Eildon: Pondage Walk, Trails and Lake Eildon

Eildon combines the flat path along the lower Pondage and outdoor experiences in town with nearby Lake Eildon as a distinct natural and aquatic setting. You can plan your stay around the circuit walk, technically challenging mountain bike trails, or activities in the surrounding area by the lake. Eildon is on Taungurung People land. When choosing your holiday rental, it helps to first decide which of these priorities matter for your trip.

Around the lower Pondage

The Eildon Pondage Walk is a six-kilometre circuit around the lower Pondage. It is flat and easy to manage, and is also a popular cycling loop. The path starts at the car park at the Eildon Lions Day Visitor Area; you can also access it from almost any visitor area along the Pondage shore. This makes it easy to include the circuit in your day, either on foot or by bike.

On the north side of the lower Pondage are the Lions BBQ Picnic Area, toilets, and sheltered and open seating with tables. There is also a children’s playground. The Eildon Information Centre provides tourist information and advice, as well as maps, souvenirs and gifts. Check before your visit whether the information service is available.

Mountain biking and facilities in town

Eildon Mountain Bike Park is open year-round and offers narrow, technical trails for cross-country riding. Trail conditions can vary. Most trails can be reached by bike; the Karalika Express can be ridden using your own shuttle. Featured trails include Tea Tree Twisty, Sticks & Stones, Darlingford Loop and Karalika Express. Trail offerings can change, so it is worth checking the current selection before your ride.

The facilities at Walter Moore Reserve also offer a range of activities: there is a skate park, a flying fox, a swing and a play area for older people. Eildon Swimming Pool is located in the reserve. Eildon Outdoor Swimming Pool has an adjoining toddler pool with artificial rock walls and water-play features. Baanh ba Djila Splash Park, a water-play area, is also in Eildon.

Lake Eildon and the surrounding area

Eildon is a base for recreational activities around Lake Eildon. The lake has 500 kilometres of shoreline, sheltered coves and safe swimming spots. Swimming, canoeing, water skiing, sailing and fishing are all possible at Lake Eildon. When planning your trip, this means choosing between activities in town and activities in the nearby lake area.

Trolling, bait fishing and casting are effective fishing methods at Lake Eildon and can be used year-round. Murray cod fishing is also possible year-round there; the three-month closed season for this species does not apply at the lake. Check the applicable regulations and conditions before your trip.

In the nearby Lake Eildon National Park, you can go bushwalking, camping and picnicking. The area around the park is home to kangaroos, wombats and a great variety of birds. Eildon Dam is also nearby: it was built in the 1950s to supply irrigation water to a large area in northern Victoria.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Newry, Warrnambool, Paynesville, Ararat, Gapsted, East St Kilda, Smeaton, Tuerong.

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