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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. See the fees and charges schedule for more information. 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. See the fees and charges schedule for more information. 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.
Sites
When you're there
Download the Safe Boating: National Water Sports Centre fact file for more information
Need to know
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)
Waterway Closure - Blue Green Algae confirmed
Samples collected on Tuesday 17th January 2023 have confirmed the presence of Blue Green Algae (BGA) at the National Water Sports centre (NWSC). Levels of BGA are currently above the health threshold and as such the waterway will remain closed to all forms of access.Summary of test results below:- The main species
identified are Microcystis and Dolichospermum, both are
species of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
- The total BGA biovolume
is 1810 mm3/L. This exceeds the trigger for recreational water
bodies of 10 mm3/L biovolume of all BGA species.
- The total potentially
toxic BGA biovolume is 1808 mm3/L. This exceeds the trigger for
recreational water bodies of 4 mm3/L biovolume of known toxic
BGA species.
- These triggers are in
accordance with the current Blue Green Algae Circular (DELWP, 2019).
- Weekly samples for BGA will now be collected at this location until a minimum of two consecutive test results (a week apart) confirm levels below bloom thresholds.
Parks Victoria will continue to provide updates of the ongoing testing results and advise as soon as the waterway is re-opened. - The main species
identified are Microcystis and Dolichospermum, both are
species of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
