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
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.
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.
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
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Area closure 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.
Temporary closure - Camerons Bend and McLaughlins Bend - Warby Ovens National Park
Due to flooding of the Ovens River, the following areas in the Warby Ovens National Park (lower Ovens section) are temporarily closed:- Cameron’s
Bend
- McLaughlin’s
Bend
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.
- 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.
Similar water activities
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.
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.
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.
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.