Pykes Creek Reservoir

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

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. 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. Above: Swimmer's Cove at Pykes Creek Reservoir (Order this image)

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.
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