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National Water Sports Centre
Available for bookings and venue hire, the National Water Sports Centre is a 2000 metre boating channel and rowing course located 34 kilometres south-east of Melbourne along Patterson River in Bangholme.
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Originally developed in 1988 in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the National Water Sports Centre is a popular boating channel located 34 kilometres south-east of Melbourne along Patterson River in Bangholme.
Although Melbourne's bid was unsuccessful, and the Olympic Games went to Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, this 2000 metre rowing course can now be enjoyed for a range of water-based activities such as rowing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, coarse angling, jet skiing, radio controlled yachting, boat shows, boat testing, and special training sessions.
Home to several water sports clubs, associations and rowing teams, the centre is open for boat testing and waterskiing during public access times on Tuesdays and Fridays. Bookings open each Monday morning and are only available for that week. Check the timetable as the centre is closed to the public on public holidays and when events are being held on site.
The centre can also be hired out for functions on weekends. Full day half venue hire costs $531.00, and $1,059.60 for full day exclusive use of the centre. Get in touch with Parks Victoria to find out more about venue hire.
Even if you don't have ready access to a boat, you can join the locals and take your dog for a walk along the river banks, or see the centre and surrounds on bike or foot via the Dandenong Creek Trail which connects the National Water Sports Centre to Jells Park and Dandenong Valley Parklands.
Although Melbourne's bid was unsuccessful, and the Olympic Games went to Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, this 2000 metre rowing course can now be enjoyed for a range of water-based activities such as rowing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, coarse angling, jet skiing, radio controlled yachting, boat shows, boat testing, and special training sessions.
Home to several water sports clubs, associations and rowing teams, the centre is open for boat testing and waterskiing during public access times on Tuesdays and Fridays. Bookings open each Monday morning and are only available for that week. Check the timetable as the centre is closed to the public on public holidays and when events are being held on site.
The centre can also be hired out for functions on weekends. Full day half venue hire costs $531.00, and $1,059.60 for full day exclusive use of the centre. Get in touch with Parks Victoria to find out more about venue hire.
Even if you don't have ready access to a boat, you can join the locals and take your dog for a walk along the river banks, or see the centre and surrounds on bike or foot via the Dandenong Creek Trail which connects the National Water Sports Centre to Jells Park and Dandenong Valley Parklands.
Things to do in the area
Jells Park
Jells Park is nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley, Wheelers Hill, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park attracts over 900,000 visitors a year, with over nine kilometres of paths and trails, 127 hectares of wide open spaces and enough picnic areas for everyone to enjoy.
Boating and sailing
Take to the waves of Port Phillip and see Victoria's coast from the water or sail inland lakes and rivers by boat or charter.
Trail running
Get active and healthy in nature by taking your exercise fitness routine outdoors to one of many park running trails.
How to get there
National Water Sports Centre
The National Water Sports Centre is located approximately 34 kilometres south east of Melbourne along Patterson River on Riverend Road in Bangholme. Once you enter the site, please proceed along the main road and follow the signs to the electronic gate for access to water course. Access details will be sent via email once you have processed your booking and payment. Please select your time slot carefully as payment is non-refundable or transferable.
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When you're there
Download the Safe Boating: National Water Sports Centre fact file for more information
National Water Sports Centre
Available for bookings and venue hire, the National Water Sports Centre is a 2000 metre boating channel and rowing course located 34 kilometres south-east of Melbourne along Patterson River in Bangholme.
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National Water Sports Centre
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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National Water Sports Centre (National Water Sports Centre, Patterson River)
NWSC Closure - Blue Green Algae outbreak
- High
levels of blue green algae have been detected in the waterway.
- The algal bloom is
expected to remain until there is significant rainfall to flush the waterway
or cooler conditions slow the algae.
- Regular testing is
being conducted to identify new outbreaks or changes that might indicate
improved water quality.
- This notification
will be reviewed weekly and updated as the situation changes.
Warning signs have been installed along the waterway.You should avoid direct contact with affected water in the National Water Sports Centre.The National Water Sports Centre is now closed to all forms of on water activity including rowing, boating and fishing. - High
levels of blue green algae have been detected in the waterway.
