Lake Sambell, Beechworth

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Lake Sambell is an ornamental lake on the outskirts of Beechworth in north-east Victoria. It has two designated beaches for swimming on the western shore which provide easy entry into the water. Like many lakes in the area, this hole was originally created by past gold mining activities. Above: Lake Sambell (Order this image)

The local shire has made Lake Sambell a focal point for passive recreation in Beechworth and it is well populated by joggers and evening strollers walking laps around the lake. There is also a playground and a Chinese garden at the lake, plus a caravan park if you want to stay overnight.

The lake was drawn down for a few years for safety reasons, because of a leak detected in the dam wall. The water was well below capacity when I last visited in 2014, so swimming conditions were not great. However, the good news is that the new dam wall was completed in August 2015, and the main swimming beach now includes hand rails into the water, and a swimming pontoon tethered offshore. I am looking forward to visiting again to see the updated swimming facilities.

This swimming hole did not make it into my top 50 in Victoria at the time of my last visit, but I may revise that now that the new dam wall has been constructed. Three great swimming holes close to Lake Sambell did make it into my top 50. If you want to know where they are, grab a copy of the guide to Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria. 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 car park nearest to the swimming beach 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 Here's what one visitor to Lake Sambell had to say about this swimming hole:

"Our family and friends have been visiting the lake for 15 years, spending a lot of time floating, swimming, cycling, walking and bird watching. The lake is a draw card." - H.Rodgers, Australia, 12/2/2014

If you have swum at Lake Sambell, particularly since the completion of the new dam wall, I would love to hear about your experiences. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

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