Nagambie Lakes

The town of Nagambie is 125 kilometers north of Melbourne (pop. 1400) and is situated on the charming shores of Lake Nagambie. The lake is man-made, created in 1890 by the damming of the Goulburn River. The dam was built entirely by hand and was considered high-tech after its completion.

The Goulburn Valley Highway runs through Nagambie and the town centre is built around it with beautiful grounds in the dividing strip. The town has done a good job preserving a number of old houses. An eye-catching park, known as Jacobsons Outlook runs from the shops in the city centre to the lake.

Each year the town hosts the Goulburn Valley Vintage Festival in March. The Shiraz Challenge is also held in Nagambie each November. The Shiraz is a variety of a grape, which is used in wine. In addition to the lake and everything associated with it, Nagambie is in Victoria wine country.

If you’re into water sports, you will enjoy this rural Victoria destination. There are many water activities you can participate in both on Lake Nagambie and the neighbouring Goulburn River. Buckley Park on the south of the lake offers a boat ramp and picnic grounds. You may also access the lake from River Street Reserve located at the end of River Street. Here there is a designated swimming area as well as picnic facilities.

In nearby Puckapunyal there is the RAAC Memorial & Army Tank Museum. Another interesting place to visit in the area is the Railway Heritage Centre in Seymour. If you’re into some hiking and camping, there is also the Tallarook State Forest in the area.

12 kilometers to the north of Nagambie is the Goulburn Weir. The weir, finished in 1890, is responsible for the Lake Nagambie of today. A public walkway will take you across the weir where you can get spectacular views of the lake. Picnic & BBQ areas are available making this area a spectacular getaway from the city.

Another sight worth seeing is the Kirwans Bridge, 300 meters in length and over 100 years old. This bridge spans the northern part of Lake Nagambie and is only 5 kilometers north from Nagambie.

Again, remember you’re in Victoria wine country. There are many wineries in the nearby towns of Mitchellstown, Murchison, and Tahbilk. The Nagambie Lakes are responsible as they influence the local climate and keep it cooler than surrounding areas. A trip to Nagambie would not be complete without a visit to one of the wineries.

Getting to Nagambie

From Melbourne, take Hume Freeway to the Goulburn Valley Highway. The drive is approximately 80 minutes.