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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 it may still contain water even when surrounding lakes are close to empty. Swimming in Taylors Lake at Horsham 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. Swimming in Taylors Lake at Horsham 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.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Western Hwy, 20 km south east of the Horsham town centre and 280 km (approx. 3 hr 15 mins) drive north west of the Melbourne CBD.
Latitude:-36.770038 Longitude:142.394590
Getting there: From Melbourne head out along the Western Fwy. Taylors Lake is 6 km north of the highway, shortly before you reach Horsham. Head north for 3 km along Horsham-Wal Wal Rd then turn left into Fischers Rd. The car park is 3 km along Fischers Rd on the left hand side. The turns are all signposted.

Facilities: Toilets, car park, boat ramp, rubbish bins
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Murky
Under foot: Sand, fine gravel
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No swimming within 30 metres of the boat ramp when it is in use. Dogs permitted.
Sun shade: Limited to no shade available in or out of the water
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Yes
Managing authority: Horsham Rural City Council
Nearby attractions: Green Lake
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 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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