Explore our lakes and rivers

The Murray River is one of Australia’s greatest tourism destinations and attracts thousands of visitors annually for fishing, camping, bushwalking and outdoor recreation.
The Murray River, sometimes referred to as "The Mighty Murray", is Australia's largest river at 2,375kms in length. The Murray forms the border between New
South Wales and Victoria and flows into the sea at Lake Alexandrina in South Australia. The Murray provides irrigation water to the many farming communities along the river, as well as providing important environmental flows to the many forests and wetlands.
In Northern Victoria the river flows all year round with higher flows occurring in the wetter winter months.
The Murray River forms the north east boundary of the Gannawarra Shire and is home to the river towns of Murrabit, Koondrook and Cohuna.





The Loddon River rises on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, south of Daylesford, and flows northwards 430km, flowing into the Murray River between Murrabit and Swan Hill.
The Loddon is a unique river system as it collects water from southern and central Victoria and distributes it onto the floodplain north of Serpentine. The river splits into a series of creeks that fan out across the floodplain, delivering water into a chain of lakes and wetlands that Kerang has become famous for.
The Loddon River is regulated by the Kerang Weir downstream of Kerang. It is a popular fishing spot and there are interesting walking tracks that have become popular with locals and visitors alike.

The Avoca River rises near the western end of the Great Dividing Range and flows northward, entering the Murray River via Lake Boga, south of Swan Hill.
This river system is largely unregulated, except for some small storage dams in the upper catchment and a series of low level weirs along its route.
The Avoca River in this area is similar to the Loddon River and distributes flood flows via a series of break-away creeks out onto the floodplain. The river eventually empties into a series of large wetlands (Avoca Marshes), west of Kerang. In very wet seasons the Avoca Marshes fill and overflow
into Lake Boga and then into the Murray River.
This river can remain dry for several years but is impressive when in flood. It flows through Quambatook, creating a scenic backdrop to the township.



The Gunbower Creek breaks away from the Murray River near Torrumbarry and re- enters the Murray River near Koondrook.
It forms the western boundary of magnificent Gunbower Island with the Murray River bordering the eastern boundary.
The Gunbower Creek is an important natural carrier in the irrigation supply system. It holds water permanently and has very high environmental value, particularly for native fish and water birds.
Its high water levels and gentle banks make it very attractive for camping with great access to the water for fishing or canoeing. Visitors to the Gunbower Creek can also explore the island and the Murray River via a network of signed tracks.

Kangaroo Lake is situated 20km north of Kerang and is one of the area’s largest freshwater lakes.
It stores water to supply the surrounding agricultural enterprises and can also supply water into the Murray River to the north. It is environmentally significant, particularly for fish, and is one of Victoria’s best recreational lakes.    Access is best from the northern end via the Mystic Park East Road, where there is great opportunity for day visitors to swim, fish and water ski.

Lake Charm is a large, freshwater lake (520ha) that is held at a constant level of approximately 22,000 megalitres.
It is a Ramsar listed wetland with moderate environmental value and is used for recreational activities such as swimming, skiing, sailing and fishing. Lake Charm provides water for local irrigation farmers and, like Kangaroo Lake, can return water back into the Murray River. It is one of the few lakes that red fin are commonly caught.

The three Reedy Lakes are natural wetlands that were incorporated into the irrigation supply system over 100 years ago. They are all similar in size and regulated by connecting channels.
First Reedy is the deepest and contains mostly open water, surrounded by reed beds. Apex Park is situated at the southern end and is a popular place for picnics, swimming and fishing.
Second Reedy supports a large ibis rookery in the shallow sections of the wetland where thousands of birds nest when there is sufficient water and food supply. A bird hide, picnic area and toilets are provided for visitors.
Third Reedy is the shallowest lake where hundreds of dead standing Red Gums provides evidence it was originally an intermittent swamp. The timber scattered across the base of the wetland provides safe roosts for water birds and habitat for fish.

The Avoca Marshes are a series of interconnecting natural wetlands that receive water when the Avoca River is in flood.
Lake Bael Bael to the south is a deep freshwater lake. First Marsh is slightly shallower and operates as an "occasional lake" with sparse vegetation growing across the wetland bed. Second
and Third Marshes are shallow swamps containing thousands of dry standing Red Gums. These wetlands fill during flood periods and operate in a wetting and drying cycle.
Many of the Red Gum trees died in Second and Third Marshes after an extended wet period in the 1970's. Adjoining these marshes is a significant large Black Box Forest.
The marshes are environmentally significant and provide important feeding and breeding areas for water birds. Ducks, cormorants, eagles and kites are plentiful during wet periods. During dry periods the reserve supports kangaroos, woodland birds and a variety of reptiles.

Lake Meran is a picturesque freshwater lake on the northern end of Leaghur Forest.
It is a natural lake and prone to seasonal fluctuations. The lake has white sandy beaches and is surrounded by healthy Red Gums. Lake Meran is a popular place over summer for camping, swimming, water skiing, or simply relaxing in the lovely natural surrounds.

The Kerang Lakes are recognised as internationally important wetlands under the Ramsar Convention.
The Kerang Ramsar site comprises of a series of 22 lakes and swamps on the lower reaches of the Avoca and Loddon Rivers and the Pyramid Creek. It is a very diverse system and the wetlands are large and differ widely in permanence, depth, salinity and vegetation type. The wetlands regularly support large numbers of water birds.
The Kerang Lakes area is unique and supports a diversity of wildlife across a relatively small area. Some of these wetlands are permanent and connected to the irrigation supply system. Others are part of the natural flood plain and fill intermittently, while some are shallow and experience a range of salinities. This diversity provides a range of habitats suitable for numerous birds, plants and animals.
The permanent wetlands, which are connected to the irrigation supply system, receive regulated flows from the Murray River. These wetlands also receive floodwater from local rivers and creeks. Many of the lakes are regularly stocked with Murray Cod and Yellow Belly; however, smaller fish like Smelt, Boney Bream and Gudgeon are also plentiful.