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Lake Narracan, Latrobe Valley
Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Lake Narracan has a designated swimming area directly in front of the caravan park on the southern side of the lake. The swimming area has a small sandy beach, a long curved jetty and a grassy hill under the gum trees. Visibility in the water is poor, so don't jump off the jetty into the water.

Swimming at Lake Narracan

Above: Three swimmers in the water at the Lake Narracan swimming area (Order this image)

Deaths and injury have occurred here and it is difficult to judge water depths and identify underwater hazards from the jetty. The swimming area is reasonably well protected, but even so you can still feel the drift of the river downstream, which becomes stronger the further out you swim.

There is a second designated swimming area on North Shore Road, closer to the dam wall, which I have not visited.

This area is closer to the area of the lake cordoned off for the very popular Latrobe Valley Waterski Club, so expect to hear the drone of powerboats if you swim there.

Further urban development is proposed for the southern side of Lake Narracan over the next few years. Hopefully the swimming facilities will get upgraded to cope with the higher local population. If you are looking for a toilet, there is one back at the intersection with Sullivans Rd, otherwise try the caravan park kiosk.

Swimming at Lake Narracan

Above: The picnic area near the pier at Lake Narracan (Order this image)

If you want to know where at least some of the water from Lake Narracan ends up, keep going down John Field Drive to the cooling towers at Yallourn Power Station.

The water rushes noisily down the outside of the cooling towers and steams up right in front of you. There is a little picnic area at the power station as well if you don't mind the noise.

This swimming hole did not make it into my top 50 in Victoria. The main reason being the poor visibility that hides underwater hazards like submerged logs. There are two excellent swimming holes nearby (within 40 km of Lake Narracan) that did make it into the top 50, so if you are looking for a better quality swim than you will find at Lake Narracan, grab a copy of the guide to Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: South Shore Road, Newborough, 140 km (approx. 1.5 hr drive) east of the Melbourne CBD
Latitude:-38.162612 Longitude:146.312446
Getting there: Exit the Princes Hwy at John Field Drive east of Moe. After 4 km turn left at Sullivans Rd and then left again 700m later at South Shore Rd until you reach the caravan park. The last section of road is gravel, but is suitable for 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: Car park, jetty, picnic tables, kiosk (weekends only), rubbish bins, caravan park and camping ground
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Murky
Under foot: Concrete shelf with some sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No trail bikes, no firearms, dogs must be on a lead, no fires, no littering, no diving, no broken glass, no camping (except in the caravan park)
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water
Opening times: No foreshore or lake access after 10 pm
Wheelchair access: Yes
Managing authority: Latrobe City Council
Nearby attractions: Narracan Falls, 30 km to the south.

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 approximate location of the car park at the swimming area in front of the caravan park. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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