Water activities

Two people in life-vests and a red canoe rowing along a river with vegetation on the banks in the background.

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Water activities

Warby-Ovens National Park

The still waters, shady banks and sandy beaches of the Ovens River provide great opportunities for fun in the water.

There are many beautiful spots to swim in the Ovens River and its wetlands, but please exercise caution and actively supervise children in or near water.

The maze of channels and wetlands in the lower reaches of the river offer some of the best still water canoeing in the state. With care, power boats can explore the river for several kilometres upstream from Camerons Bend. 

Boat ramps are located at the Bundalong Day Visitor Area and Camerons Bend, which offer all-year round access. Check www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au to ensure you have the appropriate boat driving licence and vessel registration.

There are many good spots for both shore and boat-based fishing. Possible catches include Murray Cod, Trout, Golden Perch and Redfin. For information on Victorian recreational fishing licences, seasonal restrictions and protected species, and the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au. 

Things to do in the area

 
The reflection of the sky in the Ovens River wetlands in the Warby-Ovens National Park

Camping in Warby-Ovens

Choose from a range of unpowered camping options, including Wenham's Camp, Killawarra Forest Camp and dispersed bush camping along the Ovens River. No fees or bookings are required. Campers must be self-sufficient and bring their own firewood and drinking water.
A boardwalk in the Warby-Ovens National Park

Walking in Warby-Ovens

Explore Warby Ranges and Killawarra Forest with a variety of walks along designated tracks, ranging in length and difficulty. There are no defined walking tracks along the Ovens River, but visitors can explore the River Red Gum forests by following the vehicle tracks and riverbanks. A GPS or topographic map and compass is recommended.
A picturesque photo of the stone hut near the Horn at Mt Buffalo.

Mount Buffalo National Park

Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat

How to get there

Water activities

Water activities

Water activities

Escape from the heat of summer along the Ovens River and enjoy some swimming, fishing, canoeing or boating.

Need to know

Water activities

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Areas temporarily closed due to inundation

    Due to inundation on the Ovens River, the following tracks within the Warby Ovens National Park are  temporarily closed. 

    Hills Track, Wilsons Track, Boundary track, Frosts Crossing Track, Ovens Track, Nicklaus Track, Yellow Creek Track, Cameron's Track, South Track, McLaughlin's Track, Robinsons Bend Track and McQuade's Bend Track. Local staff will monitor river heights & track conditions and reopen tracks once it is safe to do so.

    Take care and monitor the situation
    • Being the school holidays, we encourage community members to take extra care around rivers, creeks and lakes as water levels may rise quickly and without warning. We encourage those travelling to new or unfamiliar areas to exercise additional caution.
    • If camping these school holidays, never camp under trees or branches and avoid camping on low-lying land near creeks, rivers, streams and other waterways.
    • If conditions outside appear dangerous over the coming days, please stay inside. If you are driving and conditions deteriorate, safely pull over away from drains, trees, low-lying areas and floodwater.
    • Stay up-to-date with any warnings issued by downloading the VicEmergency app and establishing a personal watch zone for your local area or the area you are travelling to. Updated forecasts are also available on the Bureau of Meteorology website at bom.gov.au.
    Local flood guides are also available at ses.vic.gov.au to aid preparation.

Similar water activities

 
Canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

Freshwater swimming

Take a cool, invigorating dip in fresh waterholes, streams and lakes. Be sure to observe safety signs and take caution when swimming in nature.
A woman playfully splashing a friend in another canoe with her paddle on the Glenelg River

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
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