim
Links	Your Support
Media	Order the Book

Share this swim:

Follow my updates on new swimming, waterfall and splash park experiences:

© Brad Neal 2026. All rights reserved. Swimming Hole Heaven is a registered trademark. Here are my affiliate links and cookies policy and opportunities to provide support to Swimming Hole Heaven.