Taylors Lake, Horsham

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Taylors Lake is one of four lakes dotted along the Western Hwy east of Horsham in Western Victoria. Of the four lakes (Taylors, Green, Pine and Dock Lakes), it is probably the pick of the bunch for swimming because it has a regular throughflow of water that keeps it less stagant than the other three. In dry years, because it is an integral part of the Wimmera-Mallee water supply system, it is one of the last lakes to be drawn down during drought, so chances are that it will have plenty of water long after surrounding lakes are close to empty. Above: The tree lined foreshore of Taylors Lake near Horsham (Order this image)

The lake has a sandy beach several hundred metres long, with the best sand on the northern side of the lake. If you have a 4WD you can drive along the track around the lake edge and set up next to the water at the nothern end. The lake is a popular water skiing and fishing venue. Above: The boat ramp at Taylors Lake near Horsham (Order this image)

Even though Taylors Lake is the preferred swimming hole from the group of four lakes east of Horsham, it has a number of drawbacks that mean that you wouldn't go there unless you were keen on water skiing or fishing as well. Firstly the visibility in the water is low and the lake still suffers from poor water quality despite the regular throughflow. Secondly there is a ring of dead trees right around the edge of the lake that you have to negotiate if you want to swim in deeper water. This can be hazardous in the low visibility water. Lastly, there's not a lot of shade around the lake, so you need to bring a sun shade and plenty of sun screen if you plan to stay for longer than a quick dip.

This swimming hole did not make it into my top 50 in Victoria for the reasons listed above. 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 without the dead tree hazards, 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 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.
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