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.

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.