Pykes Creek Reservoir

Swimming Hole Heaven in Melbourne

Swimmer's Cove is the designated swimming area at Pykes Creek Reservoir and is located on the southern edge of the main lawn area, just past the toilet block. It is a sheltered cove with a clean and gently sloping gravel entry. Above: Swimmer's Cove at Pykes Creek Reservoir (Order this image)

There are a few submerged logs that can be difficult to see in the murky water, so you need to venture out from the shore carefully until you reach deeper water. There is no waterskiing or boating allowed in the cove, so you should be protected from water craft if you stay in the cove.

Pykes Creek Reservoir has experienced regular algal blooms in the warmer months of the year, so make sure you heed the warning signs and don't swim if the managing authority has a blue-green algae warning in place. Poor water quality is no surprise when you see the bald, bright green (and sometimes dry brown) hills surrounding the lake that are bound to be a source of nutrients for algae to bloom. Above: The island in Pykes Creek Reservoir (Order this image)

With its extensive lawn area and large shady trees, Pykes Creek Reservoir is a good picnic option if you live in the western suburbs of Melbourne. However, this swimming hole did not make it into my top 50 in Victoria. The main reason being the poor water quality and low visibility of underwater hazards. My favourite swimming hole west of Melbourne is only a short distance away, so if you want an amazing swim in pristine bushland near Pykes Creek Reservoir, grab yourself 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 swimmer's cove. 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 was one query about the water quality in Pykes Creek Reservoir:

Comment:"Hi, I'm tring to find a place to learn how to water ski close to home. I hear Pykes Creek isn't safe for high levels of algae, however can't find any definite reports, is it true please?" - Annalise N from Melbourne, Australia 26/2/2022.

My reply: Pykes Creek Reservoir can suffer from blue green algae outbreaks in summer. The good news is that Southern Rural Water (SRW), who manages the lake, actively monitors and reports on blue green algae in the reservoir. If you want to check whether Pykes Creek Reservoir has any blue green algae warnings before you go, all of SRW's algae warnings are listed on the SRW website.

If you have swum at Pykes Creek Reservoir, I would love to hear about your experiences. Please fill in the comment box below. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

Your name:

Your email:

From (city, country):

Your zipcode:

Your comment:

I consent to having these comments published on this website (note: your email address is not published).

← Back stroke

Next swim →

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